Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the United States and the third leading cause of cancer deaths.¹

What is CRC?

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells originating in either the colon or the rectum.¹
• In 2013, 142,800 Americans were estimated to be diagnosed with CRC; approximately 51,000 were projected to die from the disease.²
• In 2012, approximately 28,700 people were diagnosed with metastatic CRC (advanced stage disease).³

• What are the Symptoms of CRC?

  • The early stages of CRC do not typically cause symptoms.¹
  • In later stages, CRC symptoms include:¹
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of the stool
  • A constant need to evacuate the bowel
  • Blood in the stool
  • Cramping or abdominal pain
  • Unintended weight loss

• What Causes CRC?

  • The specific cause of CRC is unknown.¹
  • Known risk factors for the disease include:¹
  • Age
  • Family history of CRC
  • Physical inactivity
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Long-term smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption

• Who Gets CRC?

  • More than 90 percent of CRC occur in people age 50 and older.¹
  • CRC has been steadily decreasing in people 50 and over, but has actually been increasing in adults under 50. The reasons are unclear, but may reflect increasing rates of obesity and poor diet among younger people.¹
  • The incidence of and mortality from CRC is about 35-40 percent higher in men compared to women.¹
  • There are also differences in CRC incidence and mortality based on ethnicity. For example, about 20 percent more African Americans than whites are diagnosed with CRC each year, and approximately 45 percent more will die of the disease.¹
  • The American Cancer Society recommends CRC screening beginning at age 50 for those who are at average risk of the disease.¹

• What is the Prognosis for People with CRC?

  • More than 90 percent of individuals diagnosed with early stage CRC that has not spread (metastasized) beyond the colon or the rectum survive five years; many live much longer.¹
  • If CRC spreads to distant organs, such as the lungs or the liver, five-year survival declines to 12 percent.¹

• How is CRC Treated?

  • Depending on the stage of cancer and if it has spread to other organs, treatments may be combined or administered sequentially.²
  • Treatments may include the following:²
  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted medicines

• References

  ¹ American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2011-2013. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@epidemiologysurveilance/documents/document/acspc-028323.pdf.

  ² American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Detailed Guide. http://www.cancer.org.

  ³ National Cancer Institute Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results Stat Fact Sheet: http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html#survival