Several epidemiologic studies using data from hospital departments and from the pathological department of the Abidjan University show that colorectal cancer is infrequent in Ivory Coast (2% of all cancers). The incidence of the various factors classically incriminated in colic carcinogenesis is analyzed and discussed: precancerous conditions (adenomas, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease), histogenesis (condition of the colic mucosa) and nutritional factors. Constipation, which is very common in spite of a high intake of fibers, cannot be regarded as a predisposing factor.