This monograph takes a global, multidisciplinary approach to the causes, carcinogenesis and control of colorectal cancer. Over 1000 key studies were analyzed on colorectal cancer cause, carcinogenesis, primary prevention, early detection using modern screening techniques, and surveillance after tumour excision. The key chapters include those on morphology, molecular biology and evolution of tumours. Etiology chapters cover heredity, diet, alcohol, smoking, physical activity, life stress and others, while major chapters in the area of colorectal cancer control are on primary prevention, early detection by screening and surveillance, and post-tumour excision surveillance. Important recommendations on primary prevention, screening and surveillance of colorectal tumours are made in keeping with the most current research data. The work suggests colorectal cancer to be the first cancer in which control will be largely achieved within the next generation, as a result of the unprecedented multidisciplinary research into causation, primary prevention, screening and surveillance over the past 30 years.The book also serves as a model for the control of other common malignancies, particularly cancers of the breast and prostate, the causes and prevention of which are less well understood.
