Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer is 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). In the United States, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and women. Caught early, it is often curable.

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

Colorectal Cancer Pathogenesis

Microbial Dysbiosis and Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer and Organ Preservation

Latest Colorectal Cancer News and Research

Dutch dietary guidelines could dramatically cut chronic disease rates by 2050

Researchers investigate the impact of current Dutch dietary guidelines on non-communicable disease rates.

3 Apr 2025

Addressing low lung cancer screening rates through awareness and access

Lung cancer screening has the potential to catch lung cancer early and save lives-but only if people get screened. Although lung cancer screening is recommended in the U.S. for certain individuals with a history of smoking, only 18% of eligible individuals in the U.S. get screened.

3 Apr 2025

Patient navigators boost follow-up colonoscopies and reduce delays

A University of Arizona Health Sciences-led study found that patients are more likely to get colonoscopies following abnormal stool test results if patient navigators assist them through the process.

31 Mar 2025

Reduced-dose apixaban proves effective in preventing blood clot recurrence in cancer patients

Patients with active cancer who developed a blood clot, or venous thromboembolism (VTE), and were treated with blood-thinning medication for at least six months, followed by an additional 12 months of low-dose apixaban, experienced similar VTE recurrences and less bleeding as similar patients who received a full dose of the oral blood-thinning medication over the same extended period.

29 Mar 2025

Diagnostic colonoscopy follow-up unaffected by COVID-19 surge, despite screening delays

Two recent studies by researchers from Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Medicine explore the effect of the pandemic on colorectal cancer screening tests and diagnostic colonoscopies in Central Indiana. The findings of temporary disruption to the former and minimal impact on the latter are similar to findings across the U.S., contributing to the compendium of knowledge on preventive health uptake and subsequent treatment in various populations during the pandemic.

27 Mar 2025

Colorectal cancer burden climbs in countries with low milk intake

A global study finds that low milk intake is linked to increased colorectal cancer burden, especially in older adults. Prostate cancer rates showed negative trends, though the findings may reflect model limitations rather than protective effects.

26 Mar 2025

Light intensity daily physical activities may reduce cancer risk

In a prospective cohort study of more than 85,000 adults in the United Kingdom, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and University of Oxford found that individuals who engaged in light- and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity daily physical activity had a lower risk of cancer than individuals who were more sedentary.

26 Mar 2025

Researchers unlock key process for regenerating intestinal cells after injury

Researchers from the University of Colorado Cancer Center have solved a cellular mystery that may lead to better therapies for colorectal and other types of cancer.

25 Mar 2025

New trial aims to make rectal cancer more responsive to radiation

City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. with its National Medical Center named top 5 in the nation for cancer by U.S. News & World Report, has opened a phase 1 trial seeking to one day transform rectal cancer from a mostly radiation-resistant disease to one that can be cured using radiation and chemotherapy.

25 Mar 2025

Researchers develop tool to enhance NK cells against cancer

A team of researchers from the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the Pompeu Fabra University has developed a new tool that allows modifying these NK cells to make them immune to the tumor’s defense mechanism.

24 Mar 2025

Cleveland Clinic study reveals insights on immune checkpoint inhibitors for colorectal cancer

A team of researchers from Cleveland Clinic Genomic Medicine share insights from an early set of 19,000 patients to receive immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments for colorectal cancer in the U.S.

20 Mar 2025

Scientists identify top food sources of prebiotics for better digestion

Researchers quantified prebiotic levels in 35 common foods and estimated daily intake in Italians, finding cereal products and legumes as the richest sources.

20 Mar 2025

Colorectal cancer patients face increased risk of cardiovascular death

People diagnosed with colorectal cancer are significantly more likely to die of cardiovascular causes than the general population, especially in the first two years after their cancer diagnosis and in people younger than 50, according to a study being presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25).

20 Mar 2025