Living with Colorectal (Colon) Cancer

Colorectal cancer occurs in either the colon or rectum portion of the large intestine and is sometimes referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer. Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include a change in bowel habits that last for more than a few days with problems like diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool. Other symptoms are rectal bleeding, dark stools, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and unintentional weight loss. Most colorectal cancers begin as benign, but pre-cancerous, adenomatous polyps. Colorectal cancer is most often treated with surgery, but more advanced stages may also be treated with radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Survival rates for colorectal cancer can vary depending on the stage at which it is diagnosed, treatment received, and other factors.

For more information on colorectal cancer, read the American Cancer Society's Detailed Guide.

If you have been affected by colorectal cancer, please be sure to take some time to read others' experiences, share your own experiences, and ask or answer questions. Don't forget to view our Beginner's Guide to Cancer.