Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide. The number of new cases has increased rapidly in the past 30 years, especially in the western world where it now accounts for over 12% of cancers in men and over 14% in women.

Thie ABC is a concise introduction to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer, and covers important new developments int eh field. Written bt cancer specialists it is aimed at all members of the colorectal cancer team, but particualarly the primary care doctor, who is the first, intermediate and last point of contact for the patient.