BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuColorectal cancerColorectal cancer; Cancer - colon; Rectal cancer; Cancer - rectum; Adenocarcinoma - colon; Colon - adenocarcinoma; Colon carcinoma; Colon cancerColorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is also sometimes simply called colon cancer.In the United States, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths due to cancer. Early diagnosis can often lead to a complete cure.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes Nearly all colorectal cancers begin as noncancerous (benign) lumps (polyps) in the lining of the colon and rectum. These can slowly develop into cancer. Noncancerous (benign) lumps (polyps)A colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You have a higher risk for colorectal cancer if you:Are age 45 or older Drink alcohol Smoke tobacco Are overweight or have obesity Are African American or of eastern European descent Eat a lot of red or processed meats Eat a low-fiber and high-fat diet Have a diet low in fruits and vegetables Have colorectal polyps Colorectal polypsA colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis) Crohn diseaseCrohn disease is a disease where parts of the digestive tract become inflamed. It most often involves the lower end of the small intestine and the be...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Have a family history of colorectal cancerSome inherited diseases also increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. One of the most common is called Lynch syndrome. Symptoms Many cases of colon cancer have no symptoms. If there are symptoms, the following may indicate colon cancer:Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen Abdominal pain and tendernessAbdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood in the stool Blood in the stoolBlack or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. It most often indicates that there is bleeding in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Diarrhea, constipation, or other change in bowel habits DiarrheaDiarrhea is when you pass loose or watery stool.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Narrow stools Weight loss with no known reason Weight lossUnexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own. Many people gain and lose weight. Uninten...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests Through screening tests, colon cancer can be detected before symptoms develop. This is when the cancer is most curable. Abnormal stool screening tests should be followed up with a colonoscopy, which can see the entire colon.Screening tests, colon cancerColon cancer screening can detect polyps and early cancers in the large intestine. This type of screening can find problems that can be treated befo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and press on your belly area. The physical exam rarely shows any problems, although your provider may feel a lump (mass) in the abdomen. A rectal exam may reveal a mass in people with rectal cancer, but not colon cancer.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Blood tests may be done for those diagnosed with colorectal cancer, including:Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia Complete blood countA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Liver function testsLiver function testsLiver function tests are common tests that are used to see how well the liver is working. Tests include:AlbuminAlpha-1 antitrypsinAlkaline phosphata...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If you are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, more tests will be done to see if the cancer has spread. This is called staging. CT or MRI scans of the abdomen, pelvic area, or chest may be used to stage the cancer. Sometimes, PET scans are also used.StagingCancer staging is a way to describe how much cancer is in your body and where it is located. Staging helps determine where the original tumor is, ho...Read Article Now Book Mark Article CTA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRIA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PETA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Stages of colorectal cancer are:Stage 0: Cancer is only on the innermost layer of the lining of the intestine Stage I: Cancer is in the inner layers of the colon Stage II: Cancer has spread through the muscle wall of the colon Stage III: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes Stage IV: Cancer spread to other organs, such as the liver or lungsBlood tests to detect tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) may help your provider monitor your progress during and after treatment.Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures the level of CEA in the blood. CEA is a protein normally found in the tissue of a developing baby i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Treatment Treatment depends on many things, including the stage of the cancer. Treatments may include:Endoscopic surgery (less invasive surgery using a lighted, flexible tube) Surgery Chemotherapy ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Radiation therapy Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Immunotherapy ImmunotherapyImmunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that relies on the body's infection-fighting system (immune system). It uses substances made by the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Targeted therapy Targeted therapyYou are having a targeted therapy to try to kill cancer cells. You may receive targeted therapy alone or also have other treatments at the same time...Read Article Now Book Mark Article SURGERYStage 0 colon cancer may be treated by removing the tumor using endoscopic surgery (colonoscopy). For stages I, II, and III cancer, more extensive surgery is needed to remove all or part of the colon and rectum that is cancerous. This surgery is called colon resection (colectomy).Colon resectionLarge bowel resection is surgery to remove all or part of your large bowel. This surgery is also called colectomy. The large bowel is also called t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CHEMOTHERAPYChemotherapy involves taking medicines that kill cancer cells. You may receive just one type of medicine or a combination of medicines.Most people with stage III colon cancer receive chemotherapy after surgery for 3 to 6 months. This is called adjuvant chemotherapy. Even though the tumor was removed, chemotherapy is given to treat any cancer cells that may remain.Chemotherapy is also used to improve symptoms and prolong survival in people with stage IV colon cancer.IMMUNOTHERAPYImmunotherapy involves taking medicines that increase the ability of your own immune system to destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy has different side effects than chemotherapy.RADIATIONRadiation therapy involves using radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often used in the treatment of rectal cancer.TARGETED THERAPYTargeted treatment zeroes in on specific targets (molecules) in cancer cells. These targets play a role in how cancer cells grow and survive. Using these targets, the drug disables the cancer cells so they cannot spread. Targeted therapy may be given as pills or may be injected into a vein. You may have targeted therapy along with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment.CANCER IN THE LIVERFor people with stage IV disease that has spread to the liver, treatment can be directed at the cancer tumors in the liver. This may include:Spread to the liverLiver metastases refer to cancer that has spread to the liver from somewhere else in the body. Liver metastases are not the same as cancer that start...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Burning the cancer (ablation) Delivering chemotherapy or radiation directly into the liver Freezing the cancer (cryotherapy) Surgery Radioactive beads/spheres that deliver treatment to kill the cancer cells Alcohol (ethanol) injected into the liver tumor to kill cancer cells Outlook (Prognosis) With treatment stages 0, I, II, and III cancers often are cured, although higher stages of cancer are less likely to be cured. In most cases stage IV cancer is not curable, but there are exceptions, including sometimes when the spread of the cancer is limited to the liver. In order for a person to be cured, treatment must get rid of all of the cancer. But there is a chance that the cancer will come back. If this occurs, curing the cancer is much less likely than before.Cancer treatment can cause problems such as:Bowel obstruction from surgical scarring. Many sorts of short- and long-term side effects from chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and therapy targeted to the liver. Possible Complications Complications may include:Blockage of the colon, causing bowel obstruction Bowel obstructionIntestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancer returning in the colon Cancer spreading to other organs or tissues (metastasis) MetastasisMetastasis is the movement or spreading of cancer cells from one organ or tissue to another. Cancer cells usually spread through the blood or the ly...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Development of a second primary colorectal cancer When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have:Black, tar-like stools Blood during a bowel movement Change in bowel habits Unexplained weight loss Prevention Colon cancer can almost always be caught by colonoscopy in early stages, when it is most curable. All adults age 45 and older should have a colon cancer screening. How often you should have screening depends upon the test being used.Colon cancer screening can often find polyps before they become cancerous. Removing these polyps may prevent colon cancer.People with certain risk factors for colon cancer may need earlier testing (before age 45) or more frequent testing.A healthy lifestyle also may help reduce your risk for colon cancer:Get regular physical activity. Don't smoke or use tobacco. Maintain a healthy weight. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in red and processed meats.Open ReferencesReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Colorectal cancer. Reducing risk for colorectal cancer. www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/prevention/. Updated June 12, 2024. Accessed June 17, 2024.National Cancer Institute website. Colorectal cancer prevention (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/hp/colorectal-prevention-pdq. Updated August 18, 2023. Accessed September 7, 2023.National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN Guidelines). Colorectal cancer screening. Version 1.2023 - May 17, 2023. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/colorectal_screening.pdf. Updated May 17, 2023. Accessed September 7, 2023.Patel SG, May FP, Anderson JC, et al. Updates on age to start and stop colorectal cancer screening: recommendations from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):57-69. PMID: 34962727 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34962727/.Qaseem A, Crandall CJ, Mustafa RA, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer in asymptomatic average-risk adults: a guidance statement from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2019;171(9):643-654. PMID: 31683290 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31683290/.US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. PMID: 34003218 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34003218/.AllVideoImagesTogColon cancerAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersColon cancer - Animation Colon cancer may not be talked about as often as other cancers, like breast cancer, prostate or lung cancer, but it's actually one of the leading causes of cancer deaths. It is for this reason it's very important to stay on top of your colon health. The colon is your large intestine, the long, upside-down U-shaped tube that is toward the end of the line for getting rid of waste in your body. Colon cancer can start in the lining of the intestine, or at the end of it, called the rectum. Let's try to better understand Colon cancer. You're more likely to get the disease if you're over age 60, especially if you have a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, or obesity. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol has also been found to increase your risk of getting colon cancer. Although the data are not consistent, eating red meat or processed meats may increase the risks of colon cancer as well. Lean, unprocessed red meat, may be associated with less risk. If you have symptoms, they may include pain in your abdomen, blood in your stool, weight loss, or diarrhea. But hopefully, you'll get diagnosed before you have any symptoms, during a regular screening test like a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. These tests use special instruments to see inside your colon and rectum to look for any cancerous or pre-cancerous growths, called polyps. If your doctor discovers that you do have colon cancer, unfortunately, you'll need to have a few more tests, including scans of your abdomen to find out whether the cancer has spread, and if so, where in your body it's located. So, how is colon cancer treated? That really depends on how aggressive your cancer is and how far it's spread, but usually colon cancer is removed with surgery, or killed with chemotherapy or radiation. You may get one, or a combination, of these treatments. Colon cancer is one of the more treatable cancers. You can be cured, especially if you catch it early. Spotting colon cancer when it's still treatable is up to you. If you're over age 45, you need to get screened. And, regular physical activity and eating at least some fruits and vegetables daily, perhaps with unprocessed wheat bran, can help prevent it. If you want to prevent colon cancer, you'll also want to avoid processed and charred red meats, and smoking, and excess calories, and alcohol.Barium enema - illustration The barium enema is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps detect abnormalities in the large intestine (colon). The barium enema, along with colonoscopy, remain standards in the diagnosis of colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, and other diseases of the colon.Barium enemaillustrationColonoscopy - illustration There are 3 basic tests for colon cancer; a stool test (to check for blood), sigmoidoscopy (inspection of the lower colon), and colonoscopy (inspection of the entire colon). All 3 are effective in catching cancers in the early stages, when treatment is most beneficial.ColonoscopyillustrationDigestive system - illustration The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.Digestive systemillustrationRectal cancer - X-ray - illustration A barium enema in a patient with cancer of the rectum.Rectal cancer - X-rayillustrationSigmoid colon cancer - X-ray - illustration A barium enema in a patient with cancer of the large bowel (sigmoid area).Sigmoid colon cancer - X-rayillustrationSpleen metastasis - CT scan - illustration This CT scan of the upper abdomen shows multiple tumors in the liver and spleen that have spread (metastasized) from an original intestinal cancer (carcinoma).Spleen metastasis - CT scanillustrationStructure of the colon - illustration The large intestine is a long hollow organ lined with mucous membrane (mucosa). Muscle layers wrap around the entire length and help move food material through to the rectum.Structure of the colonillustrationStages of cancer - illustration The staging of a carcinoma has to do with the size of the tumor, and the degree to which it has penetrated. When the tumor is small and has not penetrated the mucosal layer, it is said to be stage I cancer. Stage II tumors are into the muscle wall, and stage III involves nearby lymph nodes. The rare stage IV cancer has spread (metastasized) to remote organs.Stages of cancerillustrationColon culture - illustration When polyps are discovered in a sigmoidoscopy (an inspection of the lower third of the large intestine), they are retrieved to be tested for cancer. If a large amount of polyps are found, a more thorough examination of the entire length of the large intestine (a colonoscopy) may be recommended.Colon cultureillustrationColon cancer - SeriesPresentation Colostomy - SeriesPresentation Large bowel resection - SeriesPresentation Large intestine (colon) - illustration The large intestine is the portion of the digestive system most responsible for absorption of water from the indigestible residue of food. The ileocecal valve of the ileum (small intestine) passes material into the large intestine at the cecum. Material passes through the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid portions of the colon, and finally into the rectum. From the rectum, the waste is expelled from the body.Large intestine (colon)illustrationColon cancerAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersColon cancer - Animation Colon cancer may not be talked about as often as other cancers, like breast cancer, prostate or lung cancer, but it's actually one of the leading causes of cancer deaths. It is for this reason it's very important to stay on top of your colon health. The colon is your large intestine, the long, upside-down U-shaped tube that is toward the end of the line for getting rid of waste in your body. Colon cancer can start in the lining of the intestine, or at the end of it, called the rectum. Let's try to better understand Colon cancer. You're more likely to get the disease if you're over age 60, especially if you have a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, or obesity. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol has also been found to increase your risk of getting colon cancer. Although the data are not consistent, eating red meat or processed meats may increase the risks of colon cancer as well. Lean, unprocessed red meat, may be associated with less risk. If you have symptoms, they may include pain in your abdomen, blood in your stool, weight loss, or diarrhea. But hopefully, you'll get diagnosed before you have any symptoms, during a regular screening test like a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. These tests use special instruments to see inside your colon and rectum to look for any cancerous or pre-cancerous growths, called polyps. If your doctor discovers that you do have colon cancer, unfortunately, you'll need to have a few more tests, including scans of your abdomen to find out whether the cancer has spread, and if so, where in your body it's located. So, how is colon cancer treated? That really depends on how aggressive your cancer is and how far it's spread, but usually colon cancer is removed with surgery, or killed with chemotherapy or radiation. You may get one, or a combination, of these treatments. Colon cancer is one of the more treatable cancers. You can be cured, especially if you catch it early. Spotting colon cancer when it's still treatable is up to you. If you're over age 45, you need to get screened. And, regular physical activity and eating at least some fruits and vegetables daily, perhaps with unprocessed wheat bran, can help prevent it. If you want to prevent colon cancer, you'll also want to avoid processed and charred red meats, and smoking, and excess calories, and alcohol.Barium enema - illustration The barium enema is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps detect abnormalities in the large intestine (colon). The barium enema, along with colonoscopy, remain standards in the diagnosis of colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, and other diseases of the colon.Barium enemaillustrationColonoscopy - illustration There are 3 basic tests for colon cancer; a stool test (to check for blood), sigmoidoscopy (inspection of the lower colon), and colonoscopy (inspection of the entire colon). All 3 are effective in catching cancers in the early stages, when treatment is most beneficial.ColonoscopyillustrationDigestive system - illustration The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.Digestive systemillustrationRectal cancer - X-ray - illustration A barium enema in a patient with cancer of the rectum.Rectal cancer - X-rayillustrationSigmoid colon cancer - X-ray - illustration A barium enema in a patient with cancer of the large bowel (sigmoid area).Sigmoid colon cancer - X-rayillustrationSpleen metastasis - CT scan - illustration This CT scan of the upper abdomen shows multiple tumors in the liver and spleen that have spread (metastasized) from an original intestinal cancer (carcinoma).Spleen metastasis - CT scanillustrationStructure of the colon - illustration The large intestine is a long hollow organ lined with mucous membrane (mucosa). Muscle layers wrap around the entire length and help move food material through to the rectum.Structure of the colonillustrationStages of cancer - illustration The staging of a carcinoma has to do with the size of the tumor, and the degree to which it has penetrated. When the tumor is small and has not penetrated the mucosal layer, it is said to be stage I cancer. Stage II tumors are into the muscle wall, and stage III involves nearby lymph nodes. The rare stage IV cancer has spread (metastasized) to remote organs.Stages of cancerillustrationColon culture - illustration When polyps are discovered in a sigmoidoscopy (an inspection of the lower third of the large intestine), they are retrieved to be tested for cancer. If a large amount of polyps are found, a more thorough examination of the entire length of the large intestine (a colonoscopy) may be recommended.Colon cultureillustration Colon cancer - SeriesPresentation Colostomy - SeriesPresentation Large bowel resection - SeriesPresentation Large intestine (colon) - illustration The large intestine is the portion of the digestive system most responsible for absorption of water from the indigestible residue of food. The ileocecal valve of the ileum (small intestine) passes material into the large intestine at the cecum. Material passes through the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid portions of the colon, and finally into the rectum. From the rectum, the waste is expelled from the body.Large intestine (colon)illustration Tests for Colorectal cancer ColonoscopyStool guaiac testRelated Information Cancer(Condition)Hodgkin lymphoma(Condition)Melanoma(Condition)Colorectal polyps(Condition)Ulcerative colitis(Condition)Metastasis(Special Topic)Virtual colonoscopy(Medical Test)Ileostomy(Surgery)Total proctocolectomy and ileal-anal pouch(Surgery)Total proctocolectomy with ileostomy (Surgery)Chemotherapy - what to ask your doctor(Doctor Questions)Radiation therapy - questions to ask your doctor(Doctor Questions)Changing your ostomy pouch(Self-Care)Ileostomy - what to ask your doctor (Doctor Questions)Abdominal radiation - discharge(Discharge)Pelvic radiation - discharge(Discharge)Bland diet(Self-Care)Ileostomy and your child(Self-Care)Ileostomy and your diet(Self-Care)Ileostomy - caring for your stoma(Self-Care)Colon and rectal cancers - InDepth(In-Depth)Hodgkin disease - InDepth(In-Depth)Melanoma and other skin cancers - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 4/18/2023 Reviewed By: John Roberts, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology), Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Pediatrics, Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Colorectal cancerColorectal cancer; Cancer - colon; Rectal cancer; Cancer - rectum; Adenocarcinoma - colon; Colon - adenocarcinoma; Colon carcinoma; Colon cancerColorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is also sometimes simply called colon cancer.In the United States, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths due to cancer. Early diagnosis can often lead to a complete cure.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes Nearly all colorectal cancers begin as noncancerous (benign) lumps (polyps) in the lining of the colon and rectum. These can slowly develop into cancer. Noncancerous (benign) lumps (polyps)A colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You have a higher risk for colorectal cancer if you:Are age 45 or older Drink alcohol Smoke tobacco Are overweight or have obesity Are African American or of eastern European descent Eat a lot of red or processed meats Eat a low-fiber and high-fat diet Have a diet low in fruits and vegetables Have colorectal polyps Colorectal polypsA colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis) Crohn diseaseCrohn disease is a disease where parts of the digestive tract become inflamed. It most often involves the lower end of the small intestine and the be...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Have a family history of colorectal cancerSome inherited diseases also increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. One of the most common is called Lynch syndrome. Symptoms Many cases of colon cancer have no symptoms. If there are symptoms, the following may indicate colon cancer:Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen Abdominal pain and tendernessAbdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood in the stool Blood in the stoolBlack or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. It most often indicates that there is bleeding in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Diarrhea, constipation, or other change in bowel habits DiarrheaDiarrhea is when you pass loose or watery stool.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Narrow stools Weight loss with no known reason Weight lossUnexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own. Many people gain and lose weight. Uninten...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests Through screening tests, colon cancer can be detected before symptoms develop. This is when the cancer is most curable. Abnormal stool screening tests should be followed up with a colonoscopy, which can see the entire colon.Screening tests, colon cancerColon cancer screening can detect polyps and early cancers in the large intestine. This type of screening can find problems that can be treated befo...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and press on your belly area. The physical exam rarely shows any problems, although your provider may feel a lump (mass) in the abdomen. A rectal exam may reveal a mass in people with rectal cancer, but not colon cancer.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Blood tests may be done for those diagnosed with colorectal cancer, including:Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia Complete blood countA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Liver function testsLiver function testsLiver function tests are common tests that are used to see how well the liver is working. Tests include:AlbuminAlpha-1 antitrypsinAlkaline phosphata...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If you are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, more tests will be done to see if the cancer has spread. This is called staging. CT or MRI scans of the abdomen, pelvic area, or chest may be used to stage the cancer. Sometimes, PET scans are also used.StagingCancer staging is a way to describe how much cancer is in your body and where it is located. Staging helps determine where the original tumor is, ho...Read Article Now Book Mark Article CTA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRIA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PETA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Stages of colorectal cancer are:Stage 0: Cancer is only on the innermost layer of the lining of the intestine Stage I: Cancer is in the inner layers of the colon Stage II: Cancer has spread through the muscle wall of the colon Stage III: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes Stage IV: Cancer spread to other organs, such as the liver or lungsBlood tests to detect tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) may help your provider monitor your progress during and after treatment.Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures the level of CEA in the blood. CEA is a protein normally found in the tissue of a developing baby i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Treatment Treatment depends on many things, including the stage of the cancer. Treatments may include:Endoscopic surgery (less invasive surgery using a lighted, flexible tube) Surgery Chemotherapy ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Radiation therapy Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Immunotherapy ImmunotherapyImmunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that relies on the body's infection-fighting system (immune system). It uses substances made by the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Targeted therapy Targeted therapyYou are having a targeted therapy to try to kill cancer cells. You may receive targeted therapy alone or also have other treatments at the same time...Read Article Now Book Mark Article SURGERYStage 0 colon cancer may be treated by removing the tumor using endoscopic surgery (colonoscopy). For stages I, II, and III cancer, more extensive surgery is needed to remove all or part of the colon and rectum that is cancerous. This surgery is called colon resection (colectomy).Colon resectionLarge bowel resection is surgery to remove all or part of your large bowel. This surgery is also called colectomy. The large bowel is also called t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CHEMOTHERAPYChemotherapy involves taking medicines that kill cancer cells. You may receive just one type of medicine or a combination of medicines.Most people with stage III colon cancer receive chemotherapy after surgery for 3 to 6 months. This is called adjuvant chemotherapy. Even though the tumor was removed, chemotherapy is given to treat any cancer cells that may remain.Chemotherapy is also used to improve symptoms and prolong survival in people with stage IV colon cancer.IMMUNOTHERAPYImmunotherapy involves taking medicines that increase the ability of your own immune system to destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy has different side effects than chemotherapy.RADIATIONRadiation therapy involves using radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often used in the treatment of rectal cancer.TARGETED THERAPYTargeted treatment zeroes in on specific targets (molecules) in cancer cells. These targets play a role in how cancer cells grow and survive. Using these targets, the drug disables the cancer cells so they cannot spread. Targeted therapy may be given as pills or may be injected into a vein. You may have targeted therapy along with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment.CANCER IN THE LIVERFor people with stage IV disease that has spread to the liver, treatment can be directed at the cancer tumors in the liver. This may include:Spread to the liverLiver metastases refer to cancer that has spread to the liver from somewhere else in the body. Liver metastases are not the same as cancer that start...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Burning the cancer (ablation) Delivering chemotherapy or radiation directly into the liver Freezing the cancer (cryotherapy) Surgery Radioactive beads/spheres that deliver treatment to kill the cancer cells Alcohol (ethanol) injected into the liver tumor to kill cancer cells Outlook (Prognosis) With treatment stages 0, I, II, and III cancers often are cured, although higher stages of cancer are less likely to be cured. In most cases stage IV cancer is not curable, but there are exceptions, including sometimes when the spread of the cancer is limited to the liver. In order for a person to be cured, treatment must get rid of all of the cancer. But there is a chance that the cancer will come back. If this occurs, curing the cancer is much less likely than before.Cancer treatment can cause problems such as:Bowel obstruction from surgical scarring. Many sorts of short- and long-term side effects from chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and therapy targeted to the liver. Possible Complications Complications may include:Blockage of the colon, causing bowel obstruction Bowel obstructionIntestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancer returning in the colon Cancer spreading to other organs or tissues (metastasis) MetastasisMetastasis is the movement or spreading of cancer cells from one organ or tissue to another. Cancer cells usually spread through the blood or the ly...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Development of a second primary colorectal cancer When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have:Black, tar-like stools Blood during a bowel movement Change in bowel habits Unexplained weight loss Prevention Colon cancer can almost always be caught by colonoscopy in early stages, when it is most curable. All adults age 45 and older should have a colon cancer screening. How often you should have screening depends upon the test being used.Colon cancer screening can often find polyps before they become cancerous. Removing these polyps may prevent colon cancer.People with certain risk factors for colon cancer may need earlier testing (before age 45) or more frequent testing.A healthy lifestyle also may help reduce your risk for colon cancer:Get regular physical activity. Don't smoke or use tobacco. Maintain a healthy weight. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in red and processed meats.Open ReferencesReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Colorectal cancer. Reducing risk for colorectal cancer. www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/prevention/. Updated June 12, 2024. Accessed June 17, 2024.National Cancer Institute website. Colorectal cancer prevention (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/hp/colorectal-prevention-pdq. Updated August 18, 2023. Accessed September 7, 2023.National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN Guidelines). Colorectal cancer screening. Version 1.2023 - May 17, 2023. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/colorectal_screening.pdf. Updated May 17, 2023. Accessed September 7, 2023.Patel SG, May FP, Anderson JC, et al. Updates on age to start and stop colorectal cancer screening: recommendations from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):57-69. PMID: 34962727 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34962727/.Qaseem A, Crandall CJ, Mustafa RA, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer in asymptomatic average-risk adults: a guidance statement from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2019;171(9):643-654. PMID: 31683290 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31683290/.US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. PMID: 34003218 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34003218/.