Canadian Colorectal Cancer Death Rate Declines, But Total Cases Still Grow

The incidence of colorectal cancer in Canada has declined steadily over the past 15 years, but it remains the second leading cause of death for Canadians trailing only lung cancer, according to statistics released by the Canadian Cancer Society.

The good news is that the death rate from colon cancer in women has dropped almost 50 percent since 1972, with the rate for men down 25 percent. Since 1985, colorectal cancer incidence in Canadian men has dropped by 8 percent and in women by 19 percent.

"We're heartened to see rates declining," said Dr. Barb Whylie, Director, Cancer Control Policy, Canadian Cancer Society. "However, we also know that the total number of new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed each year has risen significantly among both men and women and this alarming trend will continue as the population ages and grows.

" It's frustrating because we know this is a trend that could be slowed down as colorectal cancer has great potential to be prevented from occurring in the first place, and responds well to treatment if detected early," Whylie added.

Whylie said "people may delay discussing symptoms with their doctors because they are too embarrassed and, as a result, diagnosis can be delayed. For colorectal cancer, the difference between an early and late diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death.

" We know that the key to fighting colorectal cancer is to raise awareness of symptoms and risk factors. We want people to feel comfortable talking to their doctors about it. Quite simply, it could save their lives," Whylie said. "The reasons for the declining trends in incidence and death rates are not known with certainty, but likely arises as a combination of improvements in how the disease is detected and people adopting healthier lifestyles."

Other sources: Canadian Cancer Society