Incidence Colorectal cancer generally occurs in 1 out of every 20 individuals at some point in their lifetimes. Approximately 150,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in this country. Colorectal cancer causes about 56,000 deaths a year in the United States, although this number appears to have been declining over the past two decades. When colorectal cancer is detected early, survival rates are much higher. Since these statistics are based on patients who were treated 5 years ago, patients currently undergoing treatment may show higher survival rates due to more effective detection and treatment methods.
Most professionals believe that colorectal cancer develops gradually over a period of years.
Cells change from a precancerous state to a cancerous state during this time. Thus it is essential that patients undergo screening for early detection of precancerous conditions. Find an oncologist near you. Join a live chat or threaded forum. CHAT Chat with Dr. Duvivier in our Oncology chatroom.