Health library

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. It can also be named colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer starts. These cancers are often grouped together because they have many features in common.

Cancer starts when cells in the body start to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer. The cancer cells can spread to other areas of the body. To learn more about how cancers start and spread, go to cancer.org. Ask your doctor about your risk for colorectal cancer. 

Bernardo Ochoa, MPH
Member Health Educator

Source: American Cancer Society

How is colorectal cancer treated?

Patients with colorectal cancer may have some treatment options. Treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer. 

Local therapy treats the tumor and has less impact on the rest of the body. 

Systemic therapy treats cancer cells throughout the body. 

Your doctor may choose to use one or both treatments. Discuss all options with your doctor. You can also ask for a second opinion if you're unsure which option to choose.

Flor Del Hoyo, MPH
Member Health Educator

Source: American Cancer Society

Who should be screened for colon cancer?

Early colorectal cancer often has no symptoms. That's why it is important to obtain regular screenings to detect these cancers. Screening is checking for cancer. Men and women who are 45 or older should get screened regularly for colorectal cancer. Certain groups of men and women might need to be screened before age 45. Those groups include:

• Men and women who are at high risk because they have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
• Men and women with a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease. 
• Women who have a personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer. 

Talk to your colorectal surgeon or other health care professional. Ask when you should begin screening.

Carlos Bello, MPH, CHES
Senior Member Health Educator

Source: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons