Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the U.S when men and women are combined. In 2024, an estimated 152,810 cases of colorectal cancer are expected to be diagnosed and an estimated 53,010 deaths from colorectal cancer are expected to occur. The real tragedy is that many of these cancer cases and cancer deaths occur needlessly, as they could be prevented if more people took advantage of colorectal cancer screening.

Screening and early detection saves lives. When colorectal cancer is diagnosed at the localized stage, the 5 year survival rate is 91% and of course, many people live much longer than 5 years (and many are cured). Unfortunately, only 1 in 3 cases are diagnosed at this localized stage. If the cancer is not detected until late stage, the 5 year survival rates drops to 14%.

Furthermore, the disease can be prevented through the early identification and removal of pre-cancerous polyps, detectable only through colorectal cancer screenings. It is critical, therefore, that barriers to screening be eliminated.

Guidelines from most major screening organizations recommend that all men and women at average risk for colorectal cancer get screened, by at least age 45 by choosing one of several screening options.