RESUMO
Background: Colorectal cancer is a major cause of cancer death worldwide; and the prevalence in Nigeria appears to be increasing due to a shift to western diets. We undertook a retrospective analysis of colorectal cancers seen at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital; Benin City from January 1983 to December 2002. Methods: One hundred and two cases involving the large bowel were encountered. These were analysed for age; sex; site; histological type and clinical features. Results: The mean age was 44.5 +/-4.5 years. Males accounted for 56 (54.9) cases; while 46(45.1) were females. Seventy two (70.2) of the tumours were located in the rectum. Adenocarcinoma was the predominant histological type; with 89 (87.2) cases. Fifty two (51) cases presented with intestinal obstruction. Conclusions: Conclusion; colorectal cancers are not rare in our environment as previously believed; though; the frequency in Benin City is relatively low