Colorectal Cancer Will Kill 52,550 People in the United States in 2023

In a recent study published by the American Cancer Society (ACS) journal, CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, researchers collected data and statistics and developed projections for the rest of the year. Based on the data collected, ACS estimates that colorectal cancer will kill 52,550 people in the United States throughout 2023. Additionally, the information gathered suggests that there will be 153,020 colorectal cancer diagnoses in the US in 2023.

According to the publication, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the US. Beyond being the third most likely cancer diagnosis, it is also the second leading cause of all cancer-related death. Considering the impact of this illness, the ACS updates its colorectal cancer statistics every three years.

The study examined colorectal cancer statistics between 1995 and 2019 from multiple registries and the National Center for Health Statistics.

It projected that, of the 152,020 new colorectal cancer diagnoses, 56% would be in adults 65 and older. Additionally, 32% of the total incidences will be in adults between 50 and 64. Finally, 13% of diagnoses will be labeled as early onset since they will be diagnosed in individuals under 50. Early onset colorectal cancer patients will also amount to 7% of the deaths in 2023.

The data found that early-onset colorectal cancer cases in individuals under 55 have risen by 1–2% annually since 1995. The incidence rate in those under 55 was 11% in 1995 and grew to 20% by 2019, causing clinicians to question the rising rates in this patient population.

“In summary, despite continued overall declines, CRC is rapidly shifting to diagnosis at a younger age, at a more advanced stage, and in the left colon/rectum. Progress against CRC could be accelerated by uncovering the etiology of rising incidence in generations born since 1950 and increasing access to high-quality screening and treatment among all populations, especially Native Americans,” concluded researchers in the publication.

While the ACS study did not look into potential causes, Mohamedtaki Tejani, MD, oncologist and director of GI Oncology at Advent Health, told LifeSciencesIntelligence in a 2022 interview that the trend is a western phenomenon, suggesting that the increased number of early-onset cases is associated with dietary and lifestyle factors. Regardless of the cause, these statistics indicate that increased research on colorectal cancer, its causes, diagnostic tools, and treatments is necessary.