Colorectal Cancer Treatment Market Report: Size, Share and Outlook by 2031

The colorectal cancer treatment market is projected to reach US$ 24.74 billion by 2031 from US$ 19.93 billion in 2024. The market is estimated to register a CAGR of 3.2% during 2025-2031. Major factors driving the market growth include a growing number of colorectal cancer cases and increasing advancements in targeted and immunotherapies are propelling the adoption of colorectal cancer treatment. Further, developing novel drug delivery methods will likely boost the market during the forecast period. However, the high costs of colorectal cancer treatments are among the market deterrents.

The increasing number of colorectal cancer cases is driven by a convergence of demographic trends, lifestyle changes, and shifting patterns in early-onset disease, which are reflected in recent epidemiological statistics and scientific developments. According to the World Health Organization, in 2022, colorectal cancer is set to remain the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death globally, with ~1.9 million new cases and more than 900,000 deaths each year. Moreover, as per the data of the National Cancer Institute (2025), the US is projected to observe 154,000 new CRC cases and over 52,900 deaths in 2025, representing ~8% of all new cancer diagnoses. While overall CRC incidence among adults over 50 declined in the past several decades due to improved screening and modifiable risk factor management, the most troubling development in recent years is the marked increase in cases among adults younger than 50, a demographic that historically had a lower risk and for whom population screening is not yet universally implemented.

Biological and genomic research has suggested that early-onset colorectal cancer is biologically distinct, with different molecular and environmental influences compared to traditional late-onset CRC. However, more definitive research is ongoing. In response to these trends, clinical and policy guidelines in several countries are lowering the recommended age for starting CRC screening to 45. At the same time, major awareness campaigns aim to educate younger populations and clinicians about the rising risk.

The rising number of colorectal cancer cases is primarily driven by aging, lifestyle risk factors, increasing prevalence among younger adults, and insufficient population screening in key regions. As global momentum shifts toward addressing early-onset disease and equity in cancer care, continued investment in preventative strategies, molecular diagnostics, and public awareness will be vital for stemming growth in colorectal cancer incidence and death. The rising number of colorectal cancer cases is boosting the market growth.

The comparative company analysis evaluates and categorizes the colorectal cancer treatment market based on product portfolio (product satisfaction, product features, and availability), recent market developments (merger & acquisition, new product launch & enhancement, investment & funding, award, agreement, collaboration, & partnership, recognition, and expansion), and geographic presence that aids better decision-making and understanding of the competitive landscape. The report profoundly explores the recent significant developments and innovations by the leading vendors in the global colorectal cancer treatment market. The key market players are Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Bayer AG, Amgen Inc., Eli Lilly and Co., Genentech Inc. (F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd), Pfizer Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd.

Based on treatment, the colorectal cancer treatment market is categorized into surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and others. In 2024, the surgery segment held a significant colorectal cancer treatment market share.

The market is segmented by age group into below 49 years, 50 - 64 years, and above 65 years. The above 65 years segment held the largest share of the colorectal cancer treatment market in 2024 and is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during 2025-2031. As global populations age, the proportion of individuals aged 65 and above is rising significantly. According to the WHO, by 2030, 1 in 6 people worldwide will be 60 or older, with the 80+ age group growing the fastest. Since age is the single most significant risk factor for colorectal cancer-with nearly 75% of cases diagnosed in individuals over 65-this demographic shift directly expands the patient pool requiring treatment. Advancements in healthcare have improved life expectancy, leading to a larger elderly population living long enough to develop age-related cancers. For example, in the US, the American Cancer Society reports that the median age at CRC diagnosis is 66, and the risk increases sharply after 50, peaking in the 70s and 80s. Additionally, targeted therapies and immunotherapies have expanded treatment options for elderly patients who may not tolerate aggressive chemotherapy.

Regarding end users, the colorectal cancer treatment market is segmented into hospitals, specialty clinics, home care, and others. The hospitals segment held the largest colorectal cancer treatment market share in 2024. However, specialty clinics are anticipated to register the highest CAGR from 2025 to 2031.

Companies operating in the colorectal cancer treatment market adopt various organic and inorganic strategies. The organic strategies mainly include product launches and product approvals. Inorganic growth strategies witnessed in the market are acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships. These growth strategies allow the market players to expand their businesses, enhance their geographic presence, and contribute to the overall market growth. Furthermore, acquisitions and partnerships helped strengthen their customer base and extend their product portfolios. A few significant developments by key colorectal cancer treatment market players are listed below.

In 2025, Pfizer Inc. announced statistically significant and clinically meaningful survival results from the Phase 3 BREAKWATER trial evaluating BRAFTOVI (encorafenib) in combination with cetuximab (marketed as ERBITUX) and mFOLFOX6 (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation.

In 2024, Guardant Health, Inc. (Nasdaq: GH), a leading precision oncology company, today announced the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company's Shield blood test for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in adults age 45 and older who are at average risk for the disease. It is the first blood test to be approved by the FDA as a primary screening option for CRC, meaning healthcare providers can offer Shield, like all other non-invasive methods recommended in screening guidelines. Shield is also the first blood test for CRC screening that meets the requirements for Medicare coverage.

In 2024, Exact Sciences Corp., a leading cancer screening and diagnostic testing provider, announced the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Cologuard Plus test, the company's next-generation multitarget stool DNA test. The Cologuard Plus test is now approved for adults ages 45 and older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer (CRC).