How common is colorectal cancer?

Colon cancer or colorectal cancer (CRC) are important conditions that can affect anyone. Who is at risk and how common is the condition are important questions. Raising our concern are reports that colon cancer rates are actually increasing in younger populations. So here is a little perspective

Some statistics

In the United States, colon cancer is the third most common cancer.

Estimates for 2025:

Studies suggest that there will be 154,270 new CRC cases – with 107,320 affecting the colon and 46,950 affecting the rectum.

The incidence of colon cancer in individuals younger than 50 years of age, was noted to rise by 2.4% per year from 2012 to 2021. No one knows why

• Mortality  (deaths)
  • Estimates for 2025: Approximately 52,900 deaths from CRC are anticipated.
  • Death rates from CRC have been dropping for several decades in older adults, likely due to increased screening, earlier detection, and improved treatments.
  • Individuals under 55, death rates have been increasing by about 1% per year since the mid-2000s.

The good news!!!

Colon cancer is completely preventable. Current guidelines recommend colonoscopy at age 45….

However, anyone with symptoms of blood in stool, anemia (low blood count), unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or severe constipation should be evaluated by their doctor

In our center, we often screen patients in their 20s and 30 s colonoscopy if they have these warning symptoms.

How do We Lower Risk (besides colonoscopy)

In addition to colonoscopy, we recommend several additional preventive measures to lower risk

There is a growing body of research exploring the role of the gut microbiome, micro-nutrients, natural supplements, lifestyle and other factors associated with cancer risk

We put this all together for you – a very organized program to take advantage of any early testing that may help us reduce cancer risk.

We call this the Polyp Prevention Program – a proactive approach to lowering colon cancer risk. This program involves medical testing, nutrition assessment and functional medicine.

For the person who wants to do more … there are actions we can take right now to lower risk.

Best of health

Dr. Lyday