The incidence of large intestine cancers is increasing all over the world, including in India. Much like any other cancer, if the diagnosis is early, colorectal cancers (CRCs) can be cured. Unfortunately in India, diagnosis is generally late, with patients coming in only at the advanced stages, at which point, only palliative care and treatment is possible.

CRC ranks as the third-most prevalent cancer globally, and is the second primary cause of deaths associated with cancer around the world. In the United States, CRC ranks as the second-most common cause of cancer-related deaths, following lung cancer. Many CRC cases however, are preventable. The American Association for Cancer Research observes March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in order to raise awareness about the disease.