Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Español

colorectal cancer

(KOH-loh-REK-tul KAN-ser)
Cancer that develops in the colon (the longest part of the large intestine) and/or the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine before the anus).
More Information
Parts of the colon; drawing shows the ascending colon, cecum, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum.Enlarge this image in new window
The colon includes the ascending colon, cecum, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum.
Search NCI's Dictionary of Cancer Terms