How common is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer affecting the colon and rectum. Understanding the prevalence and trends of this disease is important for raising awareness, improving prevention, and enhancing early detection efforts. This article looks into the latest cancer statistics, and demographic insights surrounding colorectal cancer, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

Prevalence and incidence rates

Colorectal cancer including colon cancer, rectal cancer and bowel cancer is a significant public health challenge and is the fourth most common cancer in the United States. According to the latest estimates from The American Cancer Society (ACS) approximately 152,810 new cases of colorectal cancer are expected to be identified in 2024, accounting for 7.6% of all new cancer cases in the country. This figure highlights the substantial burden this disease places on the healthcare system and the importance of proactive measures to address it.

Incidence trends

Over the past decade, the age-adjusted incidence rate of colorectal cancer has been declining, with an average annual decrease of 1.2% from 2012 to 2021. This downward trend can be linked to advancements in early detection through screening tests and changes in lifestyle factors, such as improved dietary habits and increased physical activity. However, despite these encouraging developments, the overall incidence of colorectal cancer remains high, highlighting the need for continued efforts to reduce its prevalence further.

Race/ethnicity

Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates vary significantly across different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Non-Hispanic Black individuals exhibit the highest incidence rates, with 49.4 new cases per 100,000 men and 36.8 per 100,000 women. In contrast, non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander populations have the lowest incidence rates, at 34.5 per 100,000 men and 25.3 per 100,000 women. These disparities underscore the importance of addressing socioeconomic, cultural, and access-to-care factors contributing to these differences, ensuring equitable cancer prevention and control strategies.

Age group

Colorectal cancer is mainly a disease of older adults, with the median age at diagnosis being 66 years. The incidence of this cancer increases significantly with age, with the highest percentage of new cases (25.7%) occurring among individuals aged 65 to 74 years. This age-related trend is consistent with the established understanding that the risk of colorectal cancer rises with advancing age, likely due to the build-up of genetic mutations and other age-related factors.

Younger-onset colorectal cancer

While colorectal cancer is more prevalent in older adults, there has been a concerning trend of increasing incidence among young adults. In the United States, approximately 10% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people under the age of 50, and this proportion has been rising by 1 to 2 percentage points each year. This shift highlights the need for enhanced awareness, earlier screening, and research to understand the underlying drivers of this concerning development.

Mortality and survival rates

Colorectal cancer is not only a common cancer but also a leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The age-adjusted mortality rate for this disease was 12.9 per 100,000 individuals per year, based on data from 2018 to 2022. This statistic highlights the significant impact of colorectal cancer on public health and the importance of addressing this challenge through comprehensive prevention, early detection, and effective treatment strategies.

Survival trends

The prognosis for individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer has improved over time, with the five-year relative survival rate increasing from 49.39% in 1975 to 68.19% in 2022. This encouraging trend is due to advancements in early detection, and the availability of more effective treatment options. However, cancer survival rates vary significantly based on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis, with localised colorectal cancer having a 5-year relative survival rate of 91.1%, compared to only 15.7% for distant, metastatic disease.

Demographic factors

Colorectal cancer affects individuals of all genders, with men having a slightly higher incidence rate compared to women. The age-adjusted incidence rate for men is 41.8 per 100,000, while for women, it is 32.0 per 100,000. It’s important to note this gender difference may be influenced by a combination of biological, hormonal, and lifestyle factors.

The burden of colorectal cancer

The burden of colorectal cancer goes beyond the individual and impacts the broader population. In 2021, it was estimated that 1,392,445 people were living with colorectal cancer in the United States. This prevalence highlights the significant healthcare resources and support required to manage this disease, as well as the profound impact it has on patients, their families, and the healthcare system as a whole.

Global perspective

Colorectal cancer is a global health concern, with significant variations in incidence and mortality rates across different regions. Globally, the burden of colorectal cancer is expected to increase substantially in the coming decades, with predictions indicating a 63% rise in new cases and a 73% increase in deaths by 2040. These trends emphasise the need for coordinated international efforts to address the growing burden of this disease through better prevention, early detection, and equal access to quality cancer care.

Colorectal cancer screening and early detection

Colorectal cancer is a highly preventable and treatable disease, particularly when detected at an early stage. Regular screening, such as colonoscopy, faecal occult blood tests, and other methods, can effectively identify precancerous polyps or early-stage cancers, allowing cancer diagnosis and treatment to begin quickly. However, despite the availability of these screening tools, many individuals do not undergo recommended screenings, highlighting the need for increased awareness, education, and access to these life-saving services.

Screening recommendations

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer begin regular screening at age 45 and continue until age 75. For individuals with increased risk factors, such as those with a family history or certain genetic conditions such as Lynch Syndrome and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis earlier and more frequent screening may be recommended. Following these guidelines is crucial for the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, which can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.

Advancements in research and treatment

Colorectal cancer research and treatment is continuously evolving, offering new hope for patients and their families. Ongoing scientific investigations are exploring various aspects of the disease, including the identification of genetic and molecular markers and the development of targeted therapies. These advancements have the potential to improve the efficacy of drug treatments, and ultimately, reduce the burden of colorectal cancer on individuals and communities.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials play a vital role in advancing the understanding of colorectal cancer. These studies provide opportunities for patients to access new treatments, experimental drugs, and cutting-edge technologies, while also contributing to the overall progress in the field. Participation in clinical trials not only benefits individual patients but also helps to drive the development of more effective and personalised cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Colorectal cancer remains a significant public health challenge, affecting thousands of individuals each year in the United States and worldwide. However, the encouraging trends in incidence, mortality, and survival rates, coupled with advancements in early detection, prevention, and treatment, offer hope for a future where this disease can be more effectively managed and its burden reduced. By understanding the prevalence, demographic factors, and emerging research in colorectal cancer, healthcare providers, policymakers, and the general public can work together to implement comprehensive strategies that prioritise prevention, promote early detection, and ensure equitable access to high-quality cancer care.

Sources

• Colorectal cancer – WHO
• Colorectal Cancer Statistics – Colorectal Cancer – CDC
• Facts and Statistics – Colorectal Cancer Alliance
• Colorectal Cancer — Cancer Stat Facts