CRC: Leading Cause of Mortality from Cancers of the Digestive System in 2024

At the beginning of the year the American Cancer Society released the Cancer statistics for the year 2024 in its journal and the numbers are quite intriguing. 

Here are some key statistics:2,001,140 new cancer cases and 611,720 cancer deaths are projected in the U.S. in 2024.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is projected to have 152,810 new cases in the U.S. (106,590 new cases of colon cancer and 46,220 new cases of rectal cancer).

In 2024, CRC is projected to be the third leading cause of cancer-related death in men and the fourth leading cause in women. Lung cancer is projected to be the overall leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S in 2024. However, CRC is projected to be the leading cause of deaths from digestive system cancer in the U.S in 2024, with 53,010 projected deaths.

Much has been achieved in the past, however a lot more needs to be done in raising awareness about cancer and ensuring access to care for everyone irrespective of race, gender or socio-economic status.

Emmanuel Olaniyan is a Colorectal Cancer Prevention Intern with the Colon Cancer Foundation.