Colorectal cancer in Canada

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Colorectal cancer develops in the cell lining of the colon and rectum. Cells may form benign (non-cancerous) growths called polyps. Over a period of years, a series of DNA mutations can occur, leading polyps to become malignant (cancerous).

The data ^{Footnote 1},^{Footnote 2}

• Colorectal cancer is the 3^rd most common cancer in Canada
• 93% of cases occur in adults aged 50+
• About 26,900 Canadians will have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2020
• 1 in 14 men will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime
• 1 in 18 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime

Risk factors include^{Footnote *}

• Aging
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking tobacco
• Alcohol intake
• Overweight or obesity
• Diet high in processed meat, or red meat
• Family history
• Colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease

Screening and detection ^{Footnote 2},^{Footnote 3}

• 47% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed early in their development, at Stage I and II
• The probability of surviving colorectal cancer at least five years after diagnosis is about 65% in Canada

Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for average-risk adults aged 50 to 74 years.

The screening guidelines above are available from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

Notes:

Statistics for lifetime probability, stage and survival exclude Quebec. Stage statistics include individuals aged 18 to 79 years at diagnosis and survival statistics include individuals aged 15 to 99 years at diagnosis. Unless specified, statistics include all stages combined.

Learn more about colorectal cancer:

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Health, 2020 | Cat.: HP35-83/2-2020E-PDF | ISBN: 978-0-660-35269-5 | Pub.: 200097