This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by
Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science.
This page was updated on July 20, 2022.
Colorectal cancer (of the colon and/or rectum) is the fourth most common cancer in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER). An estimated 153,020 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023, according to the American Cancer Society. The earlier colorectal cancer is found, the better the chances of survival. About 65 percent of patients are still alive five years after a diagnosis, according to the SEER Program. If colorectal cancer is detected before it’s spread to other parts of the body, the five-year survival rate increases to 90 percent.
Colorectal cancer is such an important focus at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) that each of our hospitals has a GI Cancer Center dedicated to treating patients with all stages of gastrointestinal disease. Our gastroenterologists and oncologists understand the complexities of colorectal cancer and the array of treatment options available. Your care regimen is designed to help you maintain your quality of life, while providing treatment options targeted to your cancer type and stage. At CTCA®, we take an integrative approach to patient care, combining evidence-based colorectal cancer treatments with side-effect management techniques, to treat not just the disease but the whole person.
This overview will cover the basic facts about colorectal cancer, including:
If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of colorectal cancer and want to schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing, or if you’re interested in a second opinion on your colorectal cancer diagnosis, call us or chat online with a member of our team.
Colorectal cancer develops in the tissues of the colon and/or rectum. The colon and rectum are both found in the lower part of the gastrointestinal (digestive) system. They form a long, muscular tube called the largest intestine (or large bowel). The colon absorbs food and water and stores waste. The rectum is responsible for passing waste from the body.
Cancer develops when:
Obesity, diet, smoking and genetics are among the biggest contributors to colorectal cancer risk.
Some risk factors may increase a person’s chances of developing this disease, including:
Lifestyle factors that may increase the risk of colorectal cancer include:
" My wife and family supported me through this hard time, and with their care along with the care provided by CTCA, I can now be here for them. I am so thankful God led us to CTCA!"
Symptoms may include:
While colorectal cancer may cause these symptoms, other conditions may cause them, too. Patients who notice any of these symptoms should visit their doctor.
More than 95 percent of all colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas of the colon or rectum. Colorectal adenocarcinomas form in glands that secrete fluids to lubricate the colon and rectum. Adenocarcinomas are found in most common cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Other types of colorectal cancer include:
Recurrent colorectal cancer is cancer that returns to the same part of the colon or rectum where it was originally diagnosed.
Colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body is referred to as metastatic. When it spreads, colorectal cancer is most often found in the liver, but it may also travel to the lungs, bone and/or brain.
Colorectal cancer may be detected and treated early with a proper screening regimen.
A number of tests are available to diagnose colorectal cancer. In fact, a combination of these tests may be needed to make a diagnosis:
If you’ve been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the next step will be to partner with your care team on treatment options. It’s important to spend time learning about the benefits and risks of each approach. Your care team—which may include an oncologist, nurses, social workers and other supportive providers—is there for you to learn from and lean on.
Colorectal cancer treatments may be localized, focusing on a tumor, or systemic, using drugs to fight cancer cells throughout the body. A treatment plan is determined by the cancer’s stage and extent of the disease.
When caught early, colorectal cancer may be treated with a colonoscopy to remove polyps or cancerous cells from the lining of the colon. Advanced diseases may require surgery to remove some of, or, in rare cases, the entire colon, as well as nearby lymph nodes.
Other treatment options include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Your multidisciplinary team of colorectal cancer experts will answer your questions and recommend treatment options based on your unique diagnosis and needs.
Surgery is the most common treatment option for colorectal cancer. Other treatment options include:
At CTCA, we understand that colorectal cancer and other malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract create unique challenges for patients, and that treatment options are very specific to each disease. That’s why each CTCA hospital has a GI Cancer Center dedicated to diagnosing, treating and supporting the quality of life of patients with colorectal and other GI cancers. Committed to offering state-of-the-art treatments for patients with colorectal cancer, our multidisciplinary team of board-certified medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists and supportive care clinicians work with our patients to deliver quality clinical care with a patient-centered approach. After your diagnosis, your GI Cancer Center care team will discuss your options with you and help you develop a personalized care plan tailored to your individual needs.
Because of the digestive tract’s role in processing food and waste, many patients with gastrointestinal disease have difficulty with digestive function. That’s why nutrition therapy is a key component of our GI Cancer Centers’ approach. Each center is staffed by oncology-trained dietitians who work with patients in developing a healthy, balanced and appetizing nutrition plan. If patients become malnourished, the dietitian is available to help them establish healthy lifestyle and eating habits to help improve their condition.
The GI Cancer Center teams also work closely with other supportive care clinicians to manage additional disease- and treatment-related side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. These supportive care experts may include a pain management physician, naturopathic provider, behavioral health provider and spiritual support provider.
Qualified patients may enroll in carefully selected clinical trials. Your care team will discuss whether you qualify for any of our ongoing clinical trials and, if so, help you enroll.
Managing the side effects of colorectal cancer treatment is important to your recovery and quality of life. At CTCA, our team of experts offer supportive care services designed to help you stay strong and maintain your quality of life throughout treatment. These therapies may include:
