Colorectal cancer

What is colorectal cancer?

Most colorectal cancers start in cells that line the inside of the colon or the rectum. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risks in our guide.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include family history and polyps in the colon or rectum. Learn about colorectal cancer risk.

Screening for colorectal cancer

Screening helps find colorectal cancer before symptoms develop. The most reliable way is stool tests. Learn more about screening recommendations.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer

Symptoms of colorectal cancer include diarrhea, constipation, feeling full and blood in the stool. Learn about symptoms of colorectal cancer.

Diagnosis of colorectal cancer

Tests to diagnose colorectal cancer, such as a colonoscopy, are done when symptoms or screening suggest a problem. Learn about diagnosing colorectal cancer.

Grading colorectal cancer

Grading colorectal cancer is an important part of planning treatment and estimating prognosis. Learn about the grades of colorectal cancer.

Stages of colorectal cancer

Staging describes how much cancer there is in the body. Learn about the stages of colorectal cancer using the TNM system.

If colorectal cancer spreads

Cancer can spread from the colon and rectum to other parts of the body. This is called metastasis. Learn where colorectal cancer can spread.

Prognosis and survival for colorectal cancer

Learn about prognosis and survival for colorectal cancer. Important prognostic factors include stage and surgical margins.

Treatments for colorectal cancer

Treatments for colorectal cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Learn about treatment plans and options for colorectal cancer.

Supportive care for colorectal cancer

Supportive care helps people with the physical and emotional aspects of colorectal cancer. Learn about issues like nutrition and sexuality.

Colorectal cancer statistics

Cancer statistics tell us how many people in Canada are diagnosed with and die from colorectal cancer in a certain time frame.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

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