Colon Cancer

Every year, about one million new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed worldwide. About 150,000 new cases are detected each year in the United States. Over a lifetime, about 1 in 19 people develop colon cancer and nearly 50,000 people are expected to die from it in the U.S. this year.

What Causes Colorectal Cancer?

Cancer occurs when a normal cell divides and multiples uncontrollably. Normally cells are regulated in their growth, maturity, division and death by the DNA present in their nucleus. With damage to the DNA the cells may become rogue and multiply uncontrollably to give rise to tumors.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis

Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Colorectal Cancer Management

Colorectal Cancer Prognosis

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

Latest Colon Cancer News and Research

How different types of bread impact cancer risk

Researchers find bread consumption is not linked to cancer risk, with whole-grain bread potentially reducing colorectal cancer and total cancer mortality.

20 Nov 2024

Targeting CD47 protein could improve colorectal cancer treatment

A new study from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center has found evidence that targeting CD47, a protein that is part of the innate immune system, could be a key step in fighting colorectal cancer.

7 Nov 2024

Michigan study finds virtual care does not lead to wastage of healthcare resources

Before 2024 ends, Congress will decide whether to keep or change rules about telehealth, or let them expire. And even though the decision will focus on Medicare's payment for virtual patient care, it will likely impact telehealth access for people with other kinds of health insurance too.

7 Nov 2024

How bacteria trigger colon cancer

Investigation shows how bacterial adhesins contribute to colon cancer mutations, suggesting new avenues for therapeutic intervention in colorectal cancer.

7 Nov 2024

Study uncovers how certain E. coli bacteria in the gut promote colon cancer

Scientists have uncovered how certain E. coli bacteria in the gut promote colon cancer by binding to intestinal cells and releasing a DNA-damaging toxin.

6 Nov 2024

Study uncovers key role of gut microbiota in regulating stress responses

A pioneering study has uncovered the vital role that gut microbiota plays in regulating stress responses by interacting with the body's circadian rhythms.

5 Nov 2024

Low awareness of lung cancer screening raises concerns

There is a lung cancer screening test that is saving lives – and yet most people who could be getting the test have never heard of it or never talked about it with a doctor.

4 Nov 2024

Study identifies six cancer susceptibility genes

Identification of six cancer susceptibility genes offers new insights into genetic risk factors, potentially enhancing early detection and treatment strategies.

29 Oct 2024

Study sheds new light on p53 tumor suppressor gene's role in ulcerative colitis

Researchers in the lab of Michael Sigal at the Max Delbrück Center and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have elucidated the role of the p53 gene in ulcerative colitis.

26 Oct 2024

Studies reveal unique challenges faced by younger patients with colorectal cancer

Younger adults with colon cancer tend to be diagnosed at a later stage and have more aggressive types of tumors.

18 Oct 2024

Helene and CVS land double whammy for 25,000 patients who survive on IV nutrition

The CVS representative popped into Lisa Trumble's third-floor Berkshire Medical Center hospital room in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to announce that everything was arranged for Trumble to return home, where she relies on IV nutrition because of severe intestinal problems that leave her unable to eat.

18 Oct 2024

New insights on 5-fluorouracil's mechanism in different cancers

Study reveals the drug, 5-fluorouracil, acts differently in different types of cancer — a finding that could help researchers design better drug combinations.

7 Oct 2024

Researchers develop technology to change protein identity in vivo

Researchers at the RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research (CPR) have developed technology that can alter, within the body, the recognized identity of proteins. The innovation, published in Nature Communications on October 2, allowed researchers to target mouse tumors with a protein and then transport that protein out of the body.

3 Oct 2024

New insights improve genetic classification for hereditary colorectal cancer

The genetic confirmation of a suspected diagnosis of "hereditary colorectal cancer" is of great importance for the medical care of affected families.

1 Oct 2024

Traditional Chinese medicine shows potential in cancer treatment

Cancer, a pervasive global health concern, remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Current cancer treatment modalities encompass surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, all of which have significantly contributed to improving patient survival.

1 Oct 2024

Researchers identify a protein that recharges T cells for long-lasting cancer remission

Research shows Fc–IL-4 revitalizes exhausted CD8+ T cells, boosting antitumor responses and highlighting the potential of combining type 1 and type 2 immunity.

30 Sep 2024

Affordable Care Act boosts colon cancer care for underserved groups in Pennsylvania

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has led to increased guideline-concordant care for colon cancer among non-white patients, patients from rural areas, and patients from the most deprived neighborhoods in Pennsylvania, according to results presented at the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved, held September 21-24, 2024.

21 Sep 2024

Access to accredited hospitals improves cancer care outcomes for vulnerable patients

Vulnerable patients facing social, environmental, and economic disadvantages often experience worse cancer outcomes than other groups.

19 Sep 2024

Humor helps reduce avoidance of colorectal cancer information

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is no laughing matter. It's the second-leading cause of cancer deaths globally, according to the World Health Organization.

17 Sep 2024

High-dose vitamin D3 cannot be recommended as treatment for metastatic colon cancer

A double-blind randomized phase 3 clinical trial led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers and conducted across several hundred cancer centers in the U.S. tested the addition of high-dose vitamin D3 to standard treatment for patients with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer.

16 Sep 2024