Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancers start in the cells that line the inside of the colon or the rectum. The colon and rectum make up the large intestine (bowel). Colorectal cancer is commonly referred to as bowel cancer, as bowel is another name for the large intestine. For a brief video describing the cancer, click HERE.

About this Cancer

Statistics

  • According to the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) statistics for 2023, around 24,100 new colorectal cancer cases were diagnosed. Overall, cases are decreasing in Canada, with fewer cases diagnosed in older adults. However, cases in adults under 50 are on the rise.
  • Although the death rate has declined over the years, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in 2023 in Canada. An estimated 9,300 people died that year from the disease.

Source: CCS Cancer Statistics 2023

Symptoms

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

  • Changes in bowel habits.
  • Diarrhea or constipation.
  • Blood in feces
  • Blood coming from the rectum.
  • Bloating and constantly feeling full
  • Fatigue or tiredness.
  • Unexplained weight loss.

For more information visit Colorectal Cancer Canada.

Risk Factors

Risk factors can include:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (ex: ulcerative colitis)
  • Age
  • Polyps
  • Personal or familial history of colorectal cancer
  • Inherited conditions (ex: Lynch syndrome)

For more information, check out Colorectal Cancer Canada.

Diagnosis

The following procedures are done to diagnose colorectal cancer:

  • Medical history and physical exam
  • Digital rectal exam
  • Complete blood count & blood chemistry tests
  • Stool tests to examine for hidden blood in the feces
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Biopsy
  • Imaging tests (ultrasound, chest x-ray, CT, MRI, PET-CT scans)

You can find more information on colorectal cancer diagnosis at the Canadian Cancer Society.

Treatment

Treatment options include:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted Therapy
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Immunotherapy

For more information, visit Colorectal Cancer Canada. 

Stories from Survivors

Resources

Colorectal Cancer Groups

Canada

  • “Colorectal Cancer Canada is Canada’s not for profit organization dedicated to colorectal cancer patients and their families. Since 1998, we have been committed empowering and improving the lives of Canadians affected by the disease. We are a powerful voice for change across the continuum of care: educating, informing and increasing awareness of colorectal cancer—including the prevention, diagnosis and treatment. While colorectal cancer is our primary focus, through the connections we make, our mission assists the entire cancer community”. Visit them at Colorectal Cancer Canada.
  • “The Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN) is the most trusted colorectal cancer patient and caregiver network in Canada. We champion the health and the well-being of Canadians touched by colorectal cancer and others at risk of developing the disease by providing a “SEA” of services: Support, Education and Advocacy.We increase awareness on the prevalence of colorectal cancer, including Canadians under 50 years of age and promote participation in screening programs to help prevent colorectal cancer. We provide evidence-based programming to help guide informed decision-making that may ultimately reduce the burden of cancer in Canada.” Visit them at Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network.