Colorectal Cancer Research Highlights
The American Cancer Society (ACS) helps find answers to critical questions about colorectal cancer (CRC).
- What causes it?
- How can it be successfully prevented, detected, and treated?
- What is the best age to start screening?
- How can the quality of life for colorectal cancer survivors be improved?
Studying questions like these has helped improve screening and treatment methods, which has contributed to substantial decreases in deaths from colorectal cancer over the past 20 years. Thank you to all our donors who make this research possible.
55% of Colorectal Cancer Cases & Deaths Have the Potential to Be Prevented with Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer worldwide and the 2nd leading cause of death from cancer. It's estimated that about 55% of colorectal cases and deaths could be attributed to modifiable risk factors, such as certain diets, not being physically active, smoking, and drinking alcohol.
Risk and Prevention Studies
Data Shows Rapid Shifts to More Advanced Disease and Younger People
We need to invest more in research to uncover the causes of the rising trends and to discover new treatment for advanced-stage diseases to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease in this young population, who are raising families and supporting other family members."
Screening and Early Detection Studies
Striking Trends for Colorectal Cancer Incidence
Treatment Studies
Eye-opening Statistics about the Youngest Adults Eligible for Screening
Survivorship Studies
Featured Term: Gut Microbiome
The gut microbiome is a collection of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi that mostly live in the digestive tract. Every person's gut microbiome is uniquely shaped by their diet, lifestyle, genetics, and environment. Gut bacteria help with day-to-day functions like synthesizing vitamins, digesting food, and metabolizing drugs. They also help regulate the immune system and protect the body from potentially harmful bacteria. Recent findings have shown that the gut microbiome can help cancer grow and also help keep it from growing.
Colorectal Cancer Research News
We Fund Cancer Researchers Across the US
The ACS funds scientists who conduct research about breast cancer at medical schools, universities, research institutes, and hospitals throughout the United States. We use a rigorous and independent peer review process to select the most innovative research project proposals to fund.
