Facts About Colorectal Cancer

Did you know? Colorectal cancer, cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.—but it’s also one of the most preventable with early screening.

How Does It Start?
Most colorectal cancers begin as small growths called polyps on the inside of the colon or rectum. Not all polyps are dangerous, but some can slowly turn into cancer over several years. If a polyp becomes cancerous, it can grow into the walls of the colon or rectum and spread to other parts of the body through blood and lymph vessels.

Colorectal Cancer by the Numbers
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2025, doctors expect to diagnose:

• 107,320 new cases of colon cancer

• 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer

The good news? Overall, colorectal cancer rates have dropped since the 1980s thanks to better screening and healthier lifestyle choices. However, cases in people under 50 have been rising by about 2.4% per year since 2012.

The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is:

• 1 in 24 for men

• 1 in 26 for women

Your personal risk depends on family history, genetics and lifestyle choices.

What Increases Your Risk?
Some risk factors are out of your control, such as age, race, ethnicity, birth sex and family history, but others you can change.

• Diet: Eating lots of red and processed meats (like beef, pork, lamb, hot dogs and deli meats) increases risk.

• Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can increase your chances of getting colorectal cancer - Men should stick to two drinks or less per day, and women should have no more than one.

• Obesity: Being overweight not only increases your risk but also makes it more dangerous if you do develop the disease.

Screening Saves Lives
What is the best way to prevent colorectal cancer? Get screened. Since this cancer grows slowly, doctors can find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends regular screenings starting at age 45 for people at average risk.

• Take control of your health.

• Talk to your doctor about screening options.

• Share this with someone you love.