What is the prevalence of colon cancer?

Prevalence of Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in men and the second in women worldwide, accounting for 10% of all tumor types globally. 1

Global Epidemiology

• Approximately 2 million new cases and about 1 million deaths were expected in 2018 2
• In 2020, approximately 147,950 individuals were diagnosed with CRC and 53,200 died from the disease in the United States 3
• Incidence is 25% higher in males than females 1
• Significant geographical variation exists with up to 10-fold differences in rates worldwide 4

United States Statistics

• Fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States 1
• Second leading cause of cancer death in the United States 1
• In 2018, an estimated 97,220 new cases of colon cancer and 43,030 cases of rectal cancer were diagnosed 1
• During the same year, an estimated 50,630 people died of colon and rectal cancers combined 1

Trends in Incidence and Mortality

• Overall incidence has been declining in developed countries:
  • Decreased from 60.5 per 100,000 in 1976 to 40.7 in 2009-2013 1
  • Decreased at a rate of approximately 3% per year between 2003-2012 1
• Mortality has decreased by almost 35% from 1990-2007 and by 51% from peak mortality rates 1
• However, concerning trends are emerging:
  • Increasing incidence in adults aged <50 years (22% increase from 2000 to 2013) 5
  • By 2030, it's estimated that incidence rates for colon and rectal cancers in patients aged 20-34 years will increase by 90.0% and 124.2%, respectively 1

Demographic Variations

• Incidence rates vary by ethnicity and race:
  • Highest in Alaska Natives and blacks 5
  • Lowest in Asian/Pacific Islanders 5
  • 30-40% higher in men than in women 5
• Mortality rates in the European Union:
  • 15-20 per 100,000 in males
  • 9-14 per 100,000 in females 1
• 5-year survival in Europe ranges from:
  • 28.5% to 57% in men
  • 30.9% to 60% in women 1

Risk Factors

• Age is the major unchangeable risk factor:
  • Nearly 70% of patients are >65 years of age 1
  • Disease is rare before age 40 1
• High-risk individuals include those with:
  • Personal history of adenoma, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease
  • Significant family history of CRC or polyps
  • Inherited syndromes (5-10% of all colon cancers) 1
• Lifestyle factors contributing to increased risk:
  • Obesity, physical inactivity
  • High red meat consumption
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Tobacco use 2

Screening Impact

• Decreasing incidence and mortality rates in developed countries are attributed to:
  • Cancer screening programs
  • Removal of adenomas
  • Early detection of cancerous lesions
  • More effective therapies 1

The prevalence patterns of colon cancer highlight the importance of screening programs and lifestyle modifications to reduce the burden of this disease, particularly as concerning trends emerge in younger populations.