March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

join with the aacr to find better ways to prevent and treat colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, behind only lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimated that 154,270 people in the United States received a diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer in 2025, and approximately 52,900 died of it.

Colorectal cancer awareness is important because many cases of cancer of the colon or rectum are preventable. Screening by colonoscopy can help prevent this cancer because precancerous polyps found during the procedure can be removed at the same time. Furthermore, colonoscopy can also detect the cancer at early stages, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

The five-year relative survival rate for cancer localized to the colon or rectum is 91.5%, according to the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. The survival rate drops significantly as the cancer spreads beyond those organs. Considering all cases, the five-year survival rate is 65.4%.

Cancer of the colon or rectum is more common in men than women. It is also more common among American Indians/Alaska Natives than people of other races. The median age of diagnosis in the United States is 66 years, while about 77% of newly diagnosed patients are aged 55 and older. 

Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in people under the age of 50, which is called “early onset.” The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer has increased more than 131% since 1994. The AACR’s official blog, Cancer Research Catalyst, covered the AACR’s first conference on increases in early-onset cancers, especially the pronounced rise of early-onset colorectal cancer, and possible explanations here: What’s Behind the Increase in Cancer Cases Among Younger Adults?

Factors that may be contributing to an increase in early-onset colorectal cancer, according to the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2025, include:

  • Unhealthy diet and the microbiome
  • Obesity
  • Chemicals in the environment
  • Repeated and long-term use of antibiotics
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages
  • Sedentary behaviors

To reduce the risk of cancer, according to the AACR Cancer Progress Report, consumption of red meat should be limited to no more than three servings (a total of 12 to 18 ounces) a week and should minimize or exclude processed meats like hot dogs, bacon, and salami, because these foods can increase the risk of colorectal cancer, among others. On the other hand, a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and fish can help lower the risk of developing certain cancers and many other chronic conditions.

One Person’s Story

In March 2017, Manju George, MVSc, PhD, who worked as a cancer researcher at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, was diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer. Within days of being diagnosed, she found an online support community for people with colorectal cancer called Colontown, and quickly began using her scientific background to help break down complex science for patients, survivors, and caregivers. Since then, she has continued to teach those with the disease how to advocate for themselves and others. Read her story in Cancer Today.

the latest on colorectal cancer

  • Over the past decade, researchers have been exploring ways to spare some rectal cancer patients from having to undergo a proctectomy, in which their rectum is removed and they must adapt to living with a permanent colostomy bag. A study presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 found that immunotherapy may allow some patients with mismatch repair-deficient rectal cancer to avoid surgery. Learn more about this study and other organ-saving research on Cancer Research Catalyst.
  • Rectal bleeding is one of the top indicators of colorectal cancer in people under 50, according to a study presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress. Learn more about about this study and what to tell doctors if you find blood in your stool in Cancer Today.
  • Researchers are studying if a vaccine could help reduce the risk of adenoma recurrence, which can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Individuals with a history of adenomas often see these polyps grow back after removal during colonoscopies. Learn more on Cancer Research Catalyst.
  • In 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a blood test as a screening method for colorectal cancer with a follow-up colonoscopy recommended for anyone who gets an abnormal result. However, a study found that less than half of people got a follow-up colonoscopy within two years. “An abnormal result doesn’t mean cancer, but it does mean further evaluation is necessary,” Carol Burke, a gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, told Cancer Today.

What the AACR is Doing in the Area of colorectal cancer research

The AACR awards research grants to investigators pursuing promising research related to colorectal cancer. Recent grants include:

for more information

Please see our page on colorectal cancer, which includes detailed information on prevention, screening, and treatment.