Prevalence of patients with colorectal cancer requiring follow-up or active treatment

Introduction: The objective of this study was to estimate prevalence of colorectal cancers requiring care or follow-up. Materials and methods: Prevalence was observed in 2005 on the population-based digestive cancer registry of Burgundy (France). Total and 5-year partial prevalences were calculated. The prevalence of patients requiring follow-up was estimated using non-mixture cure models. The prevalence of patients with recurrence was estimated using annual recurrence rates. Results: Total prevalence was 262,244 cases in France. The mean variation in 5-year partial prevalence between successive 5-year periods was +8.0%. Time to cure was estimated to be 9.3 years, suggesting that follow-up is needed over a 10-year period, corresponding to 71.7% of prevalent cases. In 2005, 5.4% of prevalent cases had recurrent cancer requiring treatment. Conclusion: This study underlines the burden of colorectal cancer on the health system. Prevalence of patients requiring follow-up or treatment provides interesting information in addition to classic indicators. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.