Data from three distinct geographic areas (Utah, Minnesota, and Northern California) were used to describe rates of colon carcinoma and distribution. Colon carcinomas from a 3-year period, 1991-1994, were included. The proximal segment of the colon was the site of 50% of the carcinomas. Proximal cancers and those diagnosed after age 50 were more likely to be in advanced stages. More men than women were diagnosed in all three areas. Women were >70 when diagnosed with colon cancer in 44% of the cases. The more advanced tumors occurred in younger patients.