2005 Georgia Data Summary: COLORECTAL CANCER In Georgia, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed among males and females. COLORECTAL CANCER Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed among Georgia males and females. Over 4,200 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in 2005. Age-adjusted Colorectal Cancer Incidence Rates, Females, by Health District, Georgia, 1999-2002 The East Metro (3-4) Health District has a significantly lower colorectal cancer incidence rate than the state average for females. The Northwest (1-1), Cobb/Douglas (3-1), and East Metro (3-4) Health districts have significantly lower colorectal cancer incidence rates than the state average for males. The North Central (5-2) and Southwest (8-2) Health Districts have significantly higher colorectal cancer incidence rates than the state average for males. Age-adjusted Colorectal Cancer Incidence Rate, by Race and Sex, Georgia (1999-2002) and United States (1998-2002) Rate significantly higher than the state No significant difference from the state Rate significantly lower than the state Age-adjusted Colorectal Cancer Incidence Rates, Males, by Health District, Georgia, 1999-2002 Rate significantly higher than the state No significant difference from the state Rate significantly lower than the state Rate per 100,000 100 90 80 71 70 70 60 66 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Black W hite M ales M ales G eorgia U nited States 53 54 47 42 Black W hite Fem ales Fem ales RISK FACTORS Increasing age Personal/family history of colorectal cancer or polyps Smoking and alcohol consumption Physical inactivity High-fat and/or low-fiber diet Inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables Obesity PREVENTION Colorectal cancer can be prevented by managing modifiable risk factors such as diet and physical activity, and by screening to enable detection and removal of precancerous polyps. Data source: Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry (1999-2002) Date updated: December 2005 Publication number: DPH05.118H Visit http://www.health.state.ga.us/programs/gccr/index.asp for more information about cancer in Georgia. Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health 2 Peachtree Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 657-3103 gdphinfo@dhr.state.ga.us http://health.state.ga.us