Survival and mortality for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths after lung cancer among men, and the third most common cause of cancer deaths after breast and lung cancers among women across EU countries (see indicator “Mortality from cancer” in Chapter 3). The main risk factors for colorectal cancer include age, ulcerative colitis, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, and lifestyle factors such as a diet high in fat and low in fibre, physical inactivity, obesity, tobacco and alcohol consumption. The incidence of colorectal cancer is significantly higher among men. Generally, rectal cancer is more difficult to treat than colon cancer due to a higher probability of spreading to other tissue, recurrence and postoperative complications.