Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common and second deadliest cancer in the United States. In many cases, it can be prevented or caught early with routine screening.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that 158,850 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in 2026, and 55,230 will die from the disease. CRC is the deadliest cancer in people under 50.
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, more than 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
More than 50,000 people will die from colorectal cancer this year.
Diagnoses among adults under 65 have increased by 3% per year
One in three diagnoses of CRC is rectal cancer.
About 75% of CRCs in adults under 50 are advanced stage.
Colorectal cancer has become the deadliest cancer in men and women under 50. Incidence rates in adults under 50 have risen 3% per year since 2013 and nearly doubled since 1998. Today, almost half of all new CRC diagnoses occur in adults under 65, up from just 27% in 1995. Three in four CRCs in younger adults are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when it's more difficult to treat.
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it doesn't have to be.
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. Learn more about the symptoms and stages of this cancer.
Colorectal cancer screening can save your life. Learn more about screening methods, who should get screened, and how to prepare.
Colorectal cancer is highly treatable if caught early. Treatment typically depends on the location of the cancer and the stage of diagnosis.
Getting checked for colon cancer can save your life. Take a short quiz to receive personalized screening options based on your individual risk factors.
A first-of-its-kind trial platform in the colorectal cancer space, Project Cure CRC’s KLEOS is being driven by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the leading nonprofit dedicated to ending the disease, in collaboration with GCAR, a pioneer in the design and implementation of innovative clinical trials.
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is urging Americans to prioritize colorectal cancer screening, as the American Cancer Society (ACS) released updated guidelines today.
Understanding colon cancer sidedness is one more tool to help patients ask the right questions and advocate for the most effective treatment plan.