colorectal cancer in canada: stats, impact and resources
7 minute read
in some cases, people with colorectal cancer are unaware that they have it because it doesn’t always present with symptoms.
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roughly 72 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer each day in canada. while the incidence rate of the disease dipped slightly, from 26,900 cases in canada in 2020 to 26,400 in 2025, the prevalence of the disease remains high among the canadian population. colorectal cancer accounted for 10 per cent of all cancer cases and 11 per cent of all cancer deaths in the country in 2023.
quick facts about colorectal cancer
prevalence
colorectal cancer makes up 10 per cent of all cancer cases in the country and 10 per cent of all cancer deaths.
lifetime economic cost
the lifetime economic cost of colorectal cancer per person is $134,178.
key risk factors
there are several key risk factors associated with colorectal cancer, including:
- age, as adults over 50 are more likely to develop it
- a personal or family history
- inflammatory bowel disease (ibd)
- ethnicity, as it is more likely to occur in people who are black or jewish
- people living with obesity or type 2 diabetes
- people who are sedentary for most of their lives
- eating a diet high in red meat, processed meats, or little to no fibre, fruits, or vegetables
- smoking and alcohol use
what is the current rate of colorectal cancer in canada?
colorectal cancer is diagnosed at a high rate in canada, taking the fourth top spot among all cancer diagnoses. it is also the third leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. reports indicate that there were roughly 26,400 cases of colorectal cancer in canada in 2025, and each day, an estimated 72 people will be diagnosed with this form of cancer.
colorectal cancer begins in the cells of the rectum and colon and can spread to nearby tissues and organs if left untreated. there are several symptoms associated with colorectal cancer, most of which affect bowel habits and health. these symptoms tend to develop in the later stages of the disease, typically around stage 2 or beyond.
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this is why screening is so important, as earlier screening measures help people catch it earlier, giving people a better chance at survival.
men are more likely to develop colorectal cancer than women, with 14,700 new cases being found in men and 11,700 being found in women. of those, 4900 men will lose their lives to the disease, with 4200 women also dying from colorectal cancer.
people between the ages of 70 and 79 make up the most colorectal cancer cases in the country, with those above the age of 50 making up much of the rest. however, rates have been rising in those under 50.
elizabeth homes, senior manager of health policy at the canadian cancer society, told global news in march of 2024 that “the rates are reportedly increasing among adults younger than 50 in canada and the u.s.” before continuing, “this is certainly something that the cancer surveillance community is following.”
currently, screening protocols in the country are limited to adults over 50. still, with the rise of colorectal cancer in young adults, people who fall into higher-risk categories may be more inclined to test early and more often than others in their age group.
the 5-year net survival rate for colorectal cancer is 67 per cent following diagnosis. however, that varies by stage:
- stage 1: 91-92 per cent
- stage 2: 79-88 per cent
- stage 3: 68-74 per cent
- stage 4: 11-13 per cent
while the overall numbers of cases have decreased, as well as the number of people over 50 being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, less than in the past, the number of colorectal cancer cases in younger adults is rising.
according to data published in the journal current oncology, canadians who are 44 or younger are twice as likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer when compared to the generations that came before them. this uptick in cases in younger adults is speculated to be caused by exposure to factors that increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer earlier in their lives.
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socioeconomic status may also play a role, with rates rising in lower-income groups between ages 20 and 44 and in higher-income groups between ages 45 and 49. younger adults are also more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage of the disease, with 60 per cent of cases being diagnosed at stage 3 or 4 in people younger than 50.
financial impact of colorectal cancer in canada
the cost of colorectal cancer in canada impacts both society at large and the individuals who are diagnosed with the disease. the canadian cancer society’s canadian cancer statistics 2024 special report notes that the direct health care costs of colorectal cancer amount to $3.7 billion. these costs include treatment, in-hospital services, diagnostics, physician services, and home care. the report also finds that per patient, the lifetime cost of colorectal cancer is $134,178.
indirect costs, such as out-of-pocket costs and lost wages, are also steep at 821 million for people with colorectal cancer.
according to research, earlier screening measures are likely needed due to the rise in cases among younger adults, which could further burden the healthcare system.
the research shows that lowering the screening age to 40 or 45 could cost $649 million or $298 million, respectively. this includes both screening and the following treatment costs for those who end up being positive for colorectal cancer.
however, catching this type of cancer earlier can help offset any initial spending increase and save money in the long run. the money saved will be from a reduced need for treatment and palliative or end-of-life care for people with colorectal cancer.
increased screening measures to detect the disease early could save $719 million if started at age 45 and $1.1 billion if started at age 40.
on a more personal level, increasing the budget for earlier screening measures can also positively impact those with colorectal cancer. data shows that, when screened earlier, people diagnosed with the disease have an improved quality of life and additional years added to their lives.
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resources and support for colorectal cancer in canada
when diagnosed with colorectal cancer, it’s vital to get acquainted with the resources available. specific organizations and online sites can help people with the disease navigate the muddy waters of treatment, self-care, and community help to make fighting the battle a little bit easier.
colorectal cancer canada is an online resource that can help people learn more about the disease and connect with others in the same boat. it has support group information and other support services for people in different demographics, such as those under 50 who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
their site also includes a downloadable patient journal to help people with colorectal cancer understand their disease better, prepare for their treatments, and store personal records and reflections during their experience.
other resource options can be found here:
these resources are geared toward helping people diagnosed with colorectal cancer navigate their experience from treatment to recovery and everything in between.
the future of colorectal cancer in canada
while the number of colorectal cases has decreased in the last few decades, according to cancer care ontario, it’s estimated that starting in 2030, those rates will rise again. it’s thought that people aged 40 to 79 will be most affected by this rise in cases.
while seeing an uptick in cases is detrimental to the overall picture of colorectal cancer in the country, it does indicate that rising rates do not mean that more cases will develop than ever before.
it’s important to note that these projections are not set in stone; they are based on factors such as population forecasts and whether controllable risk factors are addressed among those most likely to develop colorectal cancer.
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the silver lining is that increasing screening measures can significantly alter these predictions by reducing late-stage disease diagnoses.
with better screening and improved therapies, canadians at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, or those who are diagnosed, can have a better chance at beating the
frequently asked questions
how many people have colorectal cancer?
as many as 26,400 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in 2025 alone. this type of cancer makes up 10 per cent of all new cancer cases in the country.
who gets colorectal cancer the most?
men are more likely to get colorectal cancer than women, and those over the age of 50 are also more likely. however, rates are rising in younger adults due to increased exposure to modifiable risk factors.
how can i reduce my risk of colorectal cancer?
to reduce your risk, you can avoid engaging in lifestyle behaviours that increase risk, such as:
- physical inactivity
- eating a diet without proper amounts of fruit, vegetables, and fibre
- eating a diet high in foods that increase risk, such as red and processed meats
- smoking
- consuming high levels of alcohol on a regular basis
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