Digestive Disease in the US 2025
Digestive diseases continue to represent one of the most significant health challenges facing Americans today, affecting the lives of tens of millions of people across the nation. These conditions encompass a wide spectrum of disorders that impact the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and related organs, ranging from common ailments like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to more severe conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, and chronic liver disease. The scope and impact of these diseases extend far beyond individual suffering, creating substantial burdens on the healthcare system, economy, and quality of life for affected individuals and their families. Every year, millions of Americans seek medical care for digestive problems, with these conditions accounting for a significant proportion of physician visits, emergency department encounters, and hospital admissions across the country.
The current landscape of digestive disease prevalence in the United States reveals alarming statistics that demand attention from healthcare providers, policymakers, and the general public. According to the most recent data from federal health agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), between 60 to 70 million Americans are affected by digestive diseases annually. The CDC FastStats data shows that 14.8 million adults have been diagnosed with ulcers, representing 5.9% of the adult population, while digestive system diseases account for 35.4 million physician office visits and 8.8 million emergency department visits each year. Understanding the current state of digestive health in America through verified statistics and factual data becomes crucial for developing effective prevention strategies, improving treatment outcomes, and allocating healthcare resources where they are needed most.
Key Stats & Facts About Digestive Diseases in the US 2025
| Key Digestive Disease Facts | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Americans Affected by Digestive Diseases | 60 to 70 million people |
| Adults with Diagnosed Ulcers | 14.8 million (5.9%) |
| Adults with Liver Disease | 4.5 million (1.8%) |
| Physician Office Visits (Primary Diagnosis) | 35.4 million visits annually |
| Emergency Department Visits (Primary Diagnosis) | 8.8 million visits annually |
| IBD Prevalence (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis) | 2.4 to 3.1 million Americans |
| Chronic Liver Disease Deaths (2023) | 52,222 deaths |
| Liver Disease Age-Adjusted Death Rate (2023) | 13.0 per 100,000 population |
| Liver Disease Crude Death Rate (2023) | 15.6 per 100,000 population |
| Liver Disease Cause of Death Rank | 9th leading cause |
| GERD Prevalence in United States | 18.1% to 27.8% of population |
Data Sources: CDC National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) FastStats – Digestive Diseases, National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey 2019, National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey 2022, National Vital Statistics System 2023, CDC IBD Facts and Stats July 2024, NIDDK Digestive Diseases Statistics, Summary Health Statistics Tables for U.S. Adults: National Health Interview Survey 2018
The statistics presented in the table above paint a comprehensive picture of how digestive diseases impact American society on multiple levels. The staggering figure of 60 to 70 million people affected by all digestive diseases demonstrates that these conditions touch the lives of nearly one in five Americans. This widespread prevalence means that most families have at least one member dealing with some form of digestive disorder, whether it involves chronic discomfort, dietary restrictions, ongoing medical management, or serious life-threatening complications. The 14.8 million adults living with diagnosed ulcers represent 5.9% of the adult population, while 4.5 million adults with liver disease account for 1.8% of adults aged 18 and older. The diversity of these conditions, ranging from functional disorders to structural abnormalities and malignant diseases, requires a multifaceted approach to healthcare delivery and patient education.
The healthcare utilization data reveals the enormous demand these conditions place on the medical system. With 35.4 million physician office visits annually where digestive diseases serve as the primary diagnosis, gastroenterologists and primary care physicians dedicate substantial resources to managing these conditions. Additionally, 8.8 million emergency department visits indicate that many patients experience acute exacerbations or complications requiring urgent care. The gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) prevalence ranging from 18.1% to 27.8% of the North American population represents one of the most common digestive complaints, affecting potentially more than 50 million Americans. The mortality data becomes particularly sobering when examining chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, which claimed 52,222 lives in 2023 with a crude death rate of 15.6 per 100,000 population and an age-adjusted rate of 13.0 per 100,000, ranking as the 9th leading cause of death in America. These numbers underscore the critical importance of early detection, appropriate treatment, and comprehensive disease management strategies.
Ulcer Disease Prevalence in the US 2025
| Ulcer Disease Statistics | Data |
|---|---|
| Adults with Diagnosed Ulcers | 14.8 million |
| Percentage of Adult Population | 5.9% |
| Data Collection Year | 2018 National Health Interview Survey |
| Primary Causes | H. pylori infection, NSAID use, stress |
| Common Symptoms | Burning stomach pain, bloating, heartburn |
| Serious Complications | Bleeding, perforation, gastric outlet obstruction |
| Risk Factors | Advanced age, smoking, alcohol, certain medications |
Data Source: CDC National Center for Health Statistics, Summary Health Statistics Tables for U.S. Adults: National Health Interview Survey 2018
Peptic ulcer disease continues to affect a substantial portion of the American population, with 14.8 million adults reporting diagnosed ulcers, representing 5.9% of the adult population according to the National Health Interview Survey data from 2018. These painful sores in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers) develop when the protective mucous layer is compromised, allowing digestive acids to damage the underlying tissue. While the understanding and treatment of ulcer disease have improved dramatically over the past several decades, particularly with the discovery of Helicobacter pylori bacteria as a major causative agent in the early 1980s, millions of Americans continue to suffer from this condition. The symptoms typically include burning stomach pain that may worsen between meals or at night, bloating, heartburn, nausea, and in some cases, vomiting, significantly impacting patients’ daily comfort, nutritional intake, and overall quality of life.
The two primary causes of peptic ulcers in the modern era are H. pylori infection, which accounts for the majority of ulcers worldwide, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. The widespread use of NSAIDs for pain management, particularly among older adults with arthritis and other chronic pain conditions, contributes substantially to the ulcer burden in America. Additional risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physiological stress from severe illness or burns, and certain medications like corticosteroids. When left untreated or inadequately managed, peptic ulcers can lead to serious complications including gastrointestinal bleeding (which may be life-threatening and require blood transfusions), perforation (where the ulcer creates a hole through the stomach or intestinal wall, causing peritonitis), and gastric outlet obstruction (where swelling or scarring blocks the passage of food from the stomach). The 5.9% prevalence rate translates to approximately one in seventeen adults dealing with this condition, highlighting the need for continued efforts in prevention through appropriate NSAID use, H. pylori screening and eradication in high-risk populations, proton pump inhibitor therapy when indicated, and patient education about warning signs that require immediate medical attention.
Physician Office Visits for Digestive Diseases in the US 2025
| Physician Visit Statistics | Annual Data |
|---|---|
| Total Office Visits (Primary Diagnosis) | 35.4 million |
| Data Source | National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey 2019 |
| Common Conditions Treated | GERD, IBS, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain |
| Healthcare Providers | Gastroenterologists, primary care physicians |
| Visit Purposes | Diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, preventive care |
| Age Groups Most Affected | Adults 45-64 years and seniors 65+ |
| Trend | Steady increase in digestive disease visits over decades |
Data Source: CDC National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2019 National Summary Tables, Table 13
Physician office visits with diseases of the digestive system as the primary diagnosis total 35.4 million annually according to the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2019, reflecting the chronic nature of many gastrointestinal conditions that require ongoing management, monitoring, and treatment adjustments. These visits encompass a broad spectrum of digestive complaints and diagnosed conditions, including routine follow-ups for chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, chronic liver disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as initial evaluations for new symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or rectal bleeding. Primary care physicians handle many of these visits, particularly for common conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, and GERD, while gastroenterologists and hepatologists provide specialized care for more complex conditions.
The substantial volume of 35.4 million visits demonstrates that digestive diseases represent a major component of ambulatory healthcare in America, consuming considerable physician time and healthcare resources. During these visits, healthcare providers conduct physical examinations, review symptoms and medical histories, order diagnostic tests such as blood work, stool studies, or imaging, interpret test results, prescribe or adjust medications, provide dietary counseling, discuss lifestyle modifications, and coordinate care with other specialists when complications arise. Many patients with chronic digestive conditions require visits every few months for disease monitoring, medication management, and assessment of treatment effectiveness. The steady increase in digestive disease visits over recent decades reflects several factors including the aging population (with higher rates of digestive diseases among older adults), improved disease recognition and diagnosis, better access to healthcare for some populations, and potentially true increases in the prevalence of certain conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This high utilization pattern underscores the importance of primary care physicians developing expertise in managing common digestive complaints and the need for adequate numbers of gastroenterology specialists to handle complex cases and perform necessary endoscopic procedures.
Emergency Department Visits for Digestive Diseases in the US 2025
| Emergency Department Statistics | Annual Data |
|---|---|
| Total ED Visits (Primary Diagnosis) | 8.8 million |
| Data Source | National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey 2022 |
| Common Emergency Presentations | Abdominal pain, GI bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Serious Conditions | Appendicitis, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, pancreatitis |
| Admission Rate | Significant proportion require hospitalization |
| Cost Impact | Emergency care significantly more expensive than office visits |
| Patient Demographics | All age groups, higher rates in elderly and uninsured |
Data Source: National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2022 National Summary Tables, Table 10
Emergency department visits for diseases of the digestive system as the primary diagnosis total 8.8 million annually according to the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2022, representing urgent and often acute presentations of gastrointestinal problems that cannot wait for scheduled appointments or require immediate evaluation to rule out life-threatening conditions. These emergency visits may involve patients experiencing severe abdominal pain of unknown cause, gastrointestinal bleeding (either vomiting blood or passing blood in stools), uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea leading to dehydration, complications of chronic liver disease such as hepatic encephalopathy or variceal bleeding, or acute conditions like appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, or perforated viscus. The emergency department serves as the critical access point for urgent digestive health problems, particularly for patients without established care, those who develop symptoms outside regular office hours, and individuals experiencing sudden deterioration of chronic conditions.
The high volume of 8.8 million emergency department visits places significant strain on emergency departments, which must rapidly assess and triage patients to determine which require immediate intervention, which need hospitalization for further management, and which can be managed with outpatient follow-up after ED treatment. Emergency physicians must differentiate between benign self-limited conditions and serious pathology that requires urgent surgical or medical intervention, often relying on physical examination findings, laboratory tests, and imaging studies like CT scans or ultrasound. The cost of emergency care substantially exceeds equivalent care provided in scheduled outpatient settings, with emergency department visits typically costing two to five times more than office-based care for similar conditions. Many ED visits result in hospital admissions, further multiplying costs and resource utilization. The substantial emergency department utilization for digestive diseases reflects several concerning trends including inadequate access to timely outpatient care for some populations, lack of continuity of care for chronic conditions, health insurance gaps that lead people to delay care until emergencies develop, and the inherent unpredictability of some digestive conditions that can cause sudden severe symptoms. Reducing unnecessary emergency department visits while ensuring timely access for true emergencies requires improving access to primary and specialty care, better management of chronic digestive diseases, and patient education about when symptoms require emergency evaluation.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Prevalence in the US 2025
| IBD Statistics | Data |
|---|---|
| Total IBD Prevalence | 2.4 to 3.1 million Americans |
| Types | Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis |
| Annual Healthcare Costs (2018) | $8.5 billion |
| Age of Onset | Typically young adulthood (15-35 years) |
| Trend | Rising prevalence and increasing healthcare costs |
| Impact Variation | Differing burden across demographic groups |
| Lifetime Condition | Chronic disease requiring lifelong management |
Data Source: CDC Inflammatory Bowel Disease Facts and Stats, Updated July 2024
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents one of the most challenging categories of digestive disorders affecting Americans today, with current estimates indicating that between 2.4 and 3.1 million people in the United States live with either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. These chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract typically manifest in young adulthood between ages 15 and 35, though they can develop at any age, and persist throughout a patient’s lifetime, requiring continuous medical management, periodic monitoring through colonoscopy and laboratory tests, and sometimes multiple surgical interventions. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus but most commonly involves the end of the small intestine and beginning of the colon, causing deep inflammation through the bowel wall. Ulcerative colitis specifically affects the colon and rectum, causing continuous inflammation and ulceration of the innermost lining of the large intestine. The unpredictable nature of IBD, characterized by periods of active inflammation (flares) followed by remission, significantly impacts patients’ quality of life, educational pursuits, career trajectories, and personal relationships.
The economic burden of IBD continues to escalate, with total annual U.S. healthcare costs reaching approximately $8.5 billion in 2018, and this figure has likely increased substantially in subsequent years due to the introduction of newer, more expensive biologic therapies, the growing prevalence of these conditions, and overall healthcare inflation. The CDC reports that both IBD prevalence and healthcare costs are rising, creating challenges for patients who face significant out-of-pocket expenses, insurance systems struggling with high-cost specialty drugs, and healthcare providers managing increasingly complex treatment regimens. Treatment has been revolutionized by biologic medications that target specific components of the inflammatory cascade, though these medications can cost tens of thousands of dollars annually per patient. The disease burden varies significantly across different demographic groups, with certain populations experiencing higher rates of diagnosis, more severe disease courses, and differential access to specialized care and expensive medications. This disparity necessitates targeted research efforts to understand the genetic, environmental, and social factors contributing to IBD development and progression, as well as culturally appropriate interventions to improve outcomes across all affected populations.
Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis Mortality in the US 2025
| Liver Disease Mortality Metrics | 2023 Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Deaths | 52,222 |
| Crude Death Rate | 15.6 per 100,000 population |
| Age-Adjusted Death Rate | 13.0 per 100,000 population |
| Cause of Death Ranking | 9th leading cause |
| Adults with Diagnosed Liver Disease | 4.5 million (1.8%) |
| Change from 2022 | Decreased 5.8% in age-adjusted rate |
| Primary Causes | Alcohol, NAFLD/MASLD, viral hepatitis, autoimmune |
Data Sources: CDC NCHS FastStats Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis, National Vital Statistics System Mortality Data 2023, NCHS Data Brief No. 521 December 2024, Summary Health Statistics Tables for U.S. Adults: National Health Interview Survey 2018
Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis emerged as the 9th leading cause of death in the United States during 2023, responsible for 52,222 deaths with a crude death rate of 15.6 per 100,000 population. When adjusted for age to allow for meaningful comparisons across different time periods and populations, the death rate stands at 13.0 per 100,000, representing a 5.8% decrease from the 2022 age-adjusted rate of 13.8 per 100,000. This decline, while encouraging, still leaves liver disease as a major public health concern affecting millions of Americans. The 4.5 million adults diagnosed with liver disease represent 1.8% of the adult population according to National Health Interview Survey data from 2018, though experts believe the actual number affected may be considerably higher due to undiagnosed cases, particularly in the early stages of conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections that often remain asymptomatic for years or decades.
The causes of chronic liver disease are diverse and often interrelated, including alcohol-related liver disease which remains a leading cause particularly among younger adults, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) which affects an estimated 25-30% of U.S. adults and can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer, viral hepatitis infections (both hepatitis B and C), autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, hemochromatosis, Wilson disease, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The rising rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome in the United States have contributed significantly to the increasing burden of liver disease, as these conditions are primary drivers of NAFLD/MASLD, which has become the fastest-growing cause of liver disease and liver transplantation in America. The mortality data reflects the serious nature of advanced liver disease, where complications such as portal hypertension, ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen), hepatic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction due to liver failure), variceal bleeding (rupture of enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach), hepatorenal syndrome (kidney failure), and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) can prove fatal despite medical interventions. Prevention efforts focusing on alcohol moderation or abstinence, healthy weight maintenance, regular exercise, treatment of metabolic syndrome components, viral hepatitis screening and treatment (particularly hepatitis C which is now curable with direct-acting antiviral medications), and early detection of liver disease through routine screening in at-risk populations remain critical strategies for reducing the burden of liver-related deaths.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Prevalence in the US 2025
| GERD Statistics | Data |
|---|---|
| North American Prevalence | 18.1% to 27.8% of population |
| Global Prevalence | 13.98% worldwide |
| U.S. Prevalence | Approximately 20% (One in five Americans) |
| Estimated Affected Population | 50 to 60 million Americans |
| Symptom Definition | Heartburn and/or regurgitation at least weekly |
| Economic Impact | Significant direct and indirect costs |
| Quality of Life | Adversely affects daily functioning and wellbeing |
Data Sources: Epidemiological studies from North America, PMC systematic reviews, StatPearls medical reference
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) stands as one of the most commonly diagnosed digestive disorders in the United States with a prevalence estimated at 18.1% to 27.8% in North America, potentially affecting one in five Americans or approximately 50 to 60 million people. This condition occurs when stomach acid and sometimes bile flow back into the esophagus, irritating its lining and causing uncomfortable symptoms. The hallmark symptoms of GERD include heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest that may extend to the throat), regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, the sensation of a lump in the throat, and chronic cough. When these symptoms occur at least once weekly, the condition typically meets the diagnostic criteria for GERD. The global prevalence of GERD has been calculated at approximately 13.98%, but North American rates are notably higher, likely reflecting dietary patterns, obesity rates, and other lifestyle factors common in Western societies.
The economic burden of GERD on the U.S. healthcare system is substantial, resulting in significant direct costs including physician visits, diagnostic procedures like upper endoscopy and pH monitoring, prescription and over-the-counter medications (particularly proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists), surgical interventions for severe cases, and treatment of complications. Indirect costs include lost productivity from work absences, reduced work efficiency while experiencing symptoms, and decreased quality of life that affects personal relationships and daily activities. Many GERD patients report that symptoms interfere with eating, sleeping, and daily functioning, with nighttime symptoms particularly disruptive to sleep quality and overall wellbeing. Risk factors for GERD include obesity (which increases abdominal pressure), hiatal hernia (where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm), pregnancy, smoking, consumption of certain foods and beverages (fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods), eating large meals, lying down soon after eating, and certain medications that relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Untreated or poorly controlled GERD can lead to complications including esophagitis, esophageal stricture (narrowing), Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous change in esophageal lining), and increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The high prevalence of GERD underscores the importance of patient education about lifestyle modifications, appropriate use of acid-suppressing medications, and the need for endoscopic surveillance in patients with long-standing symptoms or Barrett’s esophagus.
Overall Mortality Context in the US 2025
| National Mortality Metrics | 2023 Data |
|---|---|
| Life Expectancy at Birth | 78.4 years |
| Change from 2022 | Increased 0.9 year |
| Male Life Expectancy | 75.8 years |
| Female Life Expectancy | 81.1 years |
| Total Registered Deaths | 3,090,964 |
| Age-Adjusted Death Rate | 750.5 per 100,000 |
| Death Rate Change | Decreased 6.0% from 2022 |
Data Source: CDC NCHS Data Brief No. 521 “Mortality in the United States, 2023” Published December 2024, National Vital Statistics System
Understanding digestive disease mortality within the broader context of overall mortality trends in the United States provides important perspective on the relative impact of these conditions compared to other causes of death. In 2023, the life expectancy at birth for the total U.S. population reached 78.4 years, representing an increase of 0.9 year from 77.5 years in 2022. This improvement largely resulted from dramatic decreases in mortality due to COVID-19 (which fell by 73.3% from 2022 to 2023), as well as reductions in deaths from heart disease, unintentional injuries, cancer, and diabetes. For males specifically, life expectancy increased from 74.8 to 75.8 years, while for females it increased from 80.2 to 81.1 years, maintaining a 5.3-year gap between the sexes that reflects differences in biological factors, health behaviors, occupational hazards, and healthcare utilization patterns. The age-adjusted death rate for the total population decreased by 6.0% from 798.8 deaths per 100,000 standard population in 2022 to 750.5 in 2023, reflecting improvements in healthcare delivery, disease prevention, treatment outcomes across multiple conditions, and the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic’s worst impacts.
A total of 3,090,964 resident deaths were registered in the United States in 2023, which was 188,893 fewer deaths than in 2022, representing a substantial decline that brought death rates closer to pre-pandemic levels. The 10 leading causes of death in 2023 remained the same as in 2022, though several causes changed ranks. Heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries continued as the top three leading causes, collectively accounting for a large proportion of all deaths. Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis held the 9th position among leading causes of death with 52,222 deaths and an age-adjusted rate of 13.0 per 100,000, while COVID-19 dropped dramatically from the 4th leading cause to the 10th. Age-specific death rates decreased from 2022 to 2023 for all age groups 5 years and older, with particularly substantial decreases seen in middle-aged adults (25-64 years old) who experienced reductions ranging from 7% to 9%. Within this overall mortality landscape, digestive diseases as a category contribute significantly to death rates, particularly through chronic liver disease and cirrhosis (9th leading cause), colorectal cancer (which is part of the broader cancer category that is the 2nd leading cause), pancreatic cancer (one of the deadliest cancers with high mortality rates), and complications of other gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, and intestinal ischemia.
Leading Causes of Death Rankings in the US 2025
| Rank | Cause of Death | Deaths (2023) | Age-Adjusted Rate (per 100,000) | Change from 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heart Disease | Accounts for largest proportion | 162.1 | Decreased 3.1% |
| 2 | Cancer (All Types) | Second largest proportion | No rate specified | No significant change |
| 3 | Unintentional Injuries | Third largest proportion | 62.3 | Decreased 2.7% |
| 4 | Stroke (Cerebrovascular) | Moved up from 5th | 39.0 | Decreased 1.3% |
| 5 | Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases | Moved up from 6th | 33.4 | Decreased 2.6% |
| 6 | Alzheimer Disease | Moved up from 7th | 27.7 | Decreased 4.2% |
| 7 | Diabetes | Moved up from 8th | 22.4 | Decreased 7.1% |
| 8 | Kidney Disease | Moved up from 9th | 13.1 | Decreased 5.1% |
| 9 | Chronic Liver Disease/Cirrhosis | Moved up from 10th | 13.0 | Decreased 5.8% |
| 10 | COVID-19 | Dropped from 4th | 11.9 | Decreased 73.3% |
Data Source: CDC NCHS Data Brief No. 521 “Mortality in the United States, 2023” Published December 2024, National Vital Statistics System Mortality Data
The ranking of leading causes of death in 2023 places chronic liver disease and cirrhosis as the 9th leading cause, accounting for 52,222 deaths with an age-adjusted death rate of 13.0 per 100,000 population. While this represents a 5.8% decrease from the 2022 age-adjusted rate of 13.8 per 100,000, liver disease continues to claim tens of thousands of American lives each year, making it the highest-ranked digestive disease cause of death. The positioning of liver disease as the 9th leading cause, having moved up one position from 10th place in 2022 due to the dramatic decline in COVID-19 deaths, underscores the persistent nature of chronic digestive diseases as major mortality threats. COVID-19, which had been the 4th leading cause in 2022, experienced a remarkable 73.3% decrease in its age-adjusted death rate, falling from 44.5 to 11.9 per 100,000, allowing it to drop to the 10th position. This shift enabled all causes ranked 5th through 9th in 2022 to move up one position in the 2023 rankings.
The 10 leading causes of death collectively accounted for 70.9% of all deaths in the United States in 2023, with heart disease and cancer maintaining their positions as the top two causes by a substantial margin. Heart disease, with an age-adjusted death rate of 162.1 per 100,000, remains the leading killer of Americans, though its rate decreased by 3.1% from 167.2 in 2022. Among the leading causes, age-adjusted death rates decreased for 9 of the 10 leading causes from 2022 to 2023, with the only exception being cancer, which showed no significant change. Diabetes showed the largest decrease at 7.1%, followed by kidney disease at 5.1% and chronic liver disease at 5.8%. The improvement in liver disease mortality reflects multiple factors including advances in treatment for viral hepatitis (particularly hepatitis C with the advent of direct-acting antiviral agents that achieve cure rates exceeding 95%), better management of alcohol-related liver disease through addiction treatment programs, increased awareness and screening for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and improvements in liver transplantation techniques and immunosuppressive medications. However, the continued high death toll of more than 52,000 annually emphasizes the urgent need for sustained efforts in prevention, early detection, and treatment of liver disease risk factors including alcohol abuse, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and viral hepatitis infections.
Age-Adjusted Death Rates by Demographic Groups in the US 2025
| Demographic Group | Death Rate (per 100,000) | Change from 2022 | Percentage Decrease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Hispanic AIAN Males | 1,277.7 | From 1,444.1 | Decreased 11.5% |
| Non-Hispanic AIAN Females | 920.3 | From 1,063.6 | Decreased 13.5% |
| Non-Hispanic Black Males | 1,151.6 | From 1,263.3 | Decreased 8.8% |
| Non-Hispanic Black Females | 753.6 | From 813.2 | Decreased 7.3% |
| Non-Hispanic White Males | 906.4 | From 971.9 | Decreased 6.7% |
| Non-Hispanic White Females | 662.8 | From 691.9 | Decreased 4.2% |
| Hispanic Males | 692.8 | From 774.2 | Decreased 10.5% |
| Hispanic Females | 472.4 | From 512.9 | Decreased 7.9% |
| Non-Hispanic Asian Males | 476.1 | From 522.2 | Decreased 8.8% |
| Non-Hispanic Asian Females | 334.6 | From 354.9 | Decreased 5.7% |
Data Source: CDC NCHS Data Brief No. 521 “Mortality in the United States, 2023” (Rates adjusted for race and ethnicity misclassification on death certificates)
The age-adjusted death rate data by race, ethnicity, and sex reveals significant health disparities that extend across all causes of death, including digestive diseases. From 2022 to 2023, while all demographic groups experienced decreases in death rates, the magnitude of reduction varied substantially across populations. Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations experienced the most dramatic improvements, with male death rates decreasing 11.5% from 1,444.1 to 1,277.7 per 100,000, and female death rates decreasing 13.5% from 1,063.6 to 920.3 per 100,000. However, even with these improvements, AIAN populations maintain the highest death rates among all racial and ethnic groups, with rates approximately 40% to 70% higher than the general population average, reflecting longstanding disparities in healthcare access, socioeconomic conditions, disease prevalence, and the historical impacts of colonization, forced relocation, and systemic discrimination on indigenous health.
Non-Hispanic Black Americans also experience substantially elevated death rates compared to other groups, with males at 1,151.6 per 100,000 and females at 753.6 per 100,000, despite decreases of 8.8% and 7.3% respectively from 2022. Black Americans face higher mortality rates from several digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer where mortality is approximately 35% higher compared to non-Hispanic whites, partly due to lower screening rates, later stage at diagnosis, and potentially more aggressive tumor biology. In contrast, Asian populations demonstrate the lowest death rates across both sexes, with males at 476.1 per 100,000 and females at 334.6 per 100,000, representing less than half the death rate of AIAN populations. Hispanic populations fall in the middle range with males at 692.8 per 100,000 and females at 472.4 per 100,000. These disparities in overall mortality rates correlate with disparities in digestive disease outcomes, where liver disease death rates also vary significantly across demographic groups, influenced by differences in alcohol consumption patterns, hepatitis B and C prevalence (higher in Asian and Black populations), obesity rates, access to hepatitis treatment, and liver transplant access. The differences reflect complex interactions of genetic factors, dietary patterns, rates of screening and preventive care, access to quality healthcare, insurance coverage, socioeconomic status, cultural factors affecting health-seeking behaviors, language barriers, medical mistrust stemming from historical abuses, and systemic healthcare inequities that must be addressed through targeted interventions, culturally competent care, community-based programs, and policy changes to achieve health equity.
Colorectal Cancer Statistics in the US 2025
| Colorectal Cancer Data | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Incidence Trend (2013-2022) | Declining 0.7% annually overall |
| Death Rate Trend (2014-2023) | Declining 1.3% annually |
| Estimated Deaths (2025) | Approximately 52,900 |
| Geographic Variation | Highest in South, Midwest, Appalachia |
| Lowest Incidence State | Utah (27 per 100,000) |
| Highest Incidence State | Mississippi (46.5 per 100,000) |
| Disparity Ratio | 72% difference between highest and lowest states |
| Young-Onset Trend | Increasing in adults under 50 |
Data Sources: National Cancer Institute SEER Program, CDC Colorectal Cancer Statistics June 2025, American Cancer Society Cancer Statistics 2025
Colorectal cancer remains one of the most significant digestive disease concerns in America, though encouraging trends in both incidence and mortality rates demonstrate the impact of improved screening, detection, and treatment strategies. Statistical models analyzing data from 2013 through 2022 show that age-adjusted rates for new colorectal cancer cases have been declining by an average of 0.7% each year among adults aged 50 and older, while age-adjusted death rates have been falling by an average of 1.3% annually from 2014 to 2023 across all age groups. Despite these positive trends, colorectal cancer is still expected to cause approximately 52,900 deaths during 2025, making it one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in the United States and a significant contributor to digestive disease deaths. The declining death rate can be attributed to several factors, including increased screening rates leading to earlier detection when the disease is more treatable, removal of precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer through screening colonoscopy, and advances in surgical techniques, chemotherapy regimens, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and radiation treatment.
The geographic distribution of colorectal cancer reveals striking disparities across the United States, with the burden highest in parts of the South, Midwest, and Appalachia and lowest in the West. Incidence rates range dramatically from 46.5 per 100,000 persons in Mississippi to just 27 per 100,000 in Utah, representing a difference of more than 72% between the highest and lowest states. These geographic variations likely reflect differences in screening rates, dietary patterns (with higher consumption of red and processed meats in some regions), obesity prevalence, physical inactivity rates, smoking rates, alcohol consumption, access to healthcare, availability of gastroenterologists and screening facilities, and socioeconomic factors that influence both cancer risk and survival. The concentration of higher rates in southern and Appalachian regions correlates with areas that often have lower rates of health insurance coverage, decreased access to colonoscopy services, and higher rates of risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles. Addressing these disparities requires targeted public health interventions, expansion of screening access through mobile colonoscopy units and increased availability of non-invasive screening options like stool-based tests, and community-based education programs to increase awareness about the importance of screening colonoscopy beginning at age 45 for average-risk individuals (lowered from age 50 in 2021), and earlier for those with family history or other risk factors.
Digestive Disease Economic Burden in the US 2025
| Economic Impact Category | Estimated Costs |
|---|---|
| IBD Annual Healthcare Costs (2018) | $8.5 billion |
| Total Population Affected | 60 to 70 million people |
| Annual Physician Visits | 35.4 million visits |
| Annual ED Visits | 8.8 million visits |
| Direct Medical Costs | Hospitalizations, procedures, medications, diagnostics |
| Indirect Costs | Lost productivity, disability, reduced quality of life |
| GERD Economic Impact | Significant medication and healthcare costs |
| Liver Disease Costs | Transplantation, chronic care, complications management |
Data Sources: CDC IBD Facts and Stats 2024, NIDDK Digestive Diseases Statistics, CDC NCHS FastStats, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project
The economic burden of digestive diseases in the United States extends far beyond the direct medical costs of diagnosis and treatment, encompassing productivity losses, disability payments, caregiver burden, decreased quality of life, and the ripple effects on families, employers, and communities. While comprehensive cost data for all digestive diseases combined remains challenging to calculate due to the heterogeneous nature of these conditions, available data for specific diseases provides insight into the enormous financial impact. Inflammatory bowel disease alone generated approximately $8.5 billion in annual healthcare costs in 2018, and this figure has grown substantially in subsequent years due to the increasing use of expensive biologic medications (which can cost $40,000 to $60,000 per patient annually), the rising prevalence of IBD, overall healthcare inflation, and longer life expectancies for IBD patients requiring decades of treatment. These costs encompass hospitalizations for disease flares and complications (with average hospitalization costs ranging from $15,000 to $40,000), outpatient clinic visits, endoscopic procedures (colonoscopies typically costing $2,000 to $4,000), laboratory monitoring, imaging studies like CT and MRI, surgical interventions including bowel resections and ostomy procedures, and pharmaceutical expenses for immunosuppressive medications, biologics, and supportive therapies.
The 60 to 70 million Americans affected by digestive diseases generate healthcare utilization across the entire spectrum of care settings, from primary care offices to specialized gastroenterology practices to emergency departments and hospital wards. The 8.8 million emergency department visits annually for digestive conditions represent a particularly expensive category of care, as emergency services typically cost two to five times more than equivalent care provided in scheduled outpatient settings, with average ED visit costs ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for uncomplicated cases and much higher for serious conditions requiring admission. Many of these emergency visits result in hospital admissions, further multiplying costs with average inpatient stays for digestive conditions costing $10,000 to $30,000 or more depending on complexity. The 35.4 million physician office visits annually also represent substantial direct medical expenditures, typically costing $150 to $400 per visit depending on complexity and procedures performed. Beyond these direct medical costs, indirect costs include an estimated millions of lost workdays annually due to digestive illness, reduced productivity while at work (presenteeism) when employees work despite symptoms, premature retirement due to disability from conditions like severe IBD or cirrhosis, caregiver burden when family members must reduce work hours or leave employment to provide care, and the economic impact of premature death from conditions like liver disease (average 52,222 deaths annually) and colorectal cancer (52,900 estimated deaths in 2025). The cumulative economic burden of all digestive diseases combined likely exceeds hundreds of billions of dollars annually when all direct and indirect costs are considered, representing a substantial portion of total U.S. healthcare expenditures.
Future Outlook
The future landscape of digestive diseases in America will be shaped by multiple converging trends, both promising and concerning. On the positive side, advances in medical technology, diagnostic capabilities, and therapeutic options continue to improve outcomes for many digestive conditions. The development of increasingly effective biologic therapies for inflammatory bowel disease has transformed what was once a devastating condition into a manageable chronic disease for many patients, with newer agents targeting different inflammatory pathways offering hope for those who don’t respond to current treatments. Similarly, the introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents for hepatitis C has made this infection a curable condition with success rates exceeding 95%, potentially preventing thousands of future cases of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Improvements in colorectal cancer screening, including the expansion of options beyond traditional colonoscopy to include stool-based tests like FIT (fecal immunochemical test) and multi-target stool DNA tests, blood-based biomarker tests under development, and AI-enhanced colonoscopy improving polyp detection rates, hold promise for increasing screening rates particularly among populations with lower traditional colonoscopy uptake. Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in gastroenterology are advancing rapidly, with algorithms that can detect subtle polyps during colonoscopy, predict disease course in IBD patients, identify early signs of liver fibrosis on imaging, and personalize treatment selections based on patient characteristics and genetic profiles.
However, concerning trends threaten to increase the burden of digestive diseases in coming years. The ongoing obesity epidemic, with more than 40% of American adults now classified as obese, drives increasing rates of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD), which is projected to become the leading indication for liver transplantation. The rise of young-onset colorectal cancer, with increasing incidence rates among adults under 50 years old for reasons that remain incompletely understood, has prompted recommendations to lower the screening age to 45 but may require further adjustments if trends continue. The aging of the American population, with the 65 and older demographic segment growing rapidly as baby boomers age, will substantially increase the absolute numbers of people affected by age-related digestive diseases including diverticular disease, cancer, and liver disease. Healthcare disparities persist across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, with gaps in screening rates, treatment access, and outcomes that require concerted efforts to address through policy changes, expanded insurance coverage, increased numbers of gastroenterology providers in underserved areas, culturally tailored interventions, and community-based programs. The rising costs of healthcare, particularly expensive specialty medications and advanced procedures, create access barriers for many patients and strain both public and private insurance systems. Climate change may influence digestive disease patterns through effects on food safety, waterborne disease transmission, and geographic distribution of infectious agents. Successfully navigating this complex future will require sustained investment in research to understand disease mechanisms and develop new treatments, robust public health efforts to promote healthy behaviors and early detection, healthcare system reforms to improve access and affordability, and individual commitment to evidence-based prevention strategies including maintaining healthy weight, regular physical activity, moderate or no alcohol consumption, smoking cessation, and participation in recommended screening programs.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
