Statistics
1 in 24 men and 1 in 26 women will develop colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer worldwide and the 2nd leading cause of death from cancer. It's estimated that about 55% of colorectal cases and deaths could be attributed to modifiable risk factors. The American Cancer Society reports that 54% of colorectal cancer cases and 55% of deaths have the potential to be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices.
Although there is still significant work to do, progress is being actively made to decrease colorectal cancer rates. This is largely due to seeing an increase in CRC awareness, improvement in screening modalities, and advances in treatments. From 2012 to 2021, incidence rates dropped by about 1% each year. But this downward trend is mostly seen in older adults. In people younger than 50 years of age, rates have increased by 2.4% per year from 2012 to 2021.
The American Cancer Society Facts & Figures 2025 reports that in 2025, there will be an estimated 107,320 (54,510 in men and 52,810 in women) new cases of colon cancer and 46,950 (27,950 in men and 19,000 in women) of rectal cancer diagnosed in the US. 52,900 people will die from these diseases. This includes 19,550 diagnoses and 3,750 deaths in individuals younger than 50 years of age.
According to the American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2025, colorectal cancer incidence rates have increased by about 2.4% annually in people younger than 50 years of age and 0.4% annually in people 50-64 years of age during 2012-2021. The colorectal cancer incidence rate in the US was 33% higher in men (41.5 per 100,000) than in women (31.2 per 100,000) during 2015-2019, likely reflecting differences in risk factor prevalence, such as excess body weight and processed meat consumption.
Significant progress has been made in reducing colorectal cancer rates in the U.S. due to early detection through increased screening, changes in lifestyle factors, and improvements in treatment. However, challenges remain, particularly with rising incidence rates in younger adults and disparities in access to care.
Colorectal cancer is beatable and treatable!
Screening is key to finding colorectal cancer early when it can be prevented, or treatment is less invasive and most successful. The National Cancer Institute reported that the relative survival rate of CRC is 65.4%.
Based on data from SEER 21 (Excluding IL) 2015–2021. Gray figures represent those who have died from colorectal cancer. Green figures represent those who have survived 5 years or more.
For more information on colorectal cancer rates in South Carolina, visit the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s tracking cancer dashboard.
Colorectal cancer in South Carolina
According to the American Cancer Society, this year in South Carolina 2,580 people will hear “you have colorectal cancer.” An estimated 920 deaths will occur from colorectal cancer.
