In Western countries, cancer of the large intestine and rectum (colorectal cancer) is the second most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death (after lung cancer). The incidence of colorectal cancer begins to rise at age 40 and peaks between ages 60 and 75. Cancer of the large intestine (colon cancer) is more common in women; rectal cancer is more common in men. About 5 percent of the people with colon or rectal cancer have more than one cancer of the colorectum at the same time. People with a family history of colon cancer have a higher risk of developing the cancer themselves. A family history of familial polyposis or a similar disease also increases the risk of colon cancer. People with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease have a higher risk of developing cancer. The risk is related to the person's age when the condition developed and the length of time the person has had the condition.
Diet plays some role in the risk of colon cancer, but exactly how it affects risk is unknown. Throughout the world, people at highest risk tend to live in cities and eat a diet typical of affluent Westerners. Such a diet is low in fiber and high in animal protein, fats, and refined carbohydrates such as sugar. Risk seems to be reduced by a diet high in calcium, vitamin D, and vegetables such as brussels sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli. Taking an aspirin every other day also seems to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Chapter 1 - Molecular Pathogenesis Of Colorectal Cancer: Implications For Molecular Diagnosis (pp. 1-23)
Authors / Editors: Arnold, Christian N.; Blum , Hubert E.; von Weizsäcker, Fritz (University of Freiburg,Germany)

Chapter 2 - Protective Effect Of Physical Activity On The Occurrence Of Colorectal Cancer (pp. 25-40)
Authors / Editors: Jedrychowski, Wieslaw; Steindorf, Karen; Schmidt, Martina; Wahrendorf, Juergen; Penar, Agnieszka (Jagiellonian University, Germany)

Chapter 3 - Role Of Phytochemicals In Colon Carcinogenesis (pp. 41-64)
Authors / Editors: Zander, Mary E. S.; Volate, Suresh R.; Wargovich, Michael J. (South Carolina Cancer Center Columbia, SC )

Chapter 4 - Colorectal Cancer And The Growth Hormone/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Axis (pp. 65-96)
Authors / Editors: Bustin, Stephen A.; Jenkins, Paul J. (Centre for Academic Surgery, Department of Endocrinology; London )

Chapter 5 - Antitumour Activity Of Yogurt (pp. 97-122)
Authors / Editors: de Moreno de LeBlanc, A.; Perdigón, G. (Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina)

Chapter 6 - Cox-2, Prostaglandins, And Colon Cancer (pp. 123-141)
Authors / Editors: Ota, Shinichi; Bamba, Hiromi; (Saitama Medical School; Saitama, Japan)

Chapter 7 - Early Colorectal Cancer: New Diagnostic Methods And Colonoscopic Therapeutic Techniques (pp. 143-170)
Authors / Editors: Hurlstone, David P.; Kelly,Jackie (Royal Hallamshire Hospital; Sheffield, United Kingdom)

Chapter 8 - Treatment Of Advanced Colorectal Cancer: Current Status And Future Perspectives (pp. 171-208)
Authors / Editors: Grivicich, I.; da Rocha, A. B.; Peters, G. J.; Schwartsmann, G, ( VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;Universidade Luterana do Brasil, Porto Alegre, Brazil)

Chapter 9 - Laparoscopic Surgery For Colon And Rectal Cancer (pp. 209-240)
Authors / Editors: Zmora,Oded and Rosin, Danny (Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel)

Chapter 10 - Development And Application Of A New Trial Design For The Analysis Of An Immune Modulator G-Csf (Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor) For Improvement Of Postoperative Outcome In High Risk Colorectal Cancer Patients ...(pp. 241-285)
Authors / Editors: Bauhofer, A.; Lorenz, W.; Stinner, B.; Torossian, A; Plaul, U.; Koller, M.; Sitter, H.; Celik, I. and Lucerne Group for Consensus assisted(University of Marburg, Germany)

Chapter 11 - Hereditary Colorectal Cancer (pp. 287-322)
Authors / Editors: Saletti, Piercarlo (Institute of Oncology of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland)