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Colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer) affects the colon (large intestine) and the rectum (last several inches of the large intestine). Receiving a diagnosis of colorectal cancer can be bring up a range of emotions.
Here’s what to know about colorectal cancer, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and recovery.
Sources: American Cancer Society. What Is Colorec... + 18
- American Cancer Society. What Is Colorectal Cancer. Accessed January 29, 2024.
- National Cancer Institute. Common Cancers. May 6, 2025.
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- American Cancer Society. All Cancer Facts and Figures. Accessed June 2, 2026.
- American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer. February 8, 2021.
- MD Anderson Cancer Center. Rectal Cancer Symptoms. Accessed June 2, 2026.
- Mayo Clinic. Colon Polyps Symptoms and Causes. September 24, 2025.
- American Cancer Society. Colon Cancer Treatment by Stage. December 27, 2024.
- American Cancer Society. Survival Rates for Colorectal Cancer. January 13, 2026.
- American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests. January 29, 2024.
- American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer Early Detection. May 27, 2026.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. July 2024.
- MedlinePlus. Colonoscopy. February 3, 2025.
- Mayo Clinic. Barium Enema. April 16, 2024.
- MedlinePlus. Colon Cancer Screening. July 22, 2025.
- MedlinePlus. Colectomy. January 21, 2025.
- American Cancer Society. Colon Surgery for Colorectal Cancer. January 29, 2024.
- University of Rochester Medical Center. Lighting Up Can Bring You Down in Colorectal Surgery. September 23, 2013.
- Mayo Clinic. Colectomy. October 7, 2025.
