Colorectal cancer facts and statistics
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 in 2026
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.
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, 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.
CRC is the deadliest cancer in people under 50
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.
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
Where breakthroughs begin: Project Cure CRC spotlight on Dr. Lisa Mielke
hrough Project Cure CRC, the Alliance is fueling bold, early-stage research with the potential to transform colorectal cancer treatment. Dr. Lisa Mielke’s groundbreaking work explores how the gut’s immune system and nerve signaling influence cancer growth—opening the door to new therapeutic approaches, including repurposed existing drugs. This is what’s possible when promising ideas get the support they need to move forward.
Bringing biomarker testing within reach: CLEAR for CRC to empower patients from day one
Biomarker testing can guide colorectal cancer treatment and improve outcomes. Learn how CLEAR for CRC is helping patients access this critical tool.
Project Cure CRC researcher seeks next big breakthrough
Meet Project Cure CRC researcher Kevin Van der Jeught, whose mRNA-based immunotherapy research aims to unlock new treatments for colorectal cancer patients.