Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the US. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 146,970 new cases and 49,920 deaths expected in 2009.
About 72% of cases arise in the colon and about 28% in the rectum.

Early Detection
With regular screening, colorectal cancer can be found early, when treatment is most effective. In many cases, screening can prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing polyps before they become cancer. And if cancer is present, earlier detection means a chance at a longer life -- generally, five-year survival rates for colorectal cancer are lower the further advanced the disease is at detection:

• Over 90% of those diagnosed when the cancer is found at a local stage (confined to colon or rectum) survive more than five years.
• Once the cancer is diagnosed at a regional stage (spread to surrounding tissue) that rate drops to 66%.
• When the cancer has also spread to distant sites, only 8.5% of those diagnosed will reach the five-year survival milestone.

Stage at Diagnosis
Unfortunately, the majority of colorectal cancers are not found early (before it has spread):

• 37% of colorectal cancers are found while the cancer is found at a local stage (confined to colon or rectum).
• 37% of colorectal cancers are found after the cancer is diagnosed at a regional stage (spread to surrounding tissue).
• 20% of colorectal cancers are found after the disease has spread to distant organs.

Colorectal Cancer and Age

• Nine in 10 new cases are people 50 or older. However, colorectal cancer does not discriminate and can happen to men and women at any age.

Colorectal Cancer and Ethnicity and Race

• Jews of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) may have a higher rate of colon cancer.
• Partly because of disproportionate screening, African-American men and women have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and a lower survival rate compared to Caucasians, Asians, Hispanics and Native Americans. The risk of death has increased for Native American and Alaskan Natives.

Financial Resources for Colorectal Cancer
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) 2008 colorectal cancer budget was $14 million, compared to $200.8 million for breast and cervical cancer. The National Cancer Institute spent $572.6 million on breast cancer compared to $273.7 million on colorectal cancer research in 2008. Though funding has increased since CCA was founded, there is still a long way to go. You can help by contacting your local Representative.  

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©2009 Colon Cancer Alliance

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