Background and purpose: The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer increased gradually in China

cancer survival rate plays an important role in guiding cancer prevention and treatment. Methods: Data of colorectal cancer cases diagnosed during 2002-2006

follow-up information and death report were from Shanghai Cancer Registry

Life Table and Ederer Ⅱ were used to calculate observed survival (OS) and relative survival (RS)

the related demographic characteristics and status were also analyzed to reflect the survival situations of the colorectal cancer survivors in major areas in Shanghai. Results: In this study

16 682 colon cancer cases and 11 906 rectum cancer cases were included in analysis

5-year OS rates for colon cancer and rectum cancer were 48.84% and 51.65%

RS rates were 70.50% and 71.31%. Significant difference in survival had been found among the various diagnostic stages

the survival rate in stageⅠ was much higher than those in stage Ⅲ and stage Ⅳ. The survival of colorectal cancer patients with different gender

age

tumor histological and residential areas were also found with differences

female was higher than male

age ranged from 44-54 years had the highest survival rates than other age groups. The survival of epithelial tumors was higher than other histologic types in colon cancer

and the survival of non-epithelial tumors was higher than other histologic types in rectum cancer. Over the past 3 decades

the 5-year OS increased dramatically in Shanghai. Conclusion: The level of survival of colorectal cancer in Shanghai is similar with it in developed counties. Colorectal cancer survival rate with different population characteristics may provide suggestions and evidence for further improvement of early screening

diagnosis and treatment.