Colorectal cancer facts and statistics
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer death. Yet this cancer can be prevented with screening and is highly treatable when detected early.
Colorectal cancer in 2024
Colorectal cancer remains one of the most common cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that 152,810 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2024, and 53,010 will die from the disease. The number of people diagnosed has steadily declined since the mid-1980s due to increased screening and changing lifestyles.
How common is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a life-threatening disease, but it's a highly curable form of cancer if found early. Here are a few key facts you should know about colon and rectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. among men and women combined.
Each year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
More than 50,000 people will die from colorectal cancer this year.
One in 24 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime.
The average age of diagnosis among men and women is 66.
There are more than 1.5 million colorectal cancer survivors in the U.S.
Colorectal cancer is rising in young adults
Colon cancer facts and statistics for younger people are alarming. In the U.S., about 10% of colon cancer cases are diagnosed in people under 50. Those numbers are rising about one to two percent each year, and researchers are still finding out why. Young adults are the only population group experiencing an increase in colorectal cancer, and it's currently the deadliest cancer among young men and the second deadliest among young women.
Colorectal cancer becomes deadliest cancer in men under 50
February 16, 2023
Recent data showed that colon cancer has become the deadliest cancer in men aged 20-49 years. This report raises questions about why this change has occurred, prevention, early screening and more.
Colorectal cancer and ethnicity
Colon cancer impacts some demographics more than others. Black Americans have the second-highest mortality and incidence rates of colorectal cancer in the U.S. They are 35% more likely to die from colorectal cancer and 15% more likely to develop it than non-Hispanic whites.
What you need to know
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it doesn't have to be.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. Learn more about the symptoms and stages of this cancer.
Screening and prevention
Colorectal cancer screening can save your life. Learn more about screening methods, who should get screened, and how to prepare.
Treatment for colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is highly treatable if caught early. Treatment typically depends on the location of the cancer and the stage of diagnosis.
Take the colorectal cancer screening quiz
Getting checked for colon cancer can save your life. Take a short quiz to receive personalized screening options based on your individual risk factors.
Top resources
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