Top 10 Colorectal Cancer Facts 

• In 2024, an estimated 152,810 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the U.S., and an estimated 53,010 will die — making this disease the second-leading cause of cancer deaths overall.

• The average lifetime risk of colorectal cancer is one in 24, and a family history of the disease is the strongest risk factor. Most cases are diagnosed in people over age 50.

• Unlike most cancers, colorectal cancer is highly preventable with With early detection, it’s highly treatable. Localized colorectal cancer (the earliest stage) has a 91% five-year survival rate with treatment.

• The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is no symptom. When symptoms are present, they include blood in or on stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, and unexplained weight loss.

• Black/African Americans have the second-highest mortality rate and incidence rate of colorectal cancer in the S. Black Americans are both 35% more likely to die from colorectal cancer and 15% more likely to develop it than non-Hispanic whites.

• The incidence rate of young-onset colorectal cancer is In people under 55 years old, the incidence rate is increasing by 1% – 2% every year. According to the latest data, colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men under age 50 and the second leading cause of cancer death in women of the same age group.

• Colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45. Screening is the 1 way to prevent colorectal cancer. Still, a third of eligible adults is not getting screened. In late 2020, the CDC estimated that 68% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all eligible people were screened. Members of the public can get a free screening recommendation based on personal risk factors at quiz.getscreened.org.

• People who have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, offspring) with colorectal cancer have two to four times the risk of developing the disease. They should speak to a doctor about getting screened earlier than normal.

• Simple ways to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer include eating healthy, not smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting red meat intake, and adding calcium and vitamin D to your diet.

• There are more than 5 million colorectal cancer survivors in the U.S.

Updated: 1/23/2024 Information from https://colorectalcancer.org/

Colorectal cancer screening saves lives

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