Late relapse and mortality in stage I large bowel cancer

The outcome was determined for patients with Stage I cancers of the large bowel (colon, rectum, and anus) who were treated from 1982–1989. In 119 consecutive patients, the 5‐year survival was approximately 70% (72% by the absolute direct method; 67% by the actuarial life table method). Although the overall 5‐year survival was similar to numerous other published reports, it was disturbing to observe that 41 % of the living patients had relapsed. Furthermore, although 88/119 (67%) were alive at last report, 2–7 years after treatment, only 23 (19%) were believed to be free of cancer. We conclude that follow‐up for more than 5 years and the assessment of disease‐free survival are required to evaluate the outcome from Stage I large bowel cancer. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.