Modern challenges in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is a major problem worldwide and in the United Kingdom it is responsible for some 20,000 deaths per annum. Mortality from the disease is gradually decreasing in developed countries but, in the United Kingdom at least, its incidence is on the increase. In this article the major current challenges in colorectal cancer will be dealt with under the following headings: aetiology and prevention, early detection, diagnosis, surgery, adjuvant therapy and management of advanced disease.