内容简介：
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common causes of tumour-associated death in Western countries, and its incidence has been increasing in recent decades. The most important determinant for the course of the disease is tumour stage at the time of diagnosis. The detection of molecular changes in tumour tissue and in benign adenomatous polyps has improved our knowledge of colorectal carcinogenesis. Diseases with a high risk for malignant transformation, as well as family predisposition as an independent risk factor, have been identified. Furthermore, dietary and environmental factors, together with the intake of aspirin and other NSAIDs, influence tumour development. This implies new ways of specific testing for early diagnosis and new prevention strategies based on endoscopy and drug therapy.