Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer affects both men and women of all racial and ethnic groups.  Survival rates in Europe from colorectal cancer are low making it the second highest cancer killer. The taboo surrounding cancer and in many countries the embarrassement   of  colorectal cancer contributes to the late diagnosis of the disease. There is often a lack of understanding of the symptoms, the risks and the prevention of the disease. In many countries there is also a low awareness of treatment choice and patient options. Above  all in many European countries there is severe underfunding for the treatment of cancer.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most highly treatable of all the gastrointestinal cancers and with early diagnosis and effective treatment people can live with colorectal cancer.

The Facts

• In Europe colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is the second most common malignant tumour
  

• 413,000 citizens  in Europe are newly diagnosed every year with the disease
  

• Colorectal cancer kills 212,000 Europeans every year
  

• Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide
  

• Yet this disease is preventable in many cases and highly treatable if diagnosed in its early stages
  

• Colorectal Cancer is a disease that mainly effects the over 50's, there are nearly 175 million citizens in Europe between the ages of 50 - 69 years of age!
  

• Survival rates vary by country but overall five year survival rates are 43% in Europe