Definition

Age-adjusted incidence rate of cancer of the colon and rectum per 100,000 standard population ICD-O-3 codes: C18.0-C20.9 (excl. types 9590-9992)

Numerator

Number of new cases of invasive colorectal cancer diagnosed

Denominator

Total number of persons in the population

Why Is This Important?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among both men and women in the United States.[https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/ ^1^] Increases in colorectal cancer screening (which can include the removal of precancerous polyps), have led to decreases in colorectal cancer incidence.

Healthy People Objective: Reduce invasive colorectal cancer

U.S. Target: 39.9 new cases per 100,000 population (age-adjusted)
State Target: 39.7 new cases per 100,000 population (age-adjusted)

Other Objectives

'''Healthy New Jersey 2020 Objective CA-9''': Reduce the age-adjusted incidence rate of invasive colorectal cancer per 100,000 standard population to 39.7 for the total population, 39.8 among Whites, 41.2 among Blacks, 31.2 among Hispanics, and (revised) 21.6 among Asians.

How Are We Doing?

The original Healthy New Jersey 2020 targets were met by 2018 for all populations except Hispanics. Additional years of data will be needed to determine if the decline in rates in 2020 was solely due to decreased screening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evidence-based Practices

Screening can find precancerous polyps (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum) so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment often leads to a cure.[https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/sfl/ ^2^]

Available Services

The [http://www.nj.gov/health/ces/public/resources/njceed.shtml New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection] (NJCEED) Program provides comprehensive outreach, education and screening services for colorectal cancer.

Health Program Information

NJDOH Cancer Initiatives: [http://nj.gov/health/ces]

Health Care System Factors

Health care system factors associated with colorectal cancer incidence include colorectal cancer screening.

Risk Factors

Colorectal cancer risk increases with age, inflammatory bowel disease, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, and certain hereditary syndromes. A diet high in fat and low in fiber, lack of regular physical activity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking are also thought to increase risk. A diet high in fruits and vegetables, hormone replacement therapy in post-menopausal women, and aspirin use may reduce colorectal cancer risk.

Health Status Outcomes

Using data from SEER 18 (2009-2015), the [https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html National Cancer Institute] found the five-year relative survival for people diagnosed with colorectal cancer to be approximately 64% overall. [Last reviewed: 1/27/20]

Data Notes

This is Healthy New Jersey 2020 objective CA-9. Data for White, Black, and Asian/PI do not include Hispanics. Hispanic ethnicity includes persons of any race. *NJ 2020 data are considered preliminary and should not be used in trend analyses; an approximate 10% decrease in the number of cancer cases diagnosed in 2020 compared to 2019, is partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients experienced difficulties scheduling medical appointments and cancer screening tests in 2020.

References and Community Resources

1. [https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/ Colorectal Cancer Statistics], CDC Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, 6/8/20. 2. [https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/sfl/ Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign], CDC Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, 2/10/20.