Definition

Colorectal (pronounced KO-lo-REK-tul) cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. The colon is the lowest portion of the large intestine and is the last part of the digestive system through which food passes. The rectum is the final section of the colon, through which solid wastes are eliminated from the body.

Description

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. It ranks third in frequency behind lung and prostate cancer (see lung cancer and prostate cancer entries) in men in the United States. It is also third in frequency behind lung and breast cancer (see breast cancer entry) in women. Colorectal cancer accounts for about 10 percent of all new cases of cancer each year in the United States. It is also responsible for about 10 percent of all deaths from cancer.

Cancer can occur anywhere in the colon or the rectum. It...