Colorectal Cancer

Overview

What is Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer or rectal cancer, starts as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are called polyps. Some types of polyps can change into cancer over time (usually many years), but not all polyps become cancer. The chance of a polyp turning into cancer depends on the type of polyp it is. Most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers formed in glandular tissue). Other less common types include sarcomas, carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors and lymphomas. The presence or absence of genetic mutations influence what type of treatment is used. Some of these genetic mutations include in EGFR, RAS and/or HER-2. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy.1

How common is Colorectal cancer

Around 106,970 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in 2023 based American Cancer Society data. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, with the exception of skin cancers.2 3

Find Support

There are many organizations that support research and advocacy for Colorectal Cancer. See below for a few of those organizations.

Colorectal Cancer Organizations

Questions regarding your Colorectal cancer therapy

You can reach the Accredo oncology care team, anytime, day or night, seven days a week by phone or online.

24-hour Customer Service Center

877-732-3431