WVDHHR > Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease > Focus Areas > Cancer

Colorectal Cancer in West Virginia

Colorectal cancer is West Virginia’s second leading cause of cancer related deaths...even though it is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented. hispanic doctor.jpg

Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. The wall of the colon and rectum is made up of several layers.

Before colorectal cancer develops, it usually begins as a non-cancerous polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Though most polyps will not become cancerous, detecting and removing them through screening can actually prevent cancer from occurring.

Through proper screening, polyps in the colon can be found and removed before they turn cancerous.

Screening Options

West Virginia Colorectal Cancer Incidence Rates

Table one shows West Virginia’s average annual newly diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer in total population and in the population over 50 years of age, as well as the number of newly diagnosed cases in those over age 50 found in the late stage.

Table two compares West Virginia and United States colorectal cancer incidence rates. West Virginia has incidence rates significantly higher than the United States as a whole, both in total population and population aged 50 years and older.

Table One: Colorectal Cancer Incidence Rates West Virginia		Table Two: Colorectal Cancer Incidence Rates per 100,000 population
1,126	Average number of new cases diagnosed each year	West Virginia	United States
		47.6	41.9
1,030	Average number of new cases diagnosed each year in persons over age 50	Colorectal Cancer Incidence Rates among adults 50 and over per 100,000 population
522	Average number of new cases diagnosed at late stage each year in persons over age 50	West Virginia	United States
		151.2	133.4