大肠癌为我国常见的恶性肿瘤,据近年来一些省市统计,其死亡率在恶性肿瘤中占第1～6位(表1)。值得注意的是本病发病率正在日渐上升。以上海市为例,1963～1976这14年间直肠癌的发病率增加了101％,结肠癌的发病率则增加达158％。为了预防、减少本病的发生,必须对本病的流行病学及病因学加以重视和研究。近年来有关这方面的研究已取得显著的进展,以下分别介绍之。 Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy in China. According to statistics from some provinces and cities in recent years, the mortality rate among cancers ranks first to sixth (Table 1). It is worth noting that the incidence of this disease is increasing. Taking Shanghai as an example, the incidence of rectal cancer increased by 101% during the 14 years from 1963 to 1976, and the incidence of colon cancer increased by 158%. In order to prevent and reduce the occurrence of this disease, we must pay attention to and study the epidemiology and etiology of this disease. In recent years, significant progress has been made in this area of ​​research. The following are separately introduced.