What is the survival rate of colon cancer? Colon cancer is not as deadly as some forms of cancer, and up to two thirds of the people who develop it may reach the important five-year survival milestone.
Colon Cancer Statistics
The National Cancer Institute estimates that 146,970 people will die of colon cancer in 2009. Of that number, 75,590 are men and 71,380 are women. The median age of diagnosis of colon cancer between 2002 and 2006 was 71 years of age. You have a greater chance of getting colon cancer as you get older; only 0.1% of people under the age of 20 were diagnosed with colon cancer. The age group of 45 to 54 had an 18.7% incidence of colon cancer.
The survival rate takes into consideration the length of time people live after diagnosis. A comparable set of people that do not have cancer is used to measure the mortality associated with the diagnosis of colon cancer. This allows scientists to measure the survival rates of cancer patients.
The National Cancer Institute's studies shows that in 1999 through 2005, five-year relative survival rates broken down by sex and race were:
The National Cancer Institute's lifetime risk rates from 2004 through 2006 showed that 5.20% of all men and women born today will have a colon or rectal cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. The lifetime risk probability for colon cancer is divided by age groups. Of men between the ages of 50 and 70, 2.07% will develop colon or rectum cancer, while only 1.54% of women between the ages of 50 and 70 will develop these cancers.
Surgery and chemotherapy for colon cancer can be effective treatments for many, but the disease must be caught in the early stages for the best chance of survival. Regular screenings for colon cancer should begin at age 50, earlier if there is a history of colon or rectal cancer in your family.
 | Colon cancer warning signs typically appear only after the cancer has reached an advanced stage. This makes regular screenings for this illness very important. |
 | You shouldn't rely on colon cancer symptoms as a signal to see your doctor. Regular screenings can detect this disease long before serious symptoms appear. |
Colon cancer is second only to lung cancer among deadly cancers for both men and women. Regular screening and early detection can increase a person's chance of survival. Nutritional support and alternative methods have helped many survive. |
What is the survival rate of colon cancer? Learn about colon cancer warning signs, colon cancer symptoms and the importance of regular screenings. |
