Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer

Globally greater than 1 million people get colorectal cancer yearly resulting in about 0.5 million deaths. As of 2008 it is the second most common cause of cancer in women and the third most common in men with it being the fourth most common cause of cancer death after lung, stomach, and liver cancer. It is more common in developed than developing countries.

Based on rates from 2007-2009, 4.96% of US men and women born today will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer during their lifetime. From 2005-2009, the median age at diagnosis for cancer of the colon and rectum in the US was 69 years of age. Approximately 0.1% were diagnosed under age 20; 1.1% between 20 and 34; 4.0% between 35 and 44; 13.4% between 45 and 54; 20.4% between 55 and 64; 24.0% between 65 and 74; 25.0% between 75 and 84; and 12.0% 85+ years of age. Rates are higher among males (54 per 100,000 c.f. 40 per 100,000 for females). Globally incidences vary 10-fold with highest rates in the Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the US and lowest rates in Africa and South-Central Asia.