MAY/JUNE 2020 | Rebecca L. Siegel, MPH; Kimberly D. Miller, MPH; Ann Goding Sauer, MSPH; Stacey A. Fedewa, PhD; Lynn F. Butterly, MD; Joseph C. Anderson, MD; Andrea Cercek, MD; Robert A. Smith, PhD; Ahmedin Jemal, DVM, PhD
In 2020, approximately 147,950 new colorectal cancer (CRC) cases and 53,200 deaths are expected in the United States, with 17,930 cases and 3,640 deaths in individuals under 50. CRC incidence rates varied by race and ethnicity, with the highest rates in non-Hispanic blacks (45.7 per 100,000) and the lowest in Asian/Pacific Islanders (30.0 per 100,000). Mortality rates declined for those aged 65 and older but increased for those under 50. Black individuals had the only decreasing trend in mortality among those under 50. CRC incidence in those under 50 increased by 2% annually, driven by non-Hispanic whites. CRC screening prevalence among adults aged 50 and older was 66% in 2018. CRC screening rates varied by state, with higher rates in states like Massachusetts and lower in Alaska. CRC incidence in those under 50 increased due to factors like diet and lifestyle changes. CRC mortality rates declined overall, but disparities by race and geography persisted. Black individuals had higher mortality rates than non-Hispanic whites. Survival rates for CRC depend on the stage at diagnosis, with localized disease having the highest survival rates. Survival rates for those under 50 were similar to those aged 50-64. CRC survival has improved over the past few decades due to better treatment, imaging techniques, and earlier detection through screening. However, the proportion of cases diagnosed at a localized stage has only slightly increased. CRC incidence and mortality trends are influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and screening. Efforts to reduce CRC disparities include promoting healthier lifestyles and ensuring equitable access to high-quality healthcare. Research is needed to understand the rising incidence of CRC in young and middle-aged adults and to improve treatment options for those with difficult-to-treat tumor subtypes.In 2020, approximately 147,950 new colorectal cancer (CRC) cases and 53,200 deaths are expected in the United States, with 17,930 cases and 3,640 deaths in individuals under 50. CRC incidence rates varied by race and ethnicity, with the highest rates in non-Hispanic blacks (45.7 per 100,000) and the lowest in Asian/Pacific Islanders (30.0 per 100,000). Mortality rates declined for those aged 65 and older but increased for those under 50. Black individuals had the only decreasing trend in mortality among those under 50. CRC incidence in those under 50 increased by 2% annually, driven by non-Hispanic whites. CRC screening prevalence among adults aged 50 and older was 66% in 2018. CRC screening rates varied by state, with higher rates in states like Massachusetts and lower in Alaska. CRC incidence in those under 50 increased due to factors like diet and lifestyle changes. CRC mortality rates declined overall, but disparities by race and geography persisted. Black individuals had higher mortality rates than non-Hispanic whites. Survival rates for CRC depend on the stage at diagnosis, with localized disease having the highest survival rates. Survival rates for those under 50 were similar to those aged 50-64. CRC survival has improved over the past few decades due to better treatment, imaging techniques, and earlier detection through screening. However, the proportion of cases diagnosed at a localized stage has only slightly increased. CRC incidence and mortality trends are influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and screening. Efforts to reduce CRC disparities include promoting healthier lifestyles and ensuring equitable access to high-quality healthcare. Research is needed to understand the rising incidence of CRC in young and middle-aged adults and to improve treatment options for those with difficult-to-treat tumor subtypes.