This population-based study examines locally recurrent colon cancer, a condition which has received less attention than local recurrence of rectal cancer. The incidence of local recurrence of colon cancer was low and frequently associated with distant metastasis. While a direct comparison with rectal cancer was not an objective of this work the data look quite different from the dismal outcomes associated with rectal cancer which led to the development of the concept of total mesorectal excision. Selected patients with locally recurrent colon cancer can undergo curative intent treatment and achieve long-term survival.