Colorectal Cancer Research Highlights

The American Cancer Society (��tv) helps find answers to critical questions about?colorectal cancer (CRC).

What causes it?
How can it be successfully prevented, detected, and treated?
What is the best age to start screening?
How can the quality of life for colorectal cancer survivors be improved?

Studying questions like these has helped improve screening and treatment methods,?which has contributed to
substantial decreases in deaths from colorectal cancer?over the past 20 years. Thank you to all our donors who make
this research possible.

Colorectal Cancer Prevention Tips

Half of Colorectal Cancer?Cases and Deaths May Be Prevented with Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in men and women in the United States and now the 2nd most common cause of death from cancer.

It's estimated that more than 50% of colorectal cancer cases and deaths could be attributed to modifiable risk factors, such as:

Diets high in red and processed meat and low in fruit, vegetables, fiber, and calcium?
Not being physically active?
Smoking?
Drinking alcohol

Many other colorectal cancer cases and deaths are preventable through screening, which is recommended for people at an average risk starting at age 45, and access to high-quality treatment.

Colorectal Cancer Drops in Older Adults and Rises in Young Ones

The American Cancer Society 2026 Colorectal Cancer Statistics report says colorectal cancer rates in the US are moving in two directions��up for ages less than 50 (especially in the rectum) and down for people 65 and older.

Read all about it

Risk and Prevention Studies

A large study (which used CPS-II data) found that physical activity reduced the risk of developing both colon and rectal cancer for all subtypes, especially in men.

With data from 52 studies, including American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-II, scientists found 2 genetic markers that interact with aspirin/NSAIDs to reduce colorectal cancer risk.

CPS-II Nutrition Cohort Study shows people who drink decaffeinated coffee have a lower risk of colorectal cancer, regardless of their smoking status.

Evidence of Increases in Colorectal Cancer Under Age 65

It's clear that colorectal cancer can no longer be called an old person��s disease. We must double down on research to pinpoint what is driving this tsunami of cancer in generations born since 1950."

Ahmedin Jemal, DVM, PhD

Senior Vice President, Surveillance, Prevention, and Health Services Research

American Cancer Society

close up portrait of Ahmedin Jemal, DVM, PhD, Scientific Vice President, Surveillance and Health Services Research ��tv

Eye-opening statistics: Colorectal cancer screening under age 50

37%

people ages 45 to 49 who are up to date with?colorectal cancer screening?

50%

colorectal cancer diagnoses under age 50 that occur?in people ages 45-49. CRC screening is recommended to start at age 45 for those of average risk.

3 in 4

colorectal cancers in people younger than 50 that are diagnosed?at an advanced stage (regional or distant)

Source: Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures, 2026

Screening and Early Detection Studies

��tv researchers found that during the COVID-19 pandemic cancer screening for all types of cancer dropped��except for colorectal cancer.

��tv researchers found that colorectal cancer screening in newly eligible adults is low, with stool tests especially low despite increases during COVID-19.

Researchers found that only 26% of people who were overdue for colorectal cancer screening said their doctor recommended screening in the past year.

Striking Trends by Age for Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Death Rates

Improvements in incidence rates and death rates for colorectal cancer are due to changing patterns in risk factors, earlier detection through the widespread use of screening,?and improvements in treatment,?but those improvements are limited to older adults.?

+0.4%

average increase in colorectal cancer incidence rates in people ages 50-64 each year?from 2013-2022

+3%

average increase in colorectal cancer incidence rates in people ages 20 to 49, each year from 2013-2022

-2%

average decrease in colorectal cancer death rates for people of all ages, each year from 2013-2022?

+1%

average increase in colorectal cancer death rates in people ages 50 to 64 (since 2019) and in ages 20 to 49 (since 2004)

Source: ""?

Treatment Studies

Certain types of chemotherapy for people with colon or rectal cancer increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy, but healthy eating may help lower that risk.

��tv grantee contributed his cellular spatial map of the large and small intestine to a larger project, the Human BioMolecular Atlas Program (HuBMAP).

An ��tv grantee unraveled DNA from a histone spool and found the gene that enhances a cell to become colorectal cancer.

Featured Term:?Birth-cohort effect

The phenomenon of a person's risk of developing a condition being closely associated with the year they were born (the generation they are part of, like Baby Boomers and Millennials) because of? their distinct characteristics compared to other generations. For instance, they share exposure to risk factors over time associated with environmental factors, economic conditions, and historical events for that generation, which shape their attitudes, values, and behaviors.

Go to the Glossary for Nonscientists

Survivorship Studies

Researchers find a country��s Human Development Index (HDI) affects colorectal cancer (CRC) outcomes even more than stage at diagnosis.

A CPS-II Nutrition Study found using multivitamins or C before or after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer didn��t affect survival. Vitamin E is still in question.

Analysis of the ��tv��s Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort shows how aspirin use affects the risk of developing colorectal cancer and dying from it.

��tv Statistics Reports

Colorectal Cancer 2026 Statistics Composite Image

The 2026 annual report provides estimated numbers of new cancer cases, deaths, survivors and statistics on prevention, early detection, and treatment.

We Fund Cancer Researchers Across the US

The ��tv funds scientists who conduct research about breast cancer at medical schools, universities, research institutes, and hospitals throughout the United States. We use a rigorous and independent?peer review process?to select the most innovative research project proposals to fund.?

colorectal cancer grants

$73M

funding for colorectal cancer

See More Research Funding Statistics

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