Patient education: Colon and rectal cancer (The Basics)

What is colorectal cancer? — Colorectal cancer is cancer that affects the large intestine (also known as the colon) or the rectum (figure 1). The word "colorectal" is just a shortened way of saying colon and rectal.

Colorectal cancer can be serious. But there are many ways to treat it.

Is there a test for colorectal cancer? — Yes, there are a few tests that can find colorectal cancer. Your doctor or nurse can explain your choices.

If your doctor or nurse thinks you might have colorectal cancer, they will probably suggest a test called a "colonoscopy." During a colonoscopy, the doctor inserts a tube and a tiny camera into your anus and up to your colon. That way, they can look for cancer or other problems.

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? — Colorectal cancer might not cause any symptoms at first. When it does cause symptoms, it can cause:

●Stomach pain

●A change in your bowel movements (number, texture, color, or size)

●Blood in your bowel movements

●Feeling weak, tired, or short of breath

How is colorectal cancer treated? — Most types of colorectal cancer are treated with 1 or more of these:

●Surgery to remove the part of the colon or rectum that has cancer

●Chemotherapy, which is the medical term for medicines that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing

●Radiation therapy

Will my body work normally after surgery? — That depends on what type of surgery you have. If your doctor can reconnect your colon or rectum after removing the part with cancer, you should be able to have bowel movements normally. But if your doctor cannot reconnect your colon or rectum, they will make a hole in your belly and attach the end of the colon or a loop of intestine to that hole. The hole is called a "colostomy or an "ileostomy" depending on which part of the intestine was affected. Your bowel movements will come out through the opening into a bag that is glued to your skin.

Some people need to have a colostomy or ileostomy only for a short time. This is called a "temporary colostomy" or "temporary ileostomy." Then, they can have another surgery to reconnect their colon or rectum. Other people need to have a colostomy for the rest of their life. This is called a "permanent colostomy." If you need a colostomy or ileostomy, a nurse called an "ostomy nurse" will teach you how to care for yourself.

What happens after treatment? — After you finish treatment, you should see your doctor or nurse every so often for a few years. That way they can check to see if the cancer comes back. You will probably have to have blood tests every so often, a few more colonoscopy tests, plus a special kind of X-ray called a "CT scan." Your doctor or nurse will also talk to you about your mood, stress level, sex life, eating and exercise habits, and any other problems you might have after finishing treatment.

More on this topic

Patient education: Colonoscopy (The Basics)
Patient education: Bloody stools (The Basics)
Patient education: What are clinical trials? (The Basics)
Patient education: Colostomy care (The Basics)
Patient education: Colectomy (The Basics)
Patient education: Colon and rectal cancer screening (The Basics)

Patient education: Colon and rectal cancer (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Colon polyps (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Colorectal cancer treatment; metastatic cancer (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Screening for colorectal cancer (Beyond the Basics)