Objectives To analyze the trends in mortality and disease burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) among the registered residents in Danyang City, Jiangsu Province, from 2013 to 2023, and to provide a scientific basis for developing CRC prevention and control strategies.

Methods Mortality surveillance data on CRC among the registered residents in Danyang City from 2013 to 2023 were collected and analyzed. Crude mortality rate (CMR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), years of life lost (YLL) due to premature death, and YLL rate were calculated. The annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) of CMR, ASMR and YLL rate were calculated with Joinpoint Regression Program 4.9.0.1.

Results A total of 1 920 deaths from colorectal cancer were recorded in Danyang City during 2013‒2023, with an average annual CMR of 21.75/100 000, which showed an upward trend (APC=6.47%, 95%CI: 4.21%‒8.79%, P<0.001), with higher CMR observed in males than that in females. The overall ASMR by Chinese standard population was 12.10/100 000, with no obvious temporal trends (APC=1.37%, P=0.364). ASMR increased with age, particularly after 45 years. The total YLL due to CRC was 34 711 person-years, with an average YLL rate of 3.93‰. The YLL rate showed a significant upward trend from 2013 to 2023 (APC=4.96%, 95%CI: 4.08%‒18.16%, P<0.001) in Danyang City.

Conclusion The mortality rate of colorectal cancer in Danyang City is relatively high and has shown a rising trend, resulting in an increasing disease burden on the residents year by year. Continued efforts to strengthen CRC prevention and control are needed, particularly targeting males and the elderly population.