The most treatable gastrointestinal malignancy is that of the large intestine. This fact has led to extensive clinical investigation as well as the development of patient-screening strategies. To address this important area, the authors of Cancer of the Colon, Rectum, and Anus recruited an outstanding group of contributors, each writing in the area of his or her expertise.

The text is comprehensive, detailed, and well focused. Chapter topics include genetics, pathology, molecular biology, screening strategies, and treatment. All aspects of colorectal cancer are discussed. The material is timely, and each chapter can stand alone as a comprehensive review of a topic.

The discussion of polyps, especially the hereditary polyposis syndromes, the Lynch syndromes, and basic biology, are unique. The pathology sections are excellent, but the lack of color photoµgraphs presents some limitations.

The book provides excellent discussions of topics that are sometimes difficult to review, such as epidermoid and anal cancers, dietary factors, and immunotherapy. A section on the regional treatment of recurrent and metastatic cancer is a superb review for the clinician dealing with this problem.

Overall, this is an outstanding and well-written book for the clinician and clinical investigator who has a serious interest in colorectal cancer. In the short time that I have had this book, I have used it as a reference source for complicated clinical decisions. On each occasion, the material was easy to locate. The presentations were clear, allowing me to make a decision from a single source.

This text should be mandatory reading for all gastroenterologists and general surgeons. Selected chapters should be reviewed by family physicians and general internists. The book will remain an important reference source for many physicians.