Let’s talk about something incredibly important, but often overlooked – colorectal cancer (CRC). This type of cancer affects many people, but the GREAT NEWS is that with the right knowledge and proactive steps – you can significantly reduce your risk. By understanding CRC, recognizing the risk factors, and knowing when to get screened – you can take charge of your health. Colon cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable!
Colon cancer is cancer of the colon (part of your large intestine). Rectal cancer is cancer in the rectum (the passageway that connects the colon to the anus). Together, they are colorectal.
Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. But don’t worry – early detection can make a huge difference.
Anyone can get colon cancer regardless of gender, race, or nationality.
Surprisingly, 30% of colon cancer diagnoses are found in people under 55.
45 is the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer. An estimated 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. are not being screened as recommended.
The five-year survival rate for CRC is approximately 91% for stages I and II but declines to 13% for stage IV. Only 1 in 3 cases are diagnosed at stage I or II. The five-year overall survival rate is 64%.
Colon cancer starts as polyps and usually develops slowly for 10 to 15 years. Many people with colon cancer don’t have any symptoms at first, which is why screening is so important.
If your parent, sibling, or child has had CRC, your risk is 2 to 3 times higher. Additionally, if a relative is diagnosed at a young age OR if there is more than one relative affected, the risk of developing CRC increases to 3 to 6 times that of the general population.
Family HistoryIf CRC runs in your family, you should start screening earlier than people who do not have a family history of CRC.
Screening OptionsAbout 5% of people with CRC have inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome (Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colon Cancer or HNPCC), Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), or MUTYH-Associated Polyposis (MAP).
Genetics
CRC cases are rising among people under 50, approximately 13% of all CRC diagnoses are under the age of 50.
Each day, 56 CRC cases are diagnosed in patients ages 46 and younger.
It’s now a leading cause of cancer death in men and the second in women under 50. Since the mid-2000s, death rates have been increasing by 2.4% per year in people younger than 50. CRC is projected to be the #1 cancer killer for young adults by the year 2030.
Younger adults often get diagnosed later because they’re not usually screened and symptoms can be mistaken for other issues.
The recommended screening age for colorectal cancer is 45 for average risk adults. Average risk means you are 45 or older, have no family history or genetic risk factors, and are experiencing no signs or symptoms.
Screening helps catch cancer early when it’s most treatable and can even prevent cancer through colonoscopies by removing polyps before they turn cancerous. Colorectal polyps are common in American adults. Anywhere between 15 and 40% of adults may have colon polyps and approximately 3.4% of polyps are pre-cancerous.
Many screening options are available, including colonoscopies and other visual screening options, stool-based tests that can be done at home, and blood tests generally done in a doctor’s office.
Early stages of colorectal cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms, so staying up to date with CRC screening can truly be a life saver by finding cancer earlier when it is most treatable and recovery is much faster.
Staying active, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can help reduce your risk.
Reduce Your RiskMore people are getting screened. Since the mid-1980s, colorectal cancer incidence rates have declined due to increased awareness and screening, but we still have a long way to go, especially among those without health insurance. The national goal for CRC is screening is 80% in every community, currently the US has approximately a 59% screening rate.
Colorectal cancer screening, incidence, and mortality rates vary across different geographic areas mainly due to healthcare access and barriers, including screening and treatment.
Some racial and ethnic groups have higher death rates from CRC due to lower screening rates, less access to care, and lower CRC detection at its earliest stages.
With regular screening and healthy lifestyle choices, colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable.
Information on these pages is provided for educational purposes only. Consult your physician before making any medical decisions.
References
American Cancer Society: 2024 Cancer Facts and Figures
American Cancer Society: Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer
American Cancer Society Press Release: Colorectal Cancer Burden Shifting to Younger Individuals
American Cancer Society: Survival Rates for Colorectal Cancer
National Institutes of Health: Cancer Cost Projections
