[Detection and therapy of rectal cancer (author's transl)]

The state of detection and therapy of rectal cancer in the capital of Berlin is compared with that in the rural region of Neubrandenburg. The trend and regional differences between metropolitan and rural areas were investigated. It was shown that a population-based cancer registry yields useful information. The proportion of new cases in old age increased; stage distribution showed a tendency towards earlier detection; operative treatment became more aggressive and more successful. However, the state of detection and management was found to remain still better in the metropolitan area than in the rural region.