Incidence of colorectal cancer in Lower Silesia (Poland) between 1984 and 2003 — trends and perspectives

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the epidemiological characteristics of colorectal cancers (CRCs) diagnosed in Lower Silesia between 1984 and 2003. Data from the Lower Silesian Cancer Registry on the incidence of CRC in the Lower Silesian province were subjected to analysis. The age adjusted incidence of CRC in both genders increased markedly. A higher relative increase of incidence was recorded for colon cancer. The age-specific incidence of either colon or rectal cancer increased markedly with age in both genders. No constant time-trend toward the earlier diagnosis of CRC was noted in the period studied. Although the number of CRC surgeries performed at the Regional Comprehensive Cancer Center in Wroclaw has increased over time, most of the cases that were diagnosed were treated outside that reference center. If an intensive increase in new case numbers, demonstrated in both the locations by 2003, is not moderated, the incidence of colorectal malignancies in Lower Silesia would become one of the highest in Europe.