Despite declines in incidence rates, colon and rectal cancers remain some of the most common cancers in the United States, with 154,158,850 new cases expected to be diagnosed in 2026, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Overall, diagnoses and deaths from colorectal cancer have gradually decreased since the mid-1980s due to increased screening, treatment advancements and lifestyle changes. But for young adults, it’s a different — and alarming — story. People under 50 are the only population group experiencing a rise in incidence and death rates from the disease — currently, the deadliest cancer among young men and the second deadliest among young women.
How does Georgia compare? The colorectal cancer burden is high in parts of the South. In the Peach State, both the incidence rate and mortality rate of colorectal cancer are higher than the national average. And, in many counties, the number of advanced-stage diagnoses is also higher than the national average.
The good news: Colorectal cancer is preventable with screening and is highly curable when detected early.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Georgia colorectal screenings lead to lower mortality
- What’s behind the numbers?
- Colorectal cancer screenings in Atlanta
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and are looking for an initial appointment or a second opinion, call us 24/7 at 877-460-4673.
Georgia Colorectal Screenings Lead to Lower Mortality
Rising numbers of colorectal cancer among younger adults across the United States prompted revisions to national health guidelines. In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated its recommendations to match ACS guidelines, lowering the age of colorectal cancer screening to 45 for those at average risk — or earlier for those with a family history of the disease.
So how does Georgia fare in colorectal cancer screening rates? The answer varies based on where residents live.
The average screening rate for eligible patients in Georgia is 70%, according to the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (CORE). But a deeper dive reveals that screening rates in southwest and southeast Georgia are lagging behind national goals — only 53% and 33%, respectively.
County-level research over two decades has found that even with notable increases in colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy (endoscopic screening procedures), certain regions within Georgia experienced challenges with colorectal cancer screening access and awareness.
Other key takeaways include:
- Patients living in intermediate and high screening areas of Georgia were less likely to die from colorectal cancer.
- Patients living in low colorectal cancer screening counties had lower five‐year survival rates.
- Patients living in rural areas with high screening rates had significantly lower five-year survival rates.
- Non-rural patients living in intermediate and high colorectal cancer screening areas were particularly less likely to die from colorectal cancer.
What’s Behind the Numbers?
When determining someone’s risk for developing colorectal cancer, many factors are considered, including:
- Family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
- Inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome
- Excessive use of alcohol or tobacco
- Obesity or excess weight
- Lack of physical activity
“Where patients live also matters,” says Dennis Choat, M.D ., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.S.R.S., a colorectal surgeon at City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta. “Colorectal cancer screenings are vital to prevention and potentially lifesaving, but access to and investments in them aren’t equal across Georgia.”
Barriers associated with geography, such as access to health care, limited screening facilities and lack of transportation negatively impact overall health and outcomes for colorectal cancer patients. For instance, rural residences face a 16% to 22% increased risk of colorectal cancer death.
“The power and potential of high-quality cancer care and scientific breakthroughs means less if patients can’t access them,” adds Dr. Choat.
The ACS reports that colorectal cancer diagnoses are more common among Native, Black and Hispanic Americans than among white individuals. But this isn’t tied to genetics. It’s associated with issues such as socioeconomic status and lack of access to adequate health care or insurance.
Findings from research conducted by the Georgia Department of Public Health also highlight racial disparities, including:
- Both non-Hispanic (NH) black males and NH black females are more likely than NH white males and NH white females to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Georgia and the country.
- Black males and black females are more likely than white males and white females to die of colorectal cancer in Georgia and the country.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings in Atlanta
Nearly 5,200 Georgians are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, according to 2025 estimates. For patients in the South and nationwide, early detection significantly improves the chances of strong outcomes for colorectal cancer patients. Colonoscopy may even prevent the disease.
Thanks to increased screenings and treatment advancements, the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer has improved to about 65%. If found early, before it’s spread, the survival rate climbs to 91%.
“Our goal is early detection and removal,” says Dr. Choat, who is part of City of Hope’s Gastrointestinal Cancer Center multidisciplinary team of experts . Together, the gastroenterology team is treating patients who may benefit from minimally invasive endoscopic management of early gastrointestinal cancers, such as large colorectal polyps, Barrett’s esophagus, gastrointestinal stromal tumors and neuroendocrine tumors.
“We’re also embracing artificial intelligence-enabled technology to help detect colonic polyps, adenomas and cancerous or pre-cancerous lesions in real-time during colonoscopies,” Dr. Choat says.
While colonoscopy is the gold-standard screening test for colorectal cancer, less invasive diagnostic methods, including endoscopic ultrasound, stool tests and blood tests , are also available at City of Hope Atlanta. For patients with noncancerous polyps in the intestines, gastroenterologists are combining state-of-the-art technologies with nonsurgical techniques, such as endoscopic mucosal resection, to remove abnormal tissue.
There are now more options than ever when it comes to treating colorectal cancer, from targeted therapies to minimally invasive surgical techniques to immunotherapy. Certain patients with advanced colorectal cancer are receiving hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) — a highly concentrated, heated chemotherapy treatment delivered directly to the abdominal cavity during surgery — as part of their personalized treatment.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and are looking for an initial appointment or a second opinion, call us 24/7 at 877-460-4673.