RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The colorectal cancer incidence rates have been rapidly increasing. In order to investigate trends in colorectal cancer incidence rates we analyzed incidence data between 1992 and 2005 in the North of Spain. METHODS: Using Joinpoint models, we evaluated the effects of time period on colon and rectal cancer incidence. RESULTS: The analysis found a significant annual percentage of change (APC) (7.34) on female colon cancer incidence, and a significant APC (10.10) in male incidence. For incidence rectal cancer significant cohort effect was found comparing males and females. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows a significant continuous increase incidence ofcolon cancer in Spain. We suggest to follow monitoring of cancer incidence and assessing risk factors.