Colorectal cancer statistics
Colorectal cancer is expected to be the 4th most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada in 2024 (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers). It is the 2nd leading cause of death from cancer in men and the 3rd leading cause of death from cancer in women.
To provide the most current cancer statistics, statistical methods are used to estimate the number of new cancer cases and deaths until actual data become available.
Incidence and mortality
Incidence is the total number of new cases of cancer. Mortality is the number of deaths due to cancer.
Cancer statistics are currently collected, analyzed and reported based on the sex assigned at birth, with male/men and female/women categories. We need to address gaps in how statistics are collected to better understand cancer in transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people.
It is estimated that in 2024:
- 25,200 Canadians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. This represents 10% of all new cancer cases in 2024.
- 9,400 Canadians will die from colorectal cancer. This represents 11% of all cancer deaths in 2024.
- 14,100 men will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 5,300 will die from it.
- 11,100 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 4,200 will die from it.
- On average, 69 Canadians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer every day.
- On average, 26 Canadians will die from colorectal cancer every day.
|
Category |
Men |
Women |
|---|---|---|
|
New cases |
14,100 |
11,100 |
|
Deaths |
5,300 |
4,200 |
|
5-year net survival (estimates for 2015 to 2017) |
66% |
67% |
Trends in colorectal cancer
The rate of new cases of colorectal cancer is declining in men and women. The recent declines are likely due in part to the increased use of colorectal cancer screening, which can identify and remove precancerous polyps, which can in turn reduce incidence.
Death rates have also been declining. Most of this decline is likely because of fewer new cases as well as by improved diagnosis and treatment.
Chances (probability) of developing or dying from colorectal cancer
It is estimated that about 1 in 16 Canadian men will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime and 1 in 38 will die from it.
It is estimated that about 1 in 18 Canadian women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime and 1 in 43 will die from it.
For more information about cancer statistics, go to Canadian Cancer Statistics.