Colorectal cancer facts
Fewer Americans are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer now than over the last few decades. But the disease still occurs with troubling frequency:
Rate of colorectal cancer
Rates for U.S. population. Data from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Source: National Cancer Institute, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program.- Colorectal cancer rates are increasing common among Americans younger than 50 years old.
- It is the third most common cancer in the U.S. More than 132,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year. About 50,000 Americans die from it annually.
- A person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer escalates after age 40.
- Males are at greater risk than females.
- Other risk factors: family history, obesity, tobacco use, radiation, asbestos, alcohol consumption and processed and red meat consumption.
Prevention tips
- Have a colonoscopy regularly; the physician will remove polyps, which are sometimes cancerous or precancerous.
- Maintain a healthy weight through exercise and a nutritious diet low in processed and red meats and high in fruits and vegetables.
- Don’t smoke and if you do drink, do so in moderation.
- Eat foods rich in vitamin D and calcium. Remember, dietary supplements don’t show the same protective effects as complex foods.
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