结肠癌和直肠癌的差异是近年来很多学者关注的问题。无论是疾病的起源、定义诊断、治疗方案和病人的预后方面，结肠癌和直肠癌都存在很大的差别。首诊结直肠癌病人的往往是外科医生，从诊断、首选治疗方案和如何进行综合治疗，都与外科医生对疾病的认识关系密切。充分认识结直肠癌的差异，对外科医生合理制定病人的治疗方案具有重要意义。

Correct understanding the differences of diagnosis and treatment concept between colon and rectal cancers                   XU Jian-ming. Department of Digestive Oncology,  Affiliated Hospital, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
The differences between colon and rectal cancers have been addressed by many scholars in recent years. There is a big difference in the origin of the disease, the diagnistic definition, treatment options and prognosis of patients with colon and rectal cancer. First diagnosis of colorectal cancer patients is often the surgeon. From the diagnosis, the treatment option and how to manage a comprehensive treatment, are closely related with the surgeon on the understanding of the disease. Therefore, fully understanding the differences in colon and rectal cancer will be important for reasonable management of patient's treatment.