Excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in Bermuda as it is globally and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined inBermuda as it is in the United States.

Colorectal cancer is usually diagnosed in people over the age of 50, but incidence rates are increasingin people under the age of 50. Early-onset colorectal cancer now accounts for about 12% of colorectalcancers. Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in men under 50.

African Americans are 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and 40% more likely to die fromcolorectal cancer than other racial/ethnic groups in the United States.

Colorectal cancer can be treated successfully when detected in its earliest stages. The 5-year survival ratefor local colorectal cancer is 90%. Screening is vital to detect early signs of colorectal cancer.

Screening Recommendation for Colorectal Cancer

For people at average risk for colorectal cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends starting regular screening at age 45.

Colorectal screening can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test), or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (a visual exam). Talk to your health care provider about your risk level and which tests might be good options for you, and to your insurance provider about your coverage. No matter which test you choose, the most important thing is to get screened.

If you’re in good health, you should continue regular screening through age 75.

For people ages 76 through 85, talk with your health care provider about whether continuing to get screened is right for you. When deciding, take into account your own preferences, overall health, and past screening history.

People over 85 should no longer get colorectal cancer screening.

If you choose to be screened with a test other than colonoscopy, any abnormal test result needs to be followed up with a colonoscopy.

More Information for Colorectal Cancer

Prevention - There's no sure way to prevent colorectal cancer. But there are things you can do that might help lower your risk, such as changing the risk factors that you can control.

Early Detection - know the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer. Find out how colorectal cancer is tested for, diagnosed, and staged.

Colorectal Cancer Bermuda 2010-2019 Report