Colorectal cancer
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Norway is one of the countries in the world with the highest incidence of colorectal cancer. In 2024, 4,995 people were diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer in Norway. Survival rates have increased, and today 70 percent of those diagnosed with colorectal cancer survive for five years or more.
About colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second most common form of cancer in Norway when looking at both sexes together. However, the incidence and mortality of colon cancer in Norway is among the highest in the world, and remains a serious health problem.
The most important treatment is surgery, but a large proportion of patients also receive chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
Key figures - colon cancer 2024
New cases
Men: 1702
Women: 1807
Rates - number of cases per 100,000
Men: 56.4
Women: 53.3
Five-year relative survival (2020-2024)
Men: 69.8 %
Women: 71.7 %
Cancer survivors - both genders
28,119 individuals as of 31.12.2024
Deaths (2023)
Men: 535
Women: 583
Cumulative risk of developing colorectal cancer by age 80 (2020-2024)
Men: 4.4 %
Women: 4.1 %
Key figures - rectal cancer 2024
New cases
Men: 850
Women: 636
Rates - number of cases per 100,000
Men: 37.9
Women: 19.7
Five-year relative survival (2020-2024)
Men: 72.6 percent
Women: 75.3 percent
Cancer survivors - both genders
14,930 people as of 31.12.2024
Deaths (2023)
Men: 248
Women: 131
Cumulative risk of developing rectal cancer by age 80 (2020-2024)
Men: 2.6 %
Women: 1.6 %
Who can have a higher risk of colorectal cancer
As with most other types of cancer, the risk of colon cancer increases significantly with age, and the disease rarely manifests among the young. In the age group 20-39 years, 6-7 cases are diagnosed per 100,000 person-years, whereas by comparison, more than 370 cases are diagnosed per 100,000 person-years among women aged 70 and over, and nearly 450 cases per 100,000 person-years among men in the same age group.
Thus, age is the strongest risk factor of all. Additionally, we know that individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have an increased risk of cancer in the intestine.
Regarding hereditary and genetic factors, it is estimated that congenital gene defects account for less than 5 percent of colon cancer cases, while around 20 percent of cases can be linked to familial colon cancer where the underlying gene defect is not known.
Questions about cancer
The Cancer Registry of Norway is a research institution. Our professionals therefore do not answer questions about diagnosis, assessment, treatment and follow-up from patients or their relatives.
Inquiries about this information should be directed to your general practitioner, treating institution, or the Norwegian Cancer Society's advisory service at phone: +47 21 49 49 21.