Survival Rate of Colon and Rectum Cancer

Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in either the colon or the rectum. Colon cancer and rectal cancer have many features in common. Most colorectal cancers start as a polyp– a growth that starts in the inner lining of the colon or rectum and grows toward the center. Most polyps are not cancer. Only certain types of polyps (called adenomas) can become cancer. Taking out a polyp early, when it is small, may keep it from becoming cancer. Over 95% of colon and rectal cancers are adenocarcinomas. These are cancers that start in gland cells, like the cells that line the inside of the colon and rectum. There are some other, more rare, types of tumors of the colon and rectum.

Colon Cancer Survival Rate

Estimated New Cases in 2014	136830
% of All New Cancer Cases	8.2%
Estimated Deaths in 2014	50310
% of All Cancer Deaths	8.6%
Percent Surviving 5 Years (2004-2010)	64.7%

 Colon Cancer Survival Rate by Stages

Stage	5-Year Observed Survival Rate
I	74%
IIA	67%
IIB	59%
IIC	37%
IIIA	73%*
IIIB	46%*
IIIC	28%
IV	6%

 

Rectum Cancer Survival Rate by Stages

Stage	5-year Observed Survival Rate
I	74%
IIA	65%
IIB	52%
IIC	32%
IIIA	74%*
IIIB	45%*
IIIC	33%
IV	6%