Colorectal Cancer Statistics in US 2026 | Key Facts

Colorectal Cancer in the US 2026

Colorectal cancer in the United States has reached a critical juncture, marked by both encouraging overall progress and alarming trends among younger populations. As of January 2026, colorectal cancer stands as the fourth most common cancer in both men and women, excluding certain skin cancers, and represents the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths nationwide. The American Cancer Society projects that in 2026, approximately 108,860 new cases of colon cancer and 49,990 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed, totaling 158,850 new colorectal cancer diagnoses. Most significantly, the disease is expected to cause approximately 55,230 deaths during 2026, maintaining its position as the second most common cause of cancer deaths when men and women are combined. While death rates have declined approximately 1.5% annually among older adults over the past decade due to improved screening and treatment, younger adults have experienced the opposite trend.

The most alarming development in colorectal cancer statistics for 2026 is that colorectal cancer has officially become the leading cause of cancer deaths among people younger than 50 in the United States, according to groundbreaking research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on January 22, 2026. This milestone occurred seven years earlier than projected, with colorectal cancer mortality rates in this age group climbing by 1% annually since 2005—the only major cancer whose death rate increased while overall cancer mortality in people under 50 dropped by 44% since 1990. In 1990, colorectal cancer was the fifth-leading cause of cancer deaths in all people younger than 50; by 2023, it claimed the number one position. Currently, one in five (or 20%) of all colorectal cancer diagnoses occur in people younger than 55, double the 11% rate observed in 1995. This dramatic shift has prompted urgent calls for increased screening awareness, earlier detection efforts, and intensive research to understand the biological and environmental factors driving this epidemic among younger Americans.

Key Colorectal Cancer Facts and Latest Statistics in the US 2025-2026

Data Source: American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2026; CDC U.S. Cancer Statistics Colorectal Cancer Stat Bite (June 2025); SEER Cancer Stat Facts (2025); JAMA Study (January 22, 2026)

The comprehensive colorectal cancer statistics for the US 2025-2026 reveal a disease that remains among the most common and deadly cancers despite significant advances in prevention and treatment. The projected 158,850 new diagnoses in 2026 represent a substantial burden, with colon cancer accounting for 68.5% (108,860 cases) and rectal cancer comprising 31.5% (49,990 cases). Men face slightly higher risk, with 84,160 projected cases compared to 74,690 in women, translating to approximately 1 in 24 men and 1 in 26 women developing colorectal cancer during their lifetimes. The incidence rate of 37.1 per 100,000 population, based on 2018-2022 data, has been falling on average 0.7% each year from 2013-2022 among the overall population, primarily driven by dramatic declines in adults aged 65 and older who benefit most from increased screening adoption.

However, the death rate of 12.9 per 100,000 population masks critical age-related disparities, with mortality rates falling 1.3% annually from 2014-2023 overall while increasing approximately 1% per year since the mid-2000s among adults under age 55. The 55,230 projected deaths in 2026 underscore that despite screening effectiveness and treatment advances, colorectal cancer continues exacting an enormous toll on American families. The fact that colorectal cancer has become the #1 cause of cancer death in people younger than 50—a position reached in 2023, seven years ahead of when researchers projected this would occur—represents perhaps the most urgent public health concern in cancer epidemiology today. The 20% of diagnoses occurring in people under 55 as of 2019, compared to just 11% in 1995, demonstrates a fundamental shift in disease demographics that demands reevaluation of screening guidelines, heightened clinical suspicion in younger patients presenting with symptoms, and accelerated research into causative factors.

Colorectal Cancer Incidence by Age Group in the US 2013-2022

Data Source: American Cancer Society Key Statistics (2026); SEER Incidence Data 2013-2022; PMC Colorectal Cancer in Younger Adults Review; Lancet Oncology (December 2024)

Age-specific colorectal cancer incidence patterns in the US 2013-2022 demonstrate a stark generational divide, with younger Americans experiencing alarming increases while older adults benefit from declining rates. Among adults under age 50, colorectal cancer incidence has risen 2.9% annually from 2013-2022, a trend that began in the mid-1990s when rates were approximately 8.6 per 100,000 and have since climbed to 12.9 per 100,000 by 2018—representing a nearly 50% increase over approximately two and a half decades. Currently, 10-12% of all colorectal cancer cases occur in adults younger than 50, and when the age threshold is extended to 55, fully 20% of diagnoses fall into this younger category. This represents a doubling from 1995, when only 11% of cases occurred in people under 55.

The increase among young adults aged 20-39 has been particularly dramatic, with rates rising 2% annually since the mid-1990s—a sustained, three-decade trend affecting individuals in the prime of their lives. Adults aged 40-49 have similarly experienced rising incidence, with concerning research revealing that one in four patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at ages 40-49 met criteria for earlier screening based on family history, and of these, nearly all (98.4%) should have undergone screening prior to their diagnosis. Adults aged 50-64 have seen modest but still concerning increases of 0.4% annually, suggesting that the rising tide of young-onset disease is beginning to affect the traditional screening-age population as these cohorts age into their 50s and 60s.

In stark contrast, adults aged 65 and older—the population with highest absolute incidence—have experienced declining rates, benefiting most from the widespread adoption of colonoscopy screening that began expanding in the 1990s and accelerated in the 2000s. About 35% of colorectal cancers in older adults are diagnosed at a localized stage, when the cancer has not spread beyond the colon or rectum and is most treatable, compared to only 26% of cases in adults under 50 diagnosed at localized stage. Conversely, 60-75% of young adult cases are diagnosed at regional or distant stages, meaning the cancer has already spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs, dramatically reducing survival rates and treatment options. This later-stage presentation in younger adults results from multiple factors: delayed diagnosis because neither patients nor physicians consider colorectal cancer likely in younger individuals, attribution of symptoms to more common benign conditions, and potentially more aggressive tumor biology in early-onset disease.

Colorectal Cancer by Stage at Diagnosis in the US 2017-2022

Data Source: CDC U.S. Cancer Statistics Colorectal Cancer Stat Bite (2025); SEER 5-Year Survival Data 2015-2021; American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2023-2025

Stage at diagnosis represents the single most important factor determining colorectal cancer survival outcomes, with dramatic differences between localized disease detected through screening and advanced cancers that have metastasized. Overall, 34.2% of colorectal cancers are diagnosed at the localized stage, when the tumor is confined to the wall of the colon or rectum without spread to lymph nodes or distant sites, and these patients enjoy an excellent 91.5% five-year relative survival rate. This high survival for early-stage disease—meaning that more than 9 out of 10 people diagnosed with localized colorectal cancer are still alive five years later—demonstrates why screening is so critical for reducing mortality.

Regional stage disease, where cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, tissues, or organs but has not metastasized to distant parts of the body, now represents the most common presentation at diagnosis, accounting for 38-40% of cases. This represents a concerning crossover that occurred over the past decade: historically, localized stage was most common, but declining incidence of localized-stage disease (as screening removes precancerous polyps before they become cancer) combined with increasing regional-stage incidence of 2-3% annually in people younger than 50 since circa 2010 has shifted the distribution. Regional stage carries an approximate 73% five-year survival rate, substantially lower than localized disease but still offering meaningful treatment opportunities.

Distant stage colorectal cancer, meaning the cancer has spread (metastasized) to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneum, accounts for 20-25% of diagnoses and carries a grim prognosis with only 14-16% five-year survival. The fact that distant-stage disease is increasing by 0.5-3% annually in people younger than 65 since 2010 is particularly alarming, as these patients face limited treatment options and substantially reduced life expectancy. The overall five-year relative survival rate of 65% for all stages combined represents significant progress from the 50% rate observed in the mid-1970s, reflecting advances in surgical techniques, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. However, survival rates differ dramatically by age, race, and ethnicity: survival ranges from 70% in adults ages 50-64 to 60% in adults 65 and older, and from 67% in Asian American/Pacific Islander individuals to 60% in Black individuals, reflecting disparities in access to care, stage at diagnosis, comorbid conditions, and potentially tumor biology.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Colorectal Cancer in the US 2015-2023

Data Source: CDC U.S. Cancer Statistics by Race/Ethnicity 2022-2023; American Cancer Society Cancer Statistics 2025; SEER Colorectal Cancer Stat Facts; American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2023-2025

Racial and ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer represent one of the most persistent and troubling inequities in American oncology, with Non-Hispanic Black Americans experiencing both the highest incidence rates and highest mortality rates of any racial or ethnic group. Black Americans are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with distant-stage disease (25% of cases) compared to White Americans (21%) or Asian American/Pacific Islander individuals (19%), directly contributing to their lower survival rates. The five-year relative survival for Black individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer is 60%, substantially below the 67% survival observed in Asian American/Pacific Islander populations and the overall national average of 65%.

American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) people face the highest overall cancer mortality of any racial or ethnic group, with colorectal cancer representing a particularly devastating burden alongside cancers of the kidney, liver, lung, stomach, and cervix. For AIAN populations, colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, reflecting the intersection of limited healthcare access in many tribal communities, lower screening rates, socioeconomic barriers, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation. The disproportionate impact on AIAN communities demands culturally tailored interventions, expanded Indian Health Service capacity for screening and treatment, and sustained federal investment in tribal health infrastructure.

Screening rate disparities perpetuate these inequities, with Asian Americans having the lowest colorectal cancer screening rate at only 50%—far below the 59% overall national rate and even further from the 80% screening goal championed by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable. Asian American populations also include highly heterogeneous subgroups with varying cancer risks, screening rates, and health outcomes that are often masked when data are aggregated. Hispanic/Latino populations demonstrate intermediate incidence and mortality rates but face substantial barriers including language access, immigration status concerns affecting healthcare utilization, lower rates of health insurance coverage, and geographic barriers in rural or underserved communities.

Gender disparities persist across all racial and ethnic groups, with males experiencing higher colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates than females. Men are diagnosed with approximately 84,160 colorectal cancers in 2026 compared to 74,690 in women, and male-specific mortality similarly exceeds female mortality. These sex differences reflect both biological factors (hormonal influences, differing distributions of risk factors) and behavioral factors (men historically having lower healthcare utilization and cancer screening rates than women, though this gap has narrowed in recent years).

Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates in the US 2019-2024

Data Source: National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable Data & Progress (August 2025); Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2021-2023; CDC Colorectal Cancer Control Program 2022; HRSA Health Center Data 2024

Colorectal cancer screening rates in the US 2019-2024 have shown encouraging upward trends, with the prevalence of up-to-date screening among adults aged 45 and older increasing from 59% in 2021 to 65% in 2023—representing approximately 6 percentage points of progress in just two years. However, the overall rate among the traditional screening population of adults aged 50-75 stood at 69.9% in 2021, still falling 10 percentage points short of the 80% screening goal established by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT). This means that more than 1 in 3 age-eligible adults—approximately 35 million Americans—are not receiving recommended colorectal cancer screening, representing millions of missed opportunities to detect cancer early or prevent it entirely through removal of precancerous polyps.

The 80% screening goal is supported by compelling modeling studies demonstrating that achieving this threshold could reduce colorectal cancer deaths by 33% by 2030 and decrease new diagnoses by 22% by 2030, averting tens of thousands of cancers and cancer deaths. Additionally, increasing screening prevalence to 70% among adults aged 50-64 could reduce Medicare spending by $14 billion by 2050 (measured in 2010 dollars, likely an underestimate given medical inflation). Between 2012 and 2018, the increase in colorectal cancer screening rates represented an additional 9.3 million adults being screened, demonstrating that substantial progress is achievable through sustained public health efforts, clinical quality improvement, and policy changes.

Age-specific screening disparities are particularly stark, with adults aged 45-49 having only a 20% screening rate—the lowest of any age group—despite the 2021 guideline change by the US Preventive Services Task Force lowering the recommended screening start age from 50 to 45 for average-risk individuals. This low uptake reflects multiple barriers: lack of awareness about the guideline change, insurance coverage gaps during the transition period, perceived invulnerability among younger adults, competing life priorities including career and family responsibilities, and insufficient provider outreach to this age group. Uninsured individuals face catastrophic screening disparities with only 21% receiving recommended screening, compared to substantially higher rates among insured populations, highlighting how lack of health insurance creates a fundamental barrier to preventive care.

Success stories demonstrate that the 80% goal is achievable: multiple health plans, health systems, community health centers, and employer-sponsored programs have achieved and sustained screening rates of 80% or higher, earning recognition in the NCCRT’s “80% Hall of Fame.” The CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP), which provides funding to 35 recipients including 20 states, 8 universities, 2 tribal organizations, and 5 other organizations, has driven substantial screening increases. CRCCP partner clinics screened almost 198,000 people from July 2021 to June 2022, representing a 35% increase (51,084 more screenings) from the previous 12-month period. Health center data from 2024 shows 3,617,246 patients were screened for colorectal cancer, up 310,373 (9.4%) from 3,306,873 in 2023.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Methods in the US 2021-2024

Data Source: National Health Interview Survey 2019-2023; Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures 2025-2026; PMC Trends Analysis (2024); FDA Approval Information

Colonoscopy remains the dominant colorectal cancer screening method in the United States, accounting for 54% of screened adults as of 2023 according to National Health Interview Survey data. This visual examination of the entire colon using a flexible tube with a camera allows gastroenterologists to directly visualize the intestinal lining, identify polyps or tumors, and immediately remove any abnormal growths during the same procedure—a unique advantage called “screen and treat.” The 10-year screening interval for colonoscopy (in individuals with normal results and no high-risk findings) makes it convenient for patients who prefer infrequent testing, though the procedure requires bowel preparation, sedation, and time off work, creating barriers for some individuals.

Stool-based tests have gained substantial traction, collectively accounting for 11% of screened adults in 2023, with particularly dramatic growth driven by the multi-target stool DNA test (mt-sDNA, marketed as Cologuard). From 2018 to 2021, mt-sDNA use increased from 2.5% to 6.6% of the screened population, and statistical modeling revealed that mt-sDNA contributed a remarkable 77.3% of the overall increase in screening rates during this period. These home-based tests appeal to individuals who find colonoscopy burdensome, fear the procedure, lack time for the preparation and recovery, or have difficulty accessing gastroenterology services. The Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), which detects hidden blood in stool using antibodies, requires annual completion and demonstrates good sensitivity for detecting colorectal cancer and some advanced adenomas, though it misses more lesions than colonoscopy.

The FDA approval in July 2024 of the first blood-based colorectal cancer screening test (Shield) represents a potential game-changer for screening access and adherence. This test detects tiny fragments of DNA shed by tumor cells into the bloodstream (circulating tumor DNA), offering a simple blood draw that can be performed during routine medical visits without any bowel preparation or dietary restrictions. While not yet incorporated into national screening guidelines from the US Preventive Services Task Force or major medical organizations like the American Cancer Society, and still under evaluation for sensitivity and specificity compared to established methods, blood-based screening holds promise for reaching the millions of unscreened Americans who find existing methods unacceptable. Medicare coverage for the Shield test for certain at-risk populations signals potential for expanded access, though cost-effectiveness analyses and real-world performance data will guide future guideline recommendations.

Patient choice in screening modality has emerged as an important strategy for improving screening rates, with research demonstrating that offering individuals options between colonoscopy and stool-based tests increases overall screening participation compared to offering a single method. The key principle emphasized by screening advocates: “The best colorectal cancer screening test is the one that gets done.” Different tests have different performance characteristics, costs, convenience factors, and risks, and the optimal choice depends on individual patient preferences, risk factors, access to healthcare resources, insurance coverage, and clinical circumstances.

Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer in the US 2026

Data Source: American Cancer Society Risk Factors; CDC Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors; PMC Review of Early-Onset CRC; National Cancer Institute SEER Data

Age represents the strongest single risk factor for colorectal cancer, with approximately 9 in 10 cases (or 90%) diagnosed in individuals aged 50 or older. Risk increases progressively with each decade of life, rising sharply after age 50 and continuing to climb through the 60s, 70s, and 80s. This age-related risk pattern explains why screening guidelines historically focused on populations aged 50 and older, though the recommendation age has now been lowered to 45 due to rising incidence in younger adults. However, the dramatic increase in early-onset colorectal cancer—affecting individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s—has upended traditional assumptions about who is at risk and when screening should begin.

Family history of colorectal cancer substantially elevates risk, with having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with CRC increasing an individual’s risk by 2-3 times compared to the general population. Risk increases further to 3-6 times higher when a relative was diagnosed at a young age or when multiple family members have been affected, suggesting shared genetic susceptibility. Importantly, one in four patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at ages 40-49 met criteria for earlier screening based on family history, yet nearly all (98.4%) should have undergone screening prior to their diagnosis but did not, representing massive missed prevention opportunities. Current guidelines recommend that individuals with a family history begin screening at age 40 or 10 years younger than the age when their affected family member was diagnosed, whichever comes first.

Hereditary genetic syndromes account for approximately 15-30% of all colorectal cancers, with the most common being Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer) and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). Lynch syndrome involves mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes and is associated with very high lifetime colorectal cancer risk (up to 70-80%) as well as increased risks for endometrial, ovarian, stomach, and other cancers. FAP involves mutations in the APC gene and causes hundreds to thousands of polyps to develop in the colon during adolescence, with near-certain progression to cancer without preventive colectomy. Other hereditary syndromes include MUTYH-associated polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and juvenile polyposis syndrome.

Modifiable lifestyle factors play substantial roles in colorectal cancer risk, particularly for early-onset disease. Research from Ohio State University presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology conference found that young adults who develop colorectal cancer are, on average, biologically 15 years older than their chronological age, attributed to diet and lifestyle factors that accelerate cellular aging.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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