A Comparative Study of the Diagnostic Basis for Cancer of the Colon and Cancer of the Rectum in Denmark and Finland

Abstract

The incidence of and mortality from cancer of the colon (ICD 153) and cancer of the rectum (ICD 154) is 2 to 2.5 times higher in Denmark than in Finland. The cause of these differences is unknown. Differences in mortality are not due to differential diagnostic problems in the two countries. Before instituting comparative studies to elucidate the aetiology of colonic and rectal cancer, it seemed important to make sure that the recorded differences were real. On the basis of the mortality statistics, the diagnostic basis for cancer of the colon and cancer of the rectum in Denmark and Finland was studied. This did not reveal any significant difference between the two countries. It is concluded that the recorded differences in the occurrence of cancer of the colon and the rectum between these two countries are real.