Cancer of the colon in South Saskatchewan. A population study.

Abstract

Cancer of the colon occurred in 642 patients in a population group of 450,000 in the 10-year period 1955 through 1964. Site, stage, age, and complications were reviewed in relation to survival and recurrence. Second primary cancers in bowel and elsewhere are delineated. One third of the patients were incurable at presentation. Two thirds had an operation for potential cure, and a little more than half of those survived 5 years. Stage at presentation dominated survival and recurrence. Site was of minor importance. Complications and older age groups reduced the 5-year survival. Synchronous bowel tumors occurred in 4% of the group and asynchronous tumors in 3.5%. In 10% of patients, a second primary cancer occurred outside the large bowel. A method of diagnosis at an early stage is the prime necessity. In the meantime, treatment of known premalignant conditions and improved surgical techniques are the basis of management and more potent antitumor chemotherapeutic agents are necessary.