Colorectal cancer is a common disease. It is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the world – ranking third behind lung cancer and liver cancer – and affects almost as many women as men1.
The incidence rate of colorectal cancer is particularly high in the United States, in certain South American countries, in Europe, in Australia and New Zealand, and more recently in Japan. In general, epidemiological studies reveal that socioeconomic status is an important prognostic factor for colorectal cancers, and that there is inequality between low-income patients and those with higher incomes. A difference in exposure to risk factors (especially food), for example, could explain this inequality. In addition, low incomes, a low level of education, and insufficient health coverage would limit access to appropriate preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for patients faced with these disadvantages. However, the main factor affecting survival at the time of diagnosis is the stage of the tumor.
3rd
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. In 2020, the WHO ranked it as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths2.
900,000
Each year, more than 900,0001 people worldwide die from colorectal cancer.
1.9M
In 2022, there were over 1.9 million1 cases of colorectal cancer globally.
A progressive tumor
Colorectal cancer develops from a cell in the inner lining of the colon or rectum that multiplies uncontrollably and gradually changes into a tumor, also known as a polyp. Polyps are growths that form in the inner wall of the colon, in the mucous membrane. The risk of a polyp turning into cancer varies, depending on the size of the benign tumor and type of cells.
A silent cancer
The absence of symptoms is common. Colorectal cancer can therefore develop silently and can remain undiagnosed for some time. This is why screening is necessary. Nevertheless, some signs may point to the need for consultation with your physical (see below).
Age: The main risk factor
Most of colorectal cancers occur in people over 50 years of age3. While some factors are genetic, others are preventable through lifestyle changes. Regular exercise and a diet rich in fiber and fruits and vegetables are beneficial. Conversely, the risk of colorectal cancer is increased by a diet rich in red meat and cured meats, excess weight or obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking3.
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) are also risk factors for colorectal cancer4.
Recognizing the signs
Illustrated infographic presenting the signs of colorectal cancer – Source: APHP – consulted in January 2025
Different types of therapeutic approaches
Different types of treatments can be prescribed for colorectal cancer, depending on the stage of the disease and the general condition of the patient. These include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Depending on the case, a single treatment or a combination may be prescribed. These treatments can have different objectives depending on the stage of the disease: to remove the tumor through surgery, to use radiotherapy to stop it from spreading, or to improve the patient’s quality of life by minimizing their symptoms.
AND SERVIER?
In oncology, our goal is to develop precision medicine that aim to transform the lives of patients affected by rare cancers and in areas with major unmet needs. We are a focused and innovative player, developing treatments for digestive cancers (colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma), brain tumors (glioma), and hematologic cancers (acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, lymphomas).
We are focusing our R&D programs on two approaches: immuno-oncology and targeted therapies.
In order to improve treatment of patients with colorectal cancer, Servier contributes to:
REMEMBER
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions – Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that develops from a cell in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. It often evolves from polyps, which are benign tumors that can, over time, transform into cancer depending on their size and cellular nature.
Colorectal cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages. It can progress for a long time without causing any clinical signs, which explains why it is sometimes diagnosed at an advanced stage. It is for this reason that screening plays such an essential role.
Age is the primary risk factor: the majority of cases occur after the age of 50. Other factors are involved, including family medical history, certain chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, as well as lifestyle (a diet rich in red meat and processed meats, being overweight, smoking, alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle).
In France, individuals aged 50 to 74 are invited to consult their general practitioner every two years to perform a home screening test to check for the possible presence of blood in the stool. In the event that the test is positive, a colonoscopy is prescribed in order to detect and be able to remove any polyps before they evolve into cancer.
Management depends on the stage of the disease and the patient’s general health. Different types of treatments can be used: surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies, used alone or in combination.
[1] Globocan, 2022, Globocan, 2022.pdf – consulted in December 2025
[2] OMS – Fact Sheet – Cancer, – https://www.who.int/fr/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer#:~:text=le%20cancer%20colorectal%20(916%20000,sein%20(685%20000%20d%C3%A9c%C3%A8s) – consulted in January 2025
[3] Centre de lutte contre le cancer Léon Berard, Cancer colorectal – https://www.cancer-environnement.fr/fiches/cancers/cancer-colorectal/#:~:text=Age,accro%C3%AEt%20jusqu%27%C3%A0%2080%20ans – consulted in January 2025
[4] Inserm, Maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l’intestin (MICI) – https://www.inserm.fr/dossier/maladies-inflammatoires-chroniques-intestin-mici/#:~:text=Les%20MICI%20sont%20en%20outre,apr%C3%A8s%2030%20ans%20d%27%C3%A9volution – consulted in January 2025
[5] Institut National du Cancer, Cancer colorectal, dépistage par test immunologique et autres modalités – https://serviergroup.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/sites/DCG-Servier-Grp/Brand%20Content/_EDITORIAL/D%C3%A9cryptages/_PATHOLOGIES/4.Cancer%20CR/2025/R%C3%A9f%C3%A9rences/Cancer_colorectal_depistage_par_test_immunologique_et_autres_modalites.pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=NnJwYo – consulted in January 2025