About Colorectal Cancer

In California, the American Cancer Society estimates that 16,420 Californians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023, with 5,530 people anticipated to die from CRC in that same time frame (1).

Data from the California Cancer Registry indicate that between 2015-2019, 26,603 CRC patients are expected to be diagnosed with localized cancer versus 15,819 cases diagnosed with late-stage disease (cancer that has spread to other tissues or organs).

C4’s focus on increasing screening efforts throughout the state aim to shift more patients to having their cancers diagnosed earlier in the disease process. For example, patients with early-stage disease, identified through screening programs, have almost a 91% chance of living at least 5 years past diagnosis. Conversely, patients who experience delays in diagnosis, who are then diagnosed with late-stage disease, have less than a 14% chance of surviving five years after diagnosis (2).

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Early colorectal cancer may not cause any symptoms at all. This is why it is important to get screened even when you feel fine.

However, if symptoms develop they may include one or more of the following:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Finding blood (either bright red or dark) in your stool
  • Feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
  • Feeling very tired all the time
  • Losing weight for no apparent reason

Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer. Other health problems can cause the same symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.