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.

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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.

#4

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. among men and women combined.

150K

Each year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

50K

More than 50,000 people will die from colorectal cancer this year.

1 in 24

One in 24 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime.

66

The average age of diagnosis among men and women is 66.

1,500,000

There are more than 1.5 million colorectal cancer survivors in the U.S.

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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

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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.

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.

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