Which cancer site is ranked #3 for both new cancer cases and deaths for both men and women according to 2009 estimates?

• A. Colorectal cancer
• B. Breast cancer
• C. Lung cancer
• D. Prostate cancer

Answer: (A)

Colorectal cancer sits in a consistent middle position of the cancer burden for both men and women in 2009, appearing as the third most common new cancer and as the third leading cause of cancer deaths for each sex.

For men, the two cancers with more new cases are prostate and lung, so colorectal cancer is third. For women, breast and lung are the top two, placing colorectal cancer third in incidence. Looking at deaths, the pattern remains: in men, lung leads, followed by prostate, with colorectal cancer third; in women, lung leads, then breast, with colorectal cancer third. This combination of rankings—third in both incidence and mortality for both sexes—makes colorectal cancer the best answer for the question.