Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers, but when it's found early, it is often highly treatable. Understanding what colorectal cancer is and how it develops can help you recognize your risk and take steps to protect your health.
Your colon and rectum make up your large intestine (large bowel), which is part of your digestive system. Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that happens when cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. They can form tumors and spread to other parts of the digestive system or the body.
Most colorectal cancers are found in the colon, which is the first four to five feet of the large intestine. These types are called colon cancer.
Some develop in the rectum, which is the six to eight inches closest to the anus. They are called rectal cancer.
They are often grouped together because they have a lot of factors in common.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the United States. It is more common in people over 50 but it can affect anyone. It’s being found more often in younger people. It affects both men and women and it’s found in all races and ethnic groups.
These groups are at higher risk:
A team of doctors usually works together to treat colorectal cancer. Having a team of specialists helps make sure you get the best care and treatment plan. The experts may include:
Knowing the signs of colorectal cancer may help you catch it early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. The most common early signs are blood in your stools, changes in the size or shape of your stools or changes in the frequency of your stools.
Learn more about colorectal cancer signs, symptoms and types.
There are several ways to screen for colorectal cancer. If a screening shows signs of colorectal cancer, your provider may suggest stool tests, colonoscopy or imaging to find out whether you have colon cancer or rectal cancer and to detect how advanced it is.
Learn more about colorectal cancer tests, diagnosis and stages.
Evaluation by your team of doctors will determine the stage of colorectal cancer. Some cancers can be treated with just colonoscopy, without requiring chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. For other cancers, your doctors may recommend one or a combination of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Screening tests for colorectal cancer can help find it early.
Colon cancer and rectal cancer usually start as a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are called polyps. Polyps are common and most are not cancerous, but some can become cancerous over time. Polyps usually don’t cause symptoms, but screening for colorectal cancer with a colonoscopy can remove precancerous polyps that could become cancer.
Learn more about colorectal cancer causes, risk factors and prevention.
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