Objective The objective of this study is to determine the correlation between average per capita income and the rate of colorectal cancer mortality in Brazil between 2000 and 2007.

Materials and Methods We obtained data on median household income and mortality rate for colon, rectum and anus between 2001 and 2007 by DATASUS. A trend analysis was performed using linear regression, and correlation between variables by Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results There was a tendency towards an increase average family income and standardised mortality rate of colon, rectum and anus in Brazil. There was also strong positive correlation (r=0.81, p<0.001) between income and mortality for this cancer located throughout the study period.

Conclusion The increase in income may partially explain the increased occurrence of cancer of the colon, rectum and anus, and this is possibly due to differential access to food recognised as a risk factor, such as red meat and fat food. É therefore important Assess the priority of public health programs addressing nutrition in countries with intermediate economy, as is the case in Brazil.