OBJECTIVETo investigate the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in China from 1998 to 2002, and to analyze its prevalence trend.

METHODSThe cancer registration data in 10 cities and counties in China during the period of 1988-1992, 1993-1997 and 1998-2002 were used to investigate the incidence, mortality, and prevalence trend of colorectal cancer from 1988 to 2002.

RESULTSThe total number of new cases of colorectal cancer in the 10 cities and counties during 1988-2002 was 62,793, accounting for 9.27% of all malignant tumors. The crude incidence rate was 20.10/10(5), and the age-standardized incidence adjusted by world population was 15.63/10(5). The total number of death of colorectal cancer in the 10 cities and counties during 1988-2002 was 35,545, accounting for 7.37% of all malignant tumors. The mortality rate was 11.38/10(5), the age-standardized mortality rate adjusted by world population was 8.70/10(5). The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer during 1988-2002 increased by 38.56% and 15.30%, respectively, and the incidence and mortality rates in urban area was higher than that in rural area, and higher in males than in females. The crude incidence rate of colon cancer was higher than that of rectal cancer, especially in urban area, but the mortality of rectal cancer was a little bit higher than that of colon cancer.

CONCLUSIONThere is an increasing trend in both the incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer from 1988-2002 in the 10 cities and counties in China. Measures should further be taken in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer in the whole population of China in future.