Colorectal cancer

Being one of the most common tumor entities worldwide, the colorectal carcinoma accounts for approximately 10% of all tumor-related deaths. With screening programs such as preventive colonoscopy, a decreasing incidence and mortality rate can be seen in the last decades. Many risk factors, which favor or prevent the development of colorectal carcinoma, can be traced back to lifestyle choices. Many patients with localized disease can be cured through tumor resection and adjuvant chemotherapy, in systemic disease, targeted therapy and immunotherapy have improved survival in the last years. This article aims to provide an overview on the basic epidemiologic, diagnostic and therapeutic principles of colorectal carcinoma, as well as a short excerpt of the newest therapeutic developments.