Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Epidemiology

• Colorectal Cancer (CRC) originates in the colon or rectum and is referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on the site of origin, it is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with metastasis representing the primary cause of mortality in most patients. The liver and peritoneum are the most frequent sites of distant metastasis. 
• Colorectal cancer typically originates as a polyp within the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over the course of several years, these polyps may gradually grow and undergo malignant transformation. 
• Once cancer has developed, it can infiltrate deeper layers of the colon or rectal wall and may invade nearby blood vessels or lymphatics. Through these pathways, cancer cells can disseminate to regional lymph nodes and distant organs. The liver, lungs, and peritoneum are the most common sites of metastasis, although in advanced stages, CRC can also spread to other organs, including the bones and brain.
• The symptoms of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are influenced by both the location and size of the metastatic tumors. When the cancer spreads to the liver, patients may experience jaundice or abdominal swelling. Metastasis in the lungs can lead to shortness of breath, while the involvement of the bones may result in bone pain or fractures. If the cancer reaches the brain, symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or seizures may occur.
• The diagnosis of mCRC involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, and molecular testing to confirm disease spread and guide treatment. Contrast-enhanced CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis are standard for detecting metastases, with MRI for liver involvement and PET scans in select cases. Colonoscopy with biopsy confirms malignancy, while molecular testing for RAS (KRAS/NRAS), BRAF, MSI/MMR status, and HER2 or NTRK alterations informs targeted therapy selection.
• After someone is diagnosed with CRC, staging is done to figure out if it has spread, and if so, how far. CRC can be divided into localized, regional, distant, and unknown based on CRC staging.
• In 2024, the incident cases of mCRC were approximately 294,500 cases in the 7MM, which will increase by 2034. In the 7MM, the highest number of incident cases of mCRC were observed in the US.
• In the US, Males were more affected by CRC than Females, in 2024.
• In 2024, the incident cases of mCRC were approximately 79,000 cases in the United States, which will increase by 2034.
• Among EU4 and the UK, in 2024, Germany accounted for the highest number of mCRC cases, followed by Italy, whereas Spain accounted for the lowest number of incident cases.

DelveInsight’s “Metastatic colorectal cancer – Epidemiology Forecast – 2034” report delivers an in-depth understanding of Metastatic colorectal cancer, historical and forecasted epidemiology in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan.

The table given below further depicts the key segments provided in the report:

Metastatic colorectal cancer: Disease Understanding 

Metastatic colorectal cancer Overview, and Diagnosis

CRC that spreads, or metastasizes, to the lungs, liver, or any other organ is called metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The most common site of metastases for colon or rectal cancer is the liver. CRC cells may also spread to the lungs, bones, brain, or spinal cord. Most CRCs start as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are called polyps. Some types of polyps can change into cancer over time (usually many years), but not all polyps become cancer. The chance of a polyp turning into cancer depends on the type of polyp it is, there are several types of polyps, each with different implications for cancer risk:

• Adenomatous polyps (adenomas): These polyps have the potential to develop into cancer, making them a pre-cancerous condition. Adenomas are classified into three subtypes: tubular, villous, and tubulovillous.
• Hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps: These are more common but generally do not pose a pre-cancerous risk. However, individuals with large hyperplastic polyps (greater than 1 cm) may require more frequent colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, typically via colonoscopy.
• Sessile serrated polyps (SSP) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA): These polyps are often managed similarly to adenomas due to their higher associated risk of CRC

Generally, most CRCs are considered sporadic, meaning the genetic changes develop by chance after a person is born, so there is no risk of passing these genetic changes on to one’s children. Inherited CRCs are less common and occur when gene mutations, or changes, are passed within a family from one generation to the next. Often, the cause of CRC is not known.

Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) may present with a variety of signs and symptoms, including occult or overt rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, anemia, or abdominal pain. However, CRC is often asymptomatic until it reaches an advanced stage. Rectal bleeding, in particular, is a common symptom that can be associated with both benign and malignant conditions. Therefore, additional risk factors are typically considered to identify individuals who may benefit from further evaluation with colonoscopy.

The diagnosis of mCRC involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, and molecular testing to confirm disease spread and guide treatment. Contrast-enhanced CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis are standard for detecting metastases, with MRI for liver involvement and PET scans in select cases. Colonoscopy with biopsy confirms malignancy, while molecular testing for RAS (KRAS/NRAS), BRAF, MSI/MMR status, and HER2 or NTRK alterations informs targeted therapy selection.

Metastatic colorectal cancer Epidemiology

The Metastatic colorectal cancer epidemiology chapter in the report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiology segmented by total incident cases of colorectal cancer, gender-specific cases of colorectal cancer, age-specific cases of colorectal cancer, tumor location-specific cases of colorectal cancer, stage-specific cases of colorectal cancer, total incident cases of metastatic colorectal cancer, mutation type-specific cases of metastatic colorectal cancer, and total treated cases of metastatic colorectal cancer in the United States, EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan from 2021 to 2034.

• In 2024, the United States reported the highest number of cases of CRC in the right colon with 51,500 cases, followed by Left colon, Transverse, and Rectum cases, with 49,000, 20,500, and 17,000 cases, respectively. 
• In 2024, Gender-specific cases of CRC in the United States were around 85,500 and 67,000 for male and female, respectively.
• In 2024, EU4 and the UK recorded a higher Incidence of CRC cases in the 65-84 years age group, with approximately 118,000 cases, followed by the 45-64 years age group, which accounted for around 100,000 cases.
• In 2024, Japan reported the highest number of regional cases of CRC with approximately 56,400 cases, followed by localized and distant cases, with around 55,000 and 36,000 cases, respectively.
• In 2024, EU4 and the UK reported the highest number of KRAS mutation cases with around 60,800 cases, followed by dMMR/MSI-H cases, with approximately 20,700 cases.

Scope of the Report

• The report covers a segment of key events, an executive summary, and a descriptive overview of Metastatic colorectal cancer, explaining its causes, signs and symptoms, and pathogenesis.
• Comprehensive insight into the epidemiology segments and forecasts, the future growth potential of diagnosis rate, and disease progression have been provided.
• A detailed review of current challenges in establishing diagnosis and diagnosis rate is provided.

Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Report Insights

• Patient Population
• Country-wise Epidemiology Distribution

Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Report Key Strengths

• Ten-year Forecast
• The 7MM Coverage 
• Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Epidemiology Segmentation

Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Report Assessment

• Epidemiology Segmentation
• Current Diagnostic Practices

FAQs

Epidemiology Insights

• What are the disease risks, burdens, and unmet needs of Metastatic colorectal cancer? What will be the growth opportunities across the 7MM with respect to the patient population pertaining to Metastatic colorectal cancer?
• What is the historical and forecasted Metastatic colorectal cancer patient pool in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan?
• What is the diagnostic pattern of Metastatic colorectal cancer?
• Which clinical factors will affect Metastatic colorectal cancer?
• Which factors will affect the increase in the diagnosis of Metastatic colorectal cancer?

Reasons to buy

• Insights on disease burden, details regarding diagnosis, and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years.
• To understand the change in Metastatic colorectal cancer cases in varying geographies over the coming years.
• A detailed overview of total incident cases of colorectal cancer, gender-specific cases of colorectal cancer, age-specific cases of colorectal cancer, tumor location-specific cases of colorectal cancer, stage-specific cases of colorectal cancer, total incident cases of metastatic colorectal cancer, mutation type-specific cases of metastatic colorectal cancer, and total treated cases of metastatic colorectal cancer is included.
• To understand the perspective of key opinion leaders around the current challenges with establishing the diagnosis and insights on the treatment-eligible patient pool.
• Detailed insights on various factors hampering disease diagnosis and other existing diagnostic challenges.