Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. As the drawing shows, the colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer.
But in some cases, changes to colon or rectal cells can cause colorectal cancer. Most often, colorectal cancer starts in gland cells that line the wall of the colon or rectum.
The colon is the final part of the digestive tract. Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers.

Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. As the drawing shows, the colon is the large intestine or large bowel.
Pathophysiology of colorectal cancer CRC usually does not produce symptoms in early stages of the disease. If symptoms are present, they usually depend on the site of the primary tumor. Cancers of the proximal colon tend to grow larger before symptoms appear than those in the left colon and rectum.
A diagnosis of colorectal cancer either results from an assessment of a patient presenting with symptoms, or as a result of screening. The disease can be associated with spectrum of symptoms, including blood in stools, change in bowel habits and abdominal pain.

There are 5 stages: stage 0 (zero) and stages I through IV (1 through 4). The stage provides a common way of describing the cancer, so doctors can work together to plan the best treatments. Here are more details on each part of the TNM system for colorectal cancer:
Stage 1: Stage 1 colon cancer indicates the cancer has grown into the inner layer of the colon, called the mucosa, to the next layer of the colon, called the submucosa. It has not spread to the lymph nodes.
The most common staging system for colorectal cancer is the TNM system. For colorectal cancer there are 5 stages – stage 0 followed by stages 1 to 4. Often the stages 1 to 4 are written as the Roman numerals I, II, III and IV.

You may hear about other colorectal cancer screening tests, but Ontario’s colorectal cancer screening program, ColonCancerCheck, does not recommend using them. There is not enough research showing that they are a good way to screen for colorectal cancer. These tests include: metabolomic (blood or urine) tests.
Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. As the drawing shows, the colon is the large intestine or large bowel.
Colon cancer stages, stage 4 colon cancer, stage 3 colon cancer, stage 2 colon cancer & stage 1 colon cancer. This is the earliest stage of colorectal cancer, and it is also known as cancer in situ because it is limited to the site of the tumor with no spread to adjacent structures.

Screening is the best way of finding colorectal cancer early. Most people ages 50 to 74 are at average risk of getting colorectal cancer, meaning they do not have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister or child) who has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Screening for Colorectal Cancer. The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a screening test for people at average risk of getting colorectal cancer. FIT is now used instead of the guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT), which used to be Ontario’s colorectal cancer screening test.
People ages 50 to 74 without a family history of colorectal cancer who choose to be screened with flexible sigmoidoscopy should be screened every 10 years. You may hear about other colorectal cancer screening tests, but Ontario’s colorectal cancer screening program, ColonCancerCheck, does not recommend using them.

Screening is the best way of finding colorectal cancer early. Most people ages 50 to 74 are at average risk of getting colorectal cancer, meaning they do not have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister or child) who has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
If you’re between 50 and 74, you should do a home screening test every 2 years. The home screening test is the best way to prevent colorectal cancer. The home screening test can see what you cannot see – hidden blood in the stool. The home screening test can help find: colon and rectal cancer in an earlier stage making it more easily treated.
Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colorectal cancer. The Task Force outlines the following colorectal cancer screening strategies. Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you. The guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) uses the chemical guaiac to detect blood in the stool.

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be named colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common. Cancer starts when cells in the body start to grow out of control.
To understand colorectal cancer, it helps to know about the normal structure and function of the colon and rectum. The colon and rectum make up the large intestine (or large bowel), which is part of the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal (GI) system (see illustration below).
As colon cancer progresses, it can grow through your colon and extend to nearby structures. The most advanced stage of colon cancer (stage IV) indicates cancer has spread to other areas of the body, such as the liver or lungs. If you’ve been diagnosed with colon cancer, your doctor may recommend tests to determine the extent (stage) of your cancer.

Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. As the drawing shows, the colon is the large intestine or large bowel.
How is the stage determined? 1 AJCC Stage. The cancer is in its earliest stage. 2 I. The cancer has grown through the muscularis mucosa into the submucosa (T1),… 3 IIA. The cancer has grown into the outermost layers of the colon or rectum… 4 IIB. The cancer has grown through the wall of the colon or rectum but has not grown…
Pathophysiology of colorectal cancer CRC usually does not produce symptoms in early stages of the disease. If symptoms are present, they usually depend on the site of the primary tumor. Cancers of the proximal colon tend to grow larger before symptoms appear than those in the left colon and rectum.

Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. As the drawing shows, the colon is the large intestine or large bowel.
As the tumour grows in the colon or rectum, symptoms may become worse and can include: The same symptoms as above, but more severe. You may feel generally unwell, tired or lose weight. If the cancer becomes very large, it can cause a blockage (obstruction) of the colon.
Stage 1: cancer has grown through the mucosa of the colon but has not spread any further. Stage 2: Cancer has now grown into the wall of the colon. There is no lymph node involvement. Stage 3: Lymph node involvement is now seen, however, there is no metastasis to other parts of the body. Stage 4: Cancer has metastasis to other organs of the body.

Colon cancer is sometimes called colorectal cancer, which is a term that combines colon cancer and rectal cancer, which begins in the rectum.
Most often, colorectal cancer starts in gland cells that line the wall of the colon or rectum. These gland cells make mucus that helps stool move through the colon and rectum.
A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they’ll likely vary, depending on the cancer’s size and location in your large intestine.