Colorectal cancer

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. 

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.