Final answer:
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in terms of incidence and mortality for both men and women. It affects the colon and the rectum and can be highly treatable when detected early. Mortality rates have declined due to better screening, treatment, and awareness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in terms of incidence and mortality for both men and women. Colorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum, forming from the glands lining the colon’s mucosa. These tumors can grow and eventually spread to other parts of the body through a process known as metastasis. Despite being highly treatable and often curable when detected early, colorectal cancer still poses a significant health risk, particularly if diagnosed in later stages.
The decline in cancer mortality rates can be attributed to various factors, including improvements in cancer detection, screening, and treatment options. For instance, the widespread use of screening for colorectal cancer, such as colonoscopies, has allowed for early detection and removal of precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. Additionally, advancements in surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy have significantly improved survival rates for those with colorectal cancer. Public health initiatives promoting awareness and preventive measures have also contributed to the decrease in cancer deaths.
As highlighted by the provided references and statistics, while basal cell carcinomas represent the most common cancer incident, cancers resulting in the highest mortality include lung, prostate in males, and breast in females, followed by colorectal cancer. This information underscores the importance of continued focus on cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment to further reduce the impact of these diseases.