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.
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
The following are common symptoms of colorectal cancer:
- Changes in bowel habits.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Feeling of bowel fullness, even after a bowel movement.
- Blood in feces, which may make stools look black.
- Bright red blood coming from the rectum.
- Pain and bloating in the abdomen.
- Feeling of fullness in the abdomen, even after not eating for a while.
- Fatigue or tiredness.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Lump in the abdomen or back passage.
- Unexplained iron deficiency in men, or in women after menopause.
For more information visit: Cancer.net, Colorectal Cancer Canada, or the Colorectal Cancer Resources Action Network (CCRAN).
Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
- Age
- Diet
- Polyps or adenomas
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Use of alcohol
- Body fat
- Low physical activity levels
- Previous rectal cancer
- Smoking
For more information, check out the The Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN), or Colorectal Cancer Canada.
Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
The following procedures are done to diagnosis colorectal cancer:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Tests to look for blood in your stool
- Blood tests
- Diagnostic colonoscopy
- Proctoscopy
- Biopsy
- Imaging tests to look for colorectal cancer
You can find more information on colorectal cancer diagnosis and screening at CCRAN, Colorectal Cancer Canada, or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Treatment options include
- Multiple types of surgery, including: a local excision, a bowel resection, a colostomy or ileostomy, a lymph node dissection, or a pelvic exenteration
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Radiation Therapy
- No Therapy
For more information, visit CCRAN or Colorectal Cancer Canada
Colorectal Cancer Resources
- CCSN's 2022 Webinar on Colorectal and Anal Cancer
- CCSN Webinar - The Alarming Rise in Early Age Onset Colorectal Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer Canada’s 4th Annual Patient Group Pathway Model to Access Cancer Clinical Trials
- CCRAN's 2023 Biomarker Conference
- Colorectal Caner & You - Colorectal Cancer Canada
- Colorectal Cancer Community Conference - Colorectal Cancer Canada
- Navigating the Role of Caregiving - Colorectal Cancer Canada
- TUSH TALKS Webinar Series - Colorectal Cancer Canada
- CCRAN's National Support/Information Group
- CCRAN's Monthly Research & Treatment Updates
- CCRAN's 2023Early Age Onset Cancer Symposium
- CCRAN's My Colorectal Cancer Consultant
- CCRAN's My Colorectal Cancer Treatment Side Effects Online Tool
- Celebrating pan-Canadian success in colorectal cancer care - Partnership Against Cancer
Canadian Colorectal Cancer Groups
"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 www.colorectalcancercanada.com/
"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 ulitmately reduce the burden of cancer in Canada."
Visit them at www.ccran.org/