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Early detection is vital
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends people at average risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC) begin screening at age 45. [5]
Did you know…
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. [1]
An estimated 52,550 people will die from CRC in 2023, including 3,750 men and women younger than age 50. [1]
%
People have a combined 4.1% lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer. [4]
%
The 5-year relative survival rate for Localized CRC is 90%. [3]
%
The 5-year relative survival rate for Regional CRC is 74%. [3]
%
The 5-year relative survival rate for Distant CRC is 17%. [3]
Who should get screened?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends people at average risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC) begin screening at age 45. [5]
Regular CRC screening is vital to early detection. Those with an increased risk of colorectal cancer should speak with their doctor about screening age, frequency, and testing options.
Colorectal cancer risk factors
[2]
- People age 50 and older
- Family history of colon cancer
- History of colon cancer or rectal polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol use
- Racial and ethnic background (African American & Ashkenazi Jewish)
Citations
- Siegel, RL, Wagle, NS, Cercek, A, Smith, RA, Jemal, A. Colorectal cancer statistics, 2023. CA Cancer J Clin. 2023; 1- 22. doi:10.3322/caac.21772
- American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors | Accessed May 8, 2023 | https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
- American Cancer Society. Survival Rates for Colorectal Cancer | Accessed April 4, 2023 | https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html
- American Cancer Society. Cancer Statistics Center | Accessed May 12, 2023 | https://cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org/?_ga=2.208713682.1537187183.1683700132-1655423176.1682026604#!/
- The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team. Colorectal Cancer Guideline | Accessed April 4, 2023 | https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html
- American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Statistics | Accessed April 4, 2023 | https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html