Colorectal Cancer: Do you know the facts?
- Women and men are at equal risk for developing colorectal cancer.
- Colorectal cancer is the #1 non-tobacco-related cancer killer in the United States.
- This year in the United States there will be 147,500 new colorectal cancer cases and 57,000 deaths.1
- In New York State alone, more than 11,000 people will receive a diagnosis of colorectal cancer this year.
(More than 4,000 of these individuals will reside in New York City.)2
- Colorectal cancer screening saves lives.3
The recommended age to start screening for colorectal cancer is age 50;
individuals with a family history of the disease should consult their health care provider and start screening at an earlier age.
- Only 1 out of 3 Americans age 50 and older have ever had any type of colon screening.4
- Screening rates for colorectal cancer are lowest in the Hispanic community.5
- African Americans have the highest incidence and death rate from colorectal cancer of all population groups in the United States.
- New York City currently tops the nation with a 44% increase in colonoscopy screenings since the Colon Cancer Challenge began in 2003.
- Sign up, New York!
To find a doctor to discuss colorectal cancer screening and surveillance, contact Montefiore Medical Center at 1-800-MD-MONTE (800-636-6683).
More Colorectal Cancer Resources:
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References:
| | 1 | |
Cancer Statistics, 2004 CA Cancer J Clin 2004;55(1):5-26 |
| | 2 | |
New York State Cancer Registry 1996-2000, New York State Department of Health |
| | 3 | |
Gastroenterology, 2003;124:544 |
| | 4 | |
Cancer Prevention and Early Detection, Facts & Figures 2004, American Cancer Society |
| | 5 | |
Cancer Facts and Statistics in Hispanics, 2003–2005, American Cancer Society, 2005 |
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