Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer death and up to 30%-50% of patients will have a disease relapse following primary therapy. There has been ongoing debate for duration of follow-up strategies after curative resection. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the follow-up strategy.

Material and Methods
Data of 324 patients who underwent curative resection for CRC were retrospectively obtained. These patient were called back in every three months for the first 3 year and then in every six months for the next 2 years. After five years, annual follow up strategy was planned. Clinicopathologic characteristics of patients and recurrence site according to the years were analyzed.

Result
During follow-up period, recurrent disease was observed in 60 patients, including 24 rectum cancers and 36 colon cancers. The recurrence rate according to the years was as follows for postoperative 1., 2., 3., 3-5 and >5 years, 20%, 35%, 16,6%, 13.1% and 15% respectively. Among the 60 patients, rectal cancer (28 months) recurred earlier than colon cancer (31.8 months) but significant differences weren’t found (p>0.05). Interestingly, recurrence rate after five years (15%) was equal to recurence rate in the third year (16%).

Conclusion
Since early detection of recurrences will increase the chance of patients for curative therapy, intensive postoperative follow-up programs is mandatory. Recurrent disease is a major problem even after five years, so, surveilance programs may be revised again for a longer follow-up