Definition
Colon Cancer is a cancer that forms in the tissues of the colon (the longest part of the large intestine). Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).
Rectal cancer is cancer that forms in the tissues of the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine closest to the anus).
Estimated new cases and deaths from colon and rectal cancer in the United States in 2014:
- New cases: 96,830 (colon); 40,000 (rectal)
- Deaths: 50,310 (colon and rectal combined)
Treatment
Information about treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and vaccine therapy
- Colon Cancer Treatment
[ patient ] [ health professional ] - Clinical Trials to Treat Colon Cancer
- Rectal Cancer Treatment
[ patient ] [ health professional ] - Clinical Trials to Treat Rectal Cancer
- Drugs Approved for Colon and Rectal Cancer
- Cetuximab Plus Oxaliplatin May Not Be Effective Primary Treatment for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer Trials Support Gene Testing for Two Drugs
Prevention, Genetics, Causes
Information related to prevention, genetics, and risk factors
- Colorectal Cancer Prevention
[ patient ] [ health professional ] - Genetics of Colorectal Cancer
[ health professional ] - Clinical Trials to Prevent Colon Cancer
- Clinical Trials to Prevent Rectal Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
Screening and Testing
Information about methods of cancer detection including new imaging technologies, tumor markers, and biopsy procedures
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
[ patient ] [ health professional ] - Tests to Detect Colorectal Cancer and Polyps
- Gut?check
- Clinical Trials to Screen for Colon Cancer
- Clinical Trials to Screen for Rectal Cancer
- Sigmoidoscopy Proves to Be Effective Screening Tool for Colorectal Cancer
- Colonoscopy Reduces Risk of Death from Colorectal Cancer in High-Risk Patients
Coping
Information about managing the physical and emotional effects of cancer and its treatment
Clinical Trials
Information and current news about clinical trials and trial-related data
- Colon and Rectal Cancer Trial Results
- Clinical Trials for Colon Cancer
- Clinical Trials for Rectal Cancer
- How to Find a Cancer Treatment Trial
- Learn About Clinical Trials
Cancer Literature
Resources available from the PubMed database
- Cancer Topic Searches: Gastrointestinal Cancers
- Cancer Topic Searches: Cancer Genetics
- Cancer Literature in PubMed
Research and Related Information
Includes NCI-supported research, funding opportunities, and special reports
- A Snapshot of Colorectal Cancer
- Gastrointestinal (GI) SPOREs
- Colorectal Cancer: Six Years of Research Progress
- NCI Funded Research Portfolio
Statistics
Information related to cancer incidence, mortality, and survival
- Cancer Stat Fact Sheet: Cancer of the Colon and Rectum
- Find Cancer Statistics
- Understanding Cancer Statistics
For more information
Download the online booklet What You Need To Know About? Cancer of the Colon and Rectum published the National Cancer Institute (NCI), to learn about colon and rectal cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and questions to ask the doctor.
For an overview of research advances, go to: Cancer Advances In Focus: Colorectal Cancer.
Information of this page has been reproduced with permission from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).This page was last reviewed: 07/24/2013
