Statistics

Of all cancers, colorectal cancer (CRC) will take the most lives of people under 50 by 2030. Here are
reliable colorectal cancer statistics.

Statistics

Of all cancers, colorectal cancer (CRC) will take the most lives of people under 50 by 2030. Here are reliable colorectal cancer statistics.

Overall colorectal cancer facts

  • 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will be diagnosed with CRC in their lifetime. (Source: SEER Cancer Statistics)

  • CRC is the #2 cause of cancer death in the U.S. (Source: American Cancer Society)

  • CRC is the #3 most diagnosed cancer among men and women.
  • 152,810 new cases and 53,010 deaths are expected in 2024. (Source: SEER Cancer Statistics Factsheets)

  • There are an estimated 1,392,445 people living with CRC in the U.S. (Source: SEER Cancer Statistics Factsheets)

  • Between 25%-30% of CRC patients have a family history of the disease. (Source: NCBI)

Overall colorectal cancer facts

  • 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will be diagnosed with CRC in their lifetime. (Source: SEER Cancer Statistics)

  • CRC is the #2 cause of cancer death in the U.S. (Source: American Cancer Society)

  • CRC is the #3 most diagnosed cancer among men and women.
  • 152,810 new cases and 53,010 deaths are expected in 2024. (Source: SEER Cancer Statistics Factsheets)

  • There are an estimated 1,392,445 people living with CRC in the U.S. (Source: SEER Cancer Statistics Factsheets)

  • Between 25%-30% of CRC patients have a family history of the disease. (Source: NCBI)

Young people facts

  • The incidence of early onset colorectal cancer is expected to increase by more than 140% by 2030. (Source: American Cancer Society)
  • More than 27,000 people under age 50 will be diagnosed with CRC in 2030. (Source: American Cancer Society)
  • Among adults under 50, CRC is now the #1 cause of cancer death in men and the #2 cause in women. (Source: American Cancer Society)
  • The number of patients in the U.S. diagnosed under 55 years of age doubled from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019. (Source: American Cancer Society)

Young people facts

  • The incidence of early onset colorectal cancer is expected to increase by more than 140% by 2030. (Source: American Cancer Society)
  • More than 27,000 people under age 50 will be diagnosed with CRC in 2030. (Source: American Cancer Society)
  • Among adults under 50, CRC is now the #1 cause of cancer death in men and the #2 cause in women. (Source: American Cancer Society)
  • The number of patients in the U.S. diagnosed under 55 years of age doubled from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019. (Source: American Cancer Society)

Screening facts

There are more than 20 million Americans eligible for colorectal cancer screening who have not been screened.”
(Source: CDC)

1 in 3 adults (ages 45-75) are not getting screened as recommended.”
(Source: CDC)

Everyone, at some point, needs colorectal cancer screening. There are several ways to get screened.

Screening facts

There are more than 20 million Americans eligible for colorectal cancer screening who have not been screened.”
(Source: CDC)

1 in 3 adults (ages 45-75) are not getting screened as recommended.”
(Source: CDC)

Everyone, at some point, needs colorectal cancer screening. There are several ways to get screened.

Funding facts

  • In the United States, the medical costs for colorectal cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and hospital stays were around $14.1 billion in 2020. (Source: Mariotto, A. B., et al. (2020). “Estimates of the Cost of Cancer Care in the United States: A Study by the National Cancer Institute.”)
  • Treatment for early colon cancer costs $40,000, but for advanced stages, it can go over $300,000. (Source: Guy, G. P., et al. (2015). “Economic Burden of Cancer Survivorship Among Adults in the United States.” J Clin Oncol. 33(30): 3520-3527)
  • Among the top 5 cancer killers, colorectal cancer (CRC) lacks its own research program and funding in the Department of Defense (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (DCMRP).

Funding facts

  • In the United States, the medical costs for colorectal cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and hospital stays were around $14.1 billion in 2020. (Source: Mariotto, A. B., et al. (2020). “Estimates of the Cost of Cancer Care in the United States: A Study by the National Cancer Institute.”)
  • Treatment for early colon cancer costs $40,000, but for advanced stages, it can go over $300,000. (Source: Guy, G. P., et al. (2015). “Economic Burden of Cancer Survivorship Among Adults in the United States.” J Clin Oncol. 33(30): 3520-3527)
  • Among the top 5 cancer killers, colorectal cancer (CRC) lacks its own research program and funding in the Department of Defense (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (DCMRP).

Health Disparities

Colorectal cancer rates and deaths vary between different racial and ethnic groups. People in LGBTQ+ communities and in areas with fewer resources have big health differences. Some people in the US are impacted more by cancer, especially men, due to different death rates based on race.

Here are some stats about colon cancer that show the differences and why it’s important to work towards fair health for everyone.

Health Disparities

Colorectal cancer rates and deaths vary between different racial and ethnic groups. People in LGBTQ+ communities and in areas with fewer resources have big health differences. Some people in the US are impacted more by cancer, especially men, due to different death rates based on race.

Here are some stats about colon cancer that show the differences and why it’s important to work towards fair health for everyone.

Ask us anything, anytime. Seriously. Text us at 318-242-8272 (318-CHATCRC).

Ask us anything, anytime. Seriously. Text us at 318-242-8272 (318-CHATCRC).

Racial Disparities

Rates of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Minority Groups: People from racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to have regular colorectal cancer screenings than White individuals. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Progress and Challenges: Despite some progress in reducing the gap between Black and White patients, much work remains to address disparities. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Highest Overall Death Rate: Black patients have the highest overall death rate from cancer among all racial and ethnic groups. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Increased Risk: Black Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Death Rate Comparison: 1 in 46 Black males will die from colorectal cancer, compared with 1 in 55 White males. Similarly, 1 in 51 Black females will die from colorectal cancer, compared with 1 in 59 White females. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Late-stage Diagnosis: Black Americans are more often diagnosed with distant (late) stage disease. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Clinical Trials Representation: 90% of pivotal clinical trials for FDA-approved therapeutics between 2015–2021 lacked adequate representation of Black patients. (National Institutes of Health, 2022)

Early Detection Disparity: Black individuals are 38% less likely to have an early detection test ordered on the same day as the initial appointment and 50% less likely to have a colonoscopy within 1 year of the initial health care visit. (Gornick et al., 2018)

Emergency Surgery: Black patients are more likely to undergo emergency surgery compared to non-Hispanic White patients. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Non-Adherence to Guidelines: Black patients are more likely to not receive guideline-adherent care due to lack of health insurance. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Quality of Life: Black cancer survivors report poorer quality of life and physical and mental health compared to White survivors. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Highest Incidence in Alaska: AI/AN individuals residing in Alaska had the highest incidence of colorectal cancer between 2014 and 2018 compared to any other U.S. racial population. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

Young AI/AN Rates: Rates of colorectal cancer in AI/AN males younger than 50 are highest in the Northern Plains; rates for AI/AN females younger than 50 are highest in Alaska. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

Overall AI/AN Rates: Rates of colorectal cancer in AI/AN males older than 50 and for AI/AN females in all age groups are highest in Alaska. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

Common Diagnosis: Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among all AI/AN men and women, but the second most commonly diagnosed among Alaska Native men and women. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

Non-declining Mortality Rates: AI/AN populations are the only racial and ethnic group for which CRC mortality rates are not declining. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Early-Onset CRC: The steepest increase in early-onset CRC is among non-Hispanic White and AI/AN populations. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Screening Center Access: Counties with persistent adult poverty in 594 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes were 53% less likely to have a cancer screening center within 200 miles. (Gornick et al., 2018)

Screening Rates: Less than 50% of Asian Americans are up-to-date with screening; however, this rate may vary drastically among subgroups. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Lowest Screening Rates: Screening rates are lowest among Asian Americans under the age of 50 compared to other racial/ethnic groups. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Common Diagnosis: Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among South Asian American males. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Patient-Provider Communication: Asian adults who reported lower quality of patient-provider communication were 26% less likely to receive recommended colorectal cancer screening compared to non-Hispanic White adults. (National Institutes of Health, 2022)

Screening Barriers: The Hispanic community faces barriers to screening, including language and cultural obstacles. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Leading Cause of Death: Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in Hispanic men and women. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Early-Onset CRC: Latinos between 20 and 29 have among the highest increases in distant-stage, early-onset colorectal cancer. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Increasing Incidence: The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer has increased the most in the Hispanic population, with a 5.8% annual increase compared to a 1.6% increase in the White population. (Siegel et al., 2023)

High Risk: Ashkenazi Jews have one of the highest colorectal cancer risks of any ethnic group in the world. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Cancer Burden: The LGBTQ+ community carries a disproportionate cancer burden. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Transgender Screening Rates: Transgender individuals are significantly less likely to be screened for breast and colorectal cancer compared with cisgender individuals. (National Institutes of Health, 2022)

Screening Rates in Tennessee: The colorectal cancer screening rate among LGBTQ individuals in Tennessee was 29.9% compared to 69.1% for the state population in 2018. (Gornick et al., 2018)

Combined Screening Rates: Adults 50 years and older had colorectal cancer screening rates of 71.8% for gay/lesbian individuals, 62.7% for straight individuals, and 53.2% for bisexual individuals. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Racial Disparities

Rates of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Minority Groups: People from racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to have regular colorectal cancer screenings than White individuals. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Progress and Challenges: Despite some progress in reducing the gap between Black and White patients, much work remains to address disparities. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Highest Overall Death Rate: Black patients have the highest overall death rate from cancer among all racial and ethnic groups. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Increased Risk: Black Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Death Rate Comparison: 1 in 46 Black males will die from colorectal cancer, compared with 1 in 55 White males. Similarly, 1 in 51 Black females will die from colorectal cancer, compared with 1 in 59 White females. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Late-stage Diagnosis: Black Americans are more often diagnosed with distant (late) stage disease. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Clinical Trials Representation: 90% of pivotal clinical trials for FDA-approved therapeutics between 2015–2021 lacked adequate representation of Black patients. (National Institutes of Health, 2022)

Early Detection Disparity: Black individuals are 38% less likely to have an early detection test ordered on the same day as the initial appointment and 50% less likely to have a colonoscopy within 1 year of the initial health care visit. (Gornick et al., 2018)

Emergency Surgery: Black patients are more likely to undergo emergency surgery compared to non-Hispanic White patients. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Non-Adherence to Guidelines: Black patients are more likely to not receive guideline-adherent care due to lack of health insurance. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Quality of Life: Black cancer survivors report poorer quality of life and physical and mental health compared to White survivors. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Highest Incidence in Alaska: AI/AN individuals residing in Alaska had the highest incidence of colorectal cancer between 2014 and 2018 compared to any other U.S. racial population. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

Young AI/AN Rates: Rates of colorectal cancer in AI/AN males younger than 50 are highest in the Northern Plains; rates for AI/AN females younger than 50 are highest in Alaska. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

Overall AI/AN Rates: Rates of colorectal cancer in AI/AN males older than 50 and for AI/AN females in all age groups are highest in Alaska. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

Common Diagnosis: Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among all AI/AN men and women, but the second most commonly diagnosed among Alaska Native men and women. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

Non-declining Mortality Rates: AI/AN populations are the only racial and ethnic group for which CRC mortality rates are not declining. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Early-Onset CRC: The steepest increase in early-onset CRC is among non-Hispanic White and AI/AN populations. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Screening Center Access: Counties with persistent adult poverty in 594 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes were 53% less likely to have a cancer screening center within 200 miles. (Gornick et al., 2018)

Screening Rates: Less than 50% of Asian Americans are up-to-date with screening; however, this rate may vary drastically among subgroups. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Lowest Screening Rates: Screening rates are lowest among Asian Americans under the age of 50 compared to other racial/ethnic groups. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Common Diagnosis: Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among South Asian American males. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Patient-Provider Communication: Asian adults who reported lower quality of patient-provider communication were 26% less likely to receive recommended colorectal cancer screening compared to non-Hispanic White adults. (National Institutes of Health, 2022)

Screening Barriers: The Hispanic community faces barriers to screening, including language and cultural obstacles. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Leading Cause of Death: Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in Hispanic men and women. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Early-Onset CRC: Latinos between 20 and 29 have among the highest increases in distant-stage, early-onset colorectal cancer. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Increasing Incidence: The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer has increased the most in the Hispanic population, with a 5.8% annual increase compared to a 1.6% increase in the White population. (Siegel et al., 2023)

High Risk: Ashkenazi Jews have one of the highest colorectal cancer risks of any ethnic group in the world. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Cancer Burden: The LGBTQ+ community carries a disproportionate cancer burden. (American Cancer Society, 2023)

Transgender Screening Rates: Transgender individuals are significantly less likely to be screened for breast and colorectal cancer compared with cisgender individuals. (National Institutes of Health, 2022)

Screening Rates in Tennessee: The colorectal cancer screening rate among LGBTQ individuals in Tennessee was 29.9% compared to 69.1% for the state population in 2018. (Gornick et al., 2018)

Combined Screening Rates: Adults 50 years and older had colorectal cancer screening rates of 71.8% for gay/lesbian individuals, 62.7% for straight individuals, and 53.2% for bisexual individuals. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Socioeconomic Disparities

Insurance Impact: Uninsured individuals were 60% less likely to be up to date with colorectal cancer screening and 47% less likely to receive a follow-up colonoscopy compared to those with private insurance. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Insurance Gaps: Patients with gaps in health insurance coverage had lower screening rates for colorectal cancer. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Poverty Impact: Among patients with liver metastases, those in high-poverty counties were 18% less likely to receive liver surgery to remove metastases. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Neighborhood Disadvantage: Residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods had a 22% higher mortality rate for all cancers combined compared to those in advantaged neighborhoods. (National Institutes of Health, 2022)

Unhoused Veterans: Unhoused veterans were more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at an advanced stage compared to those with housing (22% vs. 19%). (Gornick et al., 2018)

Redlined Neighborhoods: Patients in historically redlined neighborhoods in Indiana had a higher risk of advanced-stage cancer diagnosis compared to those in non-redlined neighborhoods. (Gornick et al., 2018)

Social Vulnerability: Residents in high social vulnerability index (SVI) counties were 28% less likely to undergo colorectal cancer screening compared to those in low-SVI counties. (National Institutes of Health, 2022)

Immigrant Screening: Individuals who immigrated to the U.S. within the past 15 years were 21% less likely to be up to date with colorectal cancer screening compared to U.S.-born individuals. (Siegel et al., 2023)

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Socioeconomic Disparities

Insurance Impact: Uninsured individuals were 60% less likely to be up to date with colorectal cancer screening and 47% less likely to receive a follow-up colonoscopy compared to those with private insurance. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Insurance Gaps: Patients with gaps in health insurance coverage had lower screening rates for colorectal cancer. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Poverty Impact: Among patients with liver metastases, those in high-poverty counties were 18% less likely to receive liver surgery to remove metastases. (Siegel et al., 2023)

Neighborhood Disadvantage: Residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods had a 22% higher mortality rate for all cancers combined compared to those in advantaged neighborhoods. (National Institutes of Health, 2022)

Unhoused Veterans: Unhoused veterans were more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at an advanced stage compared to those with housing (22% vs. 19%). (Gornick et al., 2018)

Redlined Neighborhoods: Patients in historically redlined neighborhoods in Indiana had a higher risk of advanced-stage cancer diagnosis compared to those in non-redlined neighborhoods. (Gornick et al., 2018)

Social Vulnerability: Residents in high social vulnerability index (SVI) counties were 28% less likely to undergo colorectal cancer screening compared to those in low-SVI counties. (National Institutes of Health, 2022)

Immigrant Screening: Individuals who immigrated to the U.S. within the past 15 years were 21% less likely to be up to date with colorectal cancer screening compared to U.S.-born individuals. (Siegel et al., 2023)

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