Incidenza, mortalità e sopravvivenza del cancro del colon-retto in Umbria: 1978-82 e 1994-99.

The aim of the study is to show the colorectal cancer trend in Umbria, a central Italian region, from 1978 to 1999. Data concerning regional incidence, mortality and survival derived from an ad hoc survey carried out in Umbria in the period 1978-1982 and from Umbria Population-based Registry (RTUP) for the years 1994-1999. The incidence of colorectal cancer increases in both sexes, expecially for the age class > 75 years. Mortality rises slightly, without no difference between sexes. Survival of patients with colorectal cancer has improved in the two sexes from 45 to 74 years-age, while the lower survival has registered for age between 75 and 84 years. We concluded that the situation in Umbria is quiet good, but it is affected by aging of Umbrian population. Delaying in diagnosis or inefficacy in therapy can explain shorter survival in older patients.