Prognosis

Over 57,000 people are expected to die from colorectal cancer in 2003. Only lung cancer is responsible for more cancer deaths, despite the fact that colorectal cancer is almost always a preventable or curable disease when proper screening is used.

Survival Rates

Survival rates for colorectal cancer have been rising in recent years. The five-year survival rate for patients undergoing colon cancer surgery is as high as 90% for cancer that has not spread to the lymph nodes. When cancer has spread to lymph nodes, survival rates drop to 65% and below. Because many cancers are detected at later stages, the overall survival rate is currently about 60%. African-Americans and other minorities tend to have lower survival rates than Caucasians. Studies suggest, however, these higher mortality rates are largely due to less access to optimal health care, including appropriate surgical care and aggressive treatments.

Factors in Treatment Success

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In most cases age is not a factor in treatment success; good survival rates are achieved in the elderly as well as in young people. Chances for survival are less in Stage II cancers if the intestine is obstructed or perforated. If cancer has spread to lymph nodes (Stage III), the outlook is better if three or fewer lymph nodes are involved. Treatment can prolong life even when cancer has spread.