Valvula Bauchini to the left, an adenoma in the middle and the tumor to the right

Colon Cancer (adenocarcinoma) is the most important gastrointestinal cancer, with a high and rising incidence in the developed world. The yearly incidence in USA is about 50 new cases per 100.000, in Finland slightly above 20. The main symptom is occult or manifest bleeding, changed bowel habits and anaemia. Colonoscopy is the diagnostic method of choice, and should always be done in elderly patients with bleeding or unexplained iron deficiency anaemia. Surgical treatment if possible is curative, radiation and medical therapy are palliative.