Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer: treatments, trials & survival

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer. Learn about screening, treatment options, and the latest clinical trials for colon and rectal cancers.

New Cases (2024)
152,810
5-Yr Survival
65.1%
Annual Deaths
53,010
Trend
Increasing in younger adults
See active trials

About Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer. Learn about screening, treatment options, and the latest clinical trials for colon and rectal cancers.

According to the National Cancer Institute’s SEER database, an estimated 152,810 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2024, with approximately 53,010 deaths. The overall 5-year relative survival rate is 65.1%.

Source: NCI SEER Data: 1975–2022

Treatment options

Current treatment approaches for colorectal cancer depend on the stage at diagnosis, tumor characteristics, and the patient’s overall health. The most common options include:

1
Surgery (Colectomy)
2
Chemotherapy (FOLFOX, FOLFIRI)
3
Radiation Therapy
4
Targeted Therapy (Bevacizumab, Cetuximab)
5
Immunotherapy (MSI-H/dMMR)
6
Ablation

Treatment recommendations should always be discussed with a qualified oncologist. The options listed above are based on current clinical guidelines and may vary case by case.

Stages

Staging describes the extent of cancer in the body and is crucial for planning the most appropriate treatment:

Stage 0 Stage I Stage II Stage III Stage IV

Known risk factors

Understanding risk factors can support prevention and early detection. Known risk factors for this cancer include:

Age
Inflammatory bowel disease
Family history
Lynch syndrome
Diet low in fiber
Obesity
Smoking

Not sure where to start?

A patient navigator familiar with colorectal cancer can help you understand your options and connect you with top US hospitals. Free & confidential.

Active clinical trials

Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge treatments not yet widely available. The trials below are sourced in real time from ClinicalTrials.gov:

Frequently asked questions

The 5-year relative survival rate for colorectal cancer is 65.1%. When found at an early localized stage, the rate is 91%.
The American Cancer Society recommends regular screening starting at age 45 for people at average risk. Those with higher risk factors may need to start earlier.
Immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab and nivolumab are effective for colorectal cancers with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) status.
Research is ongoing, but factors may include changes in diet, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and microbiome alterations. Cases in people under 50 have been rising for several decades.
You’re not alone

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