From the Guidelines
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer globally, with approximately 1.9 million new cases diagnosed annually, and it is estimated that 150,000 new cases and more than 50,000 deaths from CRC are reported each year in the United States 1. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 (4.3%) for men and 1 in 25 (4.0%) for women. Some key statistics about colon cancer include:
- Approximately 104,610 new cases of colon cancer and 43,340 cases of rectal cancer will occur in 2020 1
- An estimated 53,200 people will die of colon and rectal cancer combined in 2020 1
- The incidence of colon and rectal cancers per 100,000 people decreased from 60.5 in 1976 to 46.4 in 2005 and, more recently, 38.7 in 2016 1
- Mortality from CRC has been decreasing for decades (since 1947 in women and since 1980 in men) and is currently down by more than 50% from peak mortality rates 1
- The 5-year relative overall survival (OS) for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is approximately 15% 1 Survival rates vary significantly by stage at diagnosis - the 5-year survival rate for localized colon cancer is approximately 90%, but drops to 14% for metastatic disease. Screening has proven highly effective, with colonoscopy reducing mortality by up to 60% through early detection and removal of precancerous polyps 1. Risk factors include age (90% of cases occur after age 50), family history, inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, heavy alcohol use, obesity, and diets high in red/processed meats. Regular screening should begin at age 45 for average-risk individuals, with earlier screening recommended for those with family history or genetic predisposition 1. Prevention strategies include maintaining healthy weight, regular physical activity, limiting alcohol, avoiding tobacco, and consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Some key points to note about the trend of colon cancer include:
- Incidence has increased among those younger than 65 years, with a 1% annual increase in those aged 50 to 64 years and a 2% annual increase in those younger than 50 years 1
- CRC death rates also showed age-dependent trends, declining by 3% annually for those 65 years and older, compared with a 0.6% annual decline for individuals aged 50 to 64 years and a 1.3% annual increase for individuals younger than 50 years 1
From the Research
Colon Cancer Statistics
- The estimated number of new colorectal cancer cases worldwide was 1.8 million in 2018, with approximately 881,000 deaths 2.
- In 2022, over 1.9 million cases of colorectal cancer were reported, resulting in around 904,000 deaths worldwide 3.
- Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally 2, 4.
Global Burden of Colon Cancer
- The incidence of colorectal cancer is higher in highly developed countries and is increasing in middle- and low-income countries due to westernization 5.
- The burden of colorectal cancer is projected to increase to 3.2 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths by 2040, with most cases predicted to occur in high or very high Human Development Index (HDI) countries 6.
- The geographical and temporal burden of colorectal cancer provides insights into risk factor prevalence and progress in cancer control strategies 6.
Demographic Variations
- Colorectal cancer incidence rates vary significantly between different regions, age, gender, and racial groups 2.
- The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer is emerging, with a rising incidence of colorectal cancer at younger ages (before 50 years) 4, 5.
- Age-standardised incidence and mortality rates for colorectal cancer were calculated by sex, country, world region, and Human Development Index (HDI) for 185 countries 6.