Introduction and objectives:
For years, the increase in cancer incidence and deaths has constituted a significant health and social problem. Variation in the burden in cancers in different regions of the world requires constant monitoring of the epidemiological situation in this regard. Assessing survival in cancer patients is a valuable source of information for patients and physicians alike, as well as for politicians who have a direct impact on the shaping of health policy and health systems. The aim of the present study was to assess the changes in the 5-year relative survival of colorectal cancer patients during 1995–2014.

Material and methods:
The data of 8,970 patients with colorectal cancer in the years 1995–2014, 5,033 males and 3,937 females aged 67.5 ± 11.7 from Świętokrzyskie Cancer Registry were used. Cases were classified according to the topographical codes ICD-O-3: C18.0-C18.9, C19.9, C20.9, C21.0-C21.2, C21.8. The end of follow-up was fixed at 31 December 2014. Four five-year calendar periods were defined. In each calendar period, relative survival rates using the Ederer II method were estimated separately for males and females.

Results:
In 2010–2014 (against 1995–1999), the absolute increase in the 5-year relative survival in males and females with colon cancer was the highest and reached 9.8 percentage point (p.p.) and 9.6 p.p., respectively. Patterns of survival for both colon and rectal cancer patients according to gender and age were very similar.

Conclusions:
In 1995–2014, an increase in the value of relative survival rates of males and females with colorectal cancer was observed. Systematic increase in funding in health care was a chance for reducing the burden of colorectal cancer by more widespread and equal access of effective early detection and cancer treatment.