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Colorectal Cancer Overview

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Overview

Globally, CRC is the 3rd most common cancer (~10% of all cases) and the 2nd leading cause of cancer related deaths.1-2

In 2022, there were over 900,000 deaths from CRC, accounting for
about 11% of all cancer deaths worldwide. 3


By 2040, the number of new CRC cases per year is predicted to increase by 63% to 3.2 million per year and deaths will increase 73% to 1.6 million deaths per year.2

Colorectal Cancer in the United Stated

  • In 2022, there were an estimated 1,416,499 people living with CRC in the United States.4
  • In 2025, an estimated 154,270 new cases are expected to be diagnosed, and around 52,900 CRC deaths areanticipated (8.6% of all cancer deaths).4
  • The lifetime risk of being diagnosed with CRC is about 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women.1
CRC US Map
Tumor in large intestine

A Rising Concern: Early-Onset CRC

  • The number of patients in the U.S. diagnosed under 55 years of age doubled from 1995 to 2019.5,6
  • In people under 50, CRC is now the #1 cause of cancer death in men and the #2 cause in women.5,6
  • Of all cancers, CRC will take the most lives of people under 50 by 2030.5
  • Approximately 13% of all CRC diagnoses are under the age of 50.7
  • The incidence of young-onset colorectal cancer has been rising, contrary to the declining rates in older adults, and is expected to increase by more than 140% by 2030.5,6

Importance of Screening and Prevention

  • Screening (colonoscopy, FIT, etc.) lowers incidence and mortality.1,2
  • The recommended screening age is now 45 for people at average risk11
  • If CRC is caught early before it spreads to other parts of the body, the likelihood of surviving five years or more is >90%. About one-third of all CRCs are diagnosed at this early stage.4
  • Making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol can help reduce risk.2

Demographic Disparities

  • Disparities limit access to equitable screening and treatment for many who are disproportionately affected by the disease.8
  • Black Americans are 15% more likely to be diagnosed with CRC and 35% more likely to die from it.8
  • Hispanic Americans are screened for CRC at lower rates, with only about half of those eligible getting screened.8

Anatomy Overview

Anatomy Overview

1. Large Intestine (Colon)

A. Ascending Colon

(Right Side) CRC symptoms often appear later.

B. Transverse Colon

(Across Abdomen) CRC may cause bloating or obstruction.

C. Descending Colon

(Left Side) CRC often shows blood or stool changes.

D. Sigmoid Colon

(S-shaped curve leading to rectum) Common CRC site; causes constipation and rectal bleeding.

2. Small Intestine


3. Rectum

CRC Risk Factors9,10

  • Age
  • Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • Personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
  • Inherited genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
  • Excess body weight.
  • Alcohol consumption.
  • Tobacco use.
Anatomy Overview

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References

  1. Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer. American Cancer Society. Accessed Dec 19, 2025. Available at: Colorectal Cancer Statistics | How Common Is Colorectal Cancer? | American Cancer Society 
  2. Colorectal cancer. World Health Organization. Accessed Dec 19, 2025. Available at: Colorectal cancer 
  3. Cancer Today. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Accessed Dec 19, 2025. Available at: Cancer Today 
  4. Cancer Stat Facts: Colorectal Cancer. National Cancer Institute. Accessed Dec 19, 2025. Available at: Colorectal Cancer — Cancer Stat Facts 
  5. Statistics. Fight Colorectal Cancer. Accessed Dec 19, 2025. Available at: Statistics | Fight CRC 
  6. Siegel RL, Giaquinto AN, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2024. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024;74(1):12-49. doi:10.3322/caac.21820 
  7. Colon Cancer Facts. Colon Cancer Coalition. Accessed Dec 19, 2025. Available at: Facts - Colon Cancer Coalition 
  8. Health Equity. Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Accessed Dec 19, 2025. Available at: Health Equity | Colorectal Cancer Alliance 
  9. Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Dec 19, 2025. Available at: Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors | Colorectal Cancer | CDC 
  10. Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors. American Cancer Society. Accessed Dec 19, 2025. Available at: Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors | Hereditary Colorectal Risk Factors | American Cancer Society 
  11. Screening for Colorectal Cancer. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Dec 19, 2025. Available at: Screening for Colorectal Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | CDC 
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