CRC — which occurs when tumors form in the lining of the large intestine — is the third most common type of cancer in the world, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death.[1] Like other digestive cancers, the risk of developing CRC is higher in people who smoke, drink alcohol, are sedentary, or have obesity. Other risk factors include old age, a family history of CRC, a personal history of CRC or high-risk adenomas (polyps made of abnormal cells), or having inflammatory bowel disease. The prognosis for CRC depends on the patient’s general health, whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or blocked the colon, and whether cancerous cells remain after treatment.[2]
What is CRC?
Written by:
Fact-checked
by:
•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer globally and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths; it is characterized by tumors in the lining of the large intestine. Risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, old age, family history, personal history of CRC, and inflammatory bowel disease, and the prognosis is influenced by an individual's health and cancer spread.