Colorectal Cancer Resource Center
Health ConditionsCancerColon Cancer

Colorectal Cancer

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Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Risk factors for this type of cancer include obesity, smoking, family history of colorectal cancer, and dietary factors. Regular screening for colorectal cancer can catch the disease early, before symptoms develop. Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.

FAQ

What are the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include blood in the stool, narrow or ribbon-like stools, abdominal cramping or pain, fatigue, and losing weight without trying. Some of these can also be caused by other digestive diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start getting screened at age 45. Your doctor can advise you on which kind of test is right for you and how often to get one.

Colorectal cancer can be caught early, which is why it’s important to get screened for the disease before you develop symptoms. The five-year survival rate for cancers that have not spread beyond the colon or rectum is approximately 90 percent.

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Resources
  1. Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors. American Cancer Society. January 29, 2024.
  2. Treating Colorectal Cancer. American Cancer Society.

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