Colorectal cancer, often referred to as colon cancer, develops in the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. This type of cancer frequently begins as small growths called polyps on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. While most polyps are not cancerous, some can progress over time to become malignant.
Understanding Colon Cancer in Women
Colon cancer is a notable health concern for women. In 2025, it is projected that about 52,810 new cases of colon cancer and 19,000 cases of rectal cancer will affect women in the United States. When considering both genders, the total number of new colorectal cancer diagnoses is estimated to be around 154,270 annually. The incidence rate for women was 31.2 per 100,000 between 2015 and 2019.
While overall incidence and mortality rates for colorectal cancer have declined since the mid-1980s due to increased screening and lifestyle modifications, a concerning trend has emerged. Rates are increasing in younger adults, including women under 50, with an approximate 2% annual rise. The proportion of colorectal cancers diagnosed in individuals aged 54 or younger has grown from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019.
Factors Influencing Risk in Women
Several factors influence colon cancer risk for both women and men. Advancing age is a primary consideration, with risk increasing significantly after age 45 or 50. A family history of colon cancer or polyps, particularly if diagnosed in a close relative before age 45, elevates an individual’s risk. Genetic predispositions, such as inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), account for about 5% of colon cancer cases.
Medical conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) also increase risk. Lifestyle choices also play a substantial role. Diets high in red and processed meats and low in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, along with physical inactivity, excess body weight, smoking, and regular alcohol consumption, are associated with higher risk.
For women, a personal history of breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer may correlate with an elevated risk of colon cancer. Hormonal factors can also influence risk. For instance, menopausal hormone therapy (HRT) and oral contraceptives have been linked to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women. This protective effect may involve estrogen exposure.
Colon Cancer’s Position Among Women’s Cancers
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer for women, excluding skin cancers, and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. When considering both men and women, colon cancer collectively ranks as the second leading cause of cancer death.
For context, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women (excluding skin cancers) and the second leading cause of cancer death. Together, colorectal, breast, and lung cancers account for a substantial percentage of all cancers diagnosed in women.
While men generally experience higher incidence and mortality rates for colorectal cancer compared to women, the lifetime risk is slightly lower for women, at approximately 1 in 26, versus 1 in 23 or 24 for men. However, among individuals aged 65 and older, the number of new cases becomes similar for both genders, partly due to women’s longer life expectancy. Notably, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women of the same age group.
The Role of Screening and Early Diagnosis
Early detection through screening is important for improving outcomes. When detected at an early stage, colon cancer is highly treatable, with survival rates around 90%. Screening also offers the opportunity to identify and remove precancerous polyps before they can develop into cancer, effectively preventing the disease.
Current guidelines recommend that individuals at average risk for colon cancer begin regular screening at age 45. Screening typically continues until age 75 for those in good health. For individuals with a higher risk, such as those with a family history or certain medical conditions, earlier or more frequent screening may be advised.
Several screening methods are available. Colonoscopy is often considered the most comprehensive, allowing for thorough examination and immediate polyp removal. For average-risk individuals, a colonoscopy is typically recommended every 10 years. Other options include stool-based tests like the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) or Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), typically done annually, or multi-targeted stool DNA tests performed every three years. If non-invasive tests yield abnormal results, a follow-up colonoscopy is usually necessary.