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Recurrence data from a series of 1,315 colorectal cancer patients managed by one surgeon with potentially curative resection are presented. Complete follow-up information was available on 1,287 (98%) patients. At the time of the last recurrences, 164 and 232 months for rectal and colonic tumours respectively, the long-time recurrence rate was significantly (P = 0.001) higher for rectal tumours (42%) than for colonic (33%). Although local recurrences tended to be more common in rectal than in colonic tumours (18% compared to 15%), only those in contiguity with the operative area were significantly (P less than 0.005) more common in rectal tumours. Systemic recurrences were also significantly (P less than 0.025) commoner for rectal tumours. The greater recurrence rates in rectal tumours were associated with significantly (P less than 0.001) higher incidence of stage C tumours shorter recurrence-free survival in rectal stage C tumours (P = 0.001) and higher incidence of pulmonary metastases (P less than 0.001).
Pihl et al. (1981) studied this question.