Colorectal Cancer Fact Sheet

Statistics

It is the second leading cause of death from cancer, behind lung cancer, in the United States.
This year, more than 55,000 Americans will die from colorectal cancer.
There are about 140,000 new cases per year.
80 to 90 million Americans (approximately 25 percent of the U.S. population) are considered at risk because of age or other factors.
Despite the perception that it is a "man's disease," colorectal cancer affects women and men with equal frequency.

Characteristics

Most cases of colorectal cancer begin with the development of benign polyps in the colon. These polyps, for reasons still unknown, often turn into cancer, yet rarely produce symptoms.

The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but it appears to be caused by both inherited and environmental factors. Some data suggest diets high in fat increase the chances of developing the disease, while diets containing adequate amounts of fruit, vegetables and fiber appear to reduce the risk. Lifestyle factors-such as cigarette smoking, sedentary lifestyle and obesity-also may increase the risk of developing the disease.

Men and women develop colorectal cancer in almost equal numbers, despite a general misconception that colorectal cancer is a "man's" disease. Everyone age 50 and over is considered at average risk for the disease. High-risk groups include those with a family history of colorectal neoplasia (cancer or polyps), and a personal history of colorectal neoplasia or an inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

As with all cancers, colorectal cancer progresses in stages. In its earliest stages, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and curable cancers, with predictions of a 95 percent chance for a fiveyear survival in stage I, as opposed to only a 3 percent chance in stage IV.

What's Your Colorectal Cancer IQ?

Some questions may have more than one correct answer. If your answer selection is incorrect, please try again.

1. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer. Where does colorectal cancer rank?

2. Who is considered most at-risk for the disease?

Men age 50+
Women age 50+
Both men and women age 50+

3. What causes colorectal cancer?

Genetics
Environmental factors
Stress

4. How can colorectal cancer be prevented?

Lifestyle modifications
Screening
Both a & b

5. What steps should people take if they are at-risk for colorectal cancer?

Consult a gastroenterologist
Review the Questions and Answers About Colorectal Cancer section offered on this Web site

1. (a) Qualifier: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer, behind lung cancer, in the United States. In fact, estimates from the American Cancer Society predict more than 140,000 new cases of the disease annually and 55,000 deaths each year. Further, 80-90 million people are at-risk for the disease.

2. (c) Qualifier: Although there's a misconception that it's mainly a male disease, anyone over the age of 50 is considered at average risk for colorectal cancer. The incidence of the disease approximately doubles with each decade of a person's life, and men and women are affected almost equally.

3. (a,b) Qualifier: While the exact cause if unknown, it appears genetic factors may determine a person's susceptibility to colorectal cancer, whereas dietary and other environmental factors may determine which at-risk individuals actually go on to develop the disease.

4. (c) Qualifier: Both lifestyle modifications and screening help prevent colorectal cancer. Some data show tha a diet high in fiber and low in fat, as well as regular exercise, appear to reduce the risk. In addition, because this type of cancer, unlike many other types of cancer, exists in a readily detectable, easily curable state for a long time, there is a greater chance it can be detected with screening. Many safe and highly accurate tests are available to detect an early stage cancer or a premalignant polyp and significantly reduce deaths from colorectal cancer.

5. (a,b,c) Qualifier: Asking your gastroenterologist (medical specialist with extensive training in diseases of the digestive tract) about colorectal cancer screening methods, reading the brochure or calling the Foundation for Digestive Health and Nutrition at 1-866-337-FDHN for more information are great ways to start.

The FDHN Colorectal Cancer Education Campaign is made possible by unrestricted educational grants from Beckman Coulter Primary Care Diagnostics, Kellogg Company and Olympus America.