Definition of colon cancer: Cancer that forms in the tissues of the colon (the longest part of the large intestine). Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).
Estimated new cases and deaths from colon and rectal cancer in the United States in 2012:
See the online booklet What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Colon and Rectum to learn about colon and rectal cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and questions to ask the doctor.
For an overview of research advances, see Cancer Advances In Focus: Colorectal Cancer.
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 | New cases: 103,170 (colon); 40,290 (rectal) |
| Deaths: 51,690 (colon and rectal combined) |
See the online booklet What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Colon and Rectum to learn about colon and rectal cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and questions to ask the doctor.
For an overview of research advances, see Cancer Advances In Focus: Colorectal Cancer.
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Treatment
Information about treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and vaccine therapy- Colon Cancer Treatment
[ patient ] [ health professional ] - Clinical Trials to Treat Colon Cancer
- Rectal Cancer Treatment
[ patient ] [ health professional ] - Clinical Trials to Treat Rectal Cancer
- Drugs Approved for Colon and Rectal Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer Trials Support Gene Testing
Prevention, Genetics, Causes
Information related to prevention, genetics, and risk factors- Colorectal Cancer Prevention
[ patient ] [ health professional ] - Genetics of Colorectal Cancer
[ health professional ] - Clinical Trials to Prevent Colon Cancer
- Clinical Trials to Prevent Rectal Cancer
- Cancer Risk: Understanding the Puzzle
- Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
Screening and Testing
Information about methods of cancer detection including new imaging technologies, tumor markers, and biopsy procedures- Colorectal Cancer Screening
[ patient ] [ health professional ] - Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Clinical Trials to Screen for Colon Cancer
- Clinical Trials to Screen for Rectal Cancer
- Sigmoidoscopy Reduces Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Mortality
- Experts Recommend Steps to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening
