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Colorectal Cancer
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer (CRC) affects the colon or rectum—critical parts of the digestive system. It often starts as small, noncancerous polyps that can become cancer over time. Though it’s the third most common cancer globally, CRC is highly curable when detected early.
Colorectal Cancer Types
Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors
•These begin in neuroendocrine cells and tend to grow slowly. Though infrequent, they require distinct management compared to adenocarcinomas.
Adenocarcinoma (95%)
•Adenocarcinomas develop in the mucus-secreting glands lining the colon or rectum. Subtypes include mucinous (colloid) adenocarcinoma and signet ring cell adenocarcinoma, which are distinguished by their cell structure and often carry unique prognoses
Primary Colorectal Lymphoma
•This type starts in the immune system’s lymphocytes within the colon or rectum. It’s rare but different from the more common adenocarcinomas
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
•Originates from squamous cells which are usually absent in normal colon tissue. These account for a very small portion of colorectal cancer cases.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)
•Rare in the colon and rectum, these arise from interstitial cells of Cajal. Most GISTs are benign, but malignant forms exist.
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
- •Diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stool Feeling like the bowel doesn’t fully empty
What’s Notable
Symptoms often overlap with IBS or piles - that's why many delay evaluation
Young adults can also be at risk - especially with family history
When to Seek Help
Any bleeding from the rectum, especially if it recurs or is accompanied by bowel changes, should be assessed promptly. Don’t wait.
Colorectal Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Age over 45
Risk climbs notably as individuals get older, with the majority of cases occurring after age 50
Family history
Having first-degree relatives (parent, sibling) who have had colorectal cancer or polyps increases risk
Chronic diseases
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) raises risk.
Inherited genetic syndromes
Conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome substantially elevate risk
Diet
Diets high in red meats, processed meats, and animal fats, along with low intake of fruits, vegetables, and fiber, are tied to increased risk
Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Step 1: Initial Check-Up (If you experience rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits)
What happens:
- Physical exam + digital rectal exam
- Review of family history and symptoms
Your role: Be open about all digestive changes and discomfort
Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy
Purpose:
Kills rapidly growing cancer cells throughout the body.
Common drugs:
5-FU, Capecitabine, Oxaliplatin
Used for:
Stage II–IV or post-surgery to prevent recurrence
Targeted Therapy
Purpose:
Blocks growth-promoting molecules
Common drugs:
Bevacizumab, Cetuximab
Used for :
Advanced or metastatic cancers with specific mutations
Immunotherapy
Purpose:
Activates immune system to fight cancer
Common drugs:
Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab
Used for:
MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancers
Colorectal Cancer Treatment & Types
Most common colorectal cancer:
type from glandular cells of colon or rectum.
Early-stage:
mainly treated with surgical resection of tumor.
Adjuvant chemotherapy (FOLFOX, CAPEOX) :
used in stage II high-risk and stage III to reduce recurrence.
Advanced stages:
may receive systemic chemotherapy plus targeted therapies (anti-EGFR such as cetuximab, panitumumab) per RAS mutation status.
Immunotherapy (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) :
used for microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) tumors.
Treatment tailored to molecular profiling:
for best outcomes.
Colorectal Cancer Stages
•Also called intramucosal carcinoma or carcinoma in situ.
•Cancer cells are confined to the innermost layer of the lining of the colon or rectum (mucosa).
•Non-invasive at this stage.
•Highly treatable with surgery; excellent prognosis.
Management & Prevention
Bowel Care
•Managing changes in digestion or stoma care post-surgery.
Nutrition Support
•Diet plans to rebuild strength and prevent deficiencies.
Monitoring
•Routine scans and blood work to track recurrence risk
Colorectal Cancer Types
Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors
•These begin in neuroendocrine cells and tend to grow slowly. Though infrequent, they require distinct management compared to adenocarcinomas.
Adenocarcinoma (95%)
•Adenocarcinomas develop in the mucus-secreting glands lining the colon or rectum. Subtypes include mucinous (colloid) adenocarcinoma and signet ring cell adenocarcinoma, which are distinguished by their cell structure and often carry unique prognoses
Primary Colorectal Lymphoma
•This type starts in the immune system’s lymphocytes within the colon or rectum. It’s rare but different from the more common adenocarcinomas
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
•Originates from squamous cells which are usually absent in normal colon tissue. These account for a very small portion of colorectal cancer cases.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)
•Rare in the colon and rectum, these arise from interstitial cells of Cajal. Most GISTs are benign, but malignant forms exist.
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
- •Diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stool Feeling like the bowel doesn’t fully empty
What’s Notable
Symptoms often overlap with IBS or piles - that's why many delay evaluation
Young adults can also be at risk - especially with family history
When to Seek Help
Any bleeding from the rectum, especially if it recurs or is accompanied by bowel changes, should be assessed promptly. Don’t wait.
Colorectal Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Age over 45
Risk climbs notably as individuals get older, with the majority of cases occurring after age 50
Family history
Having first-degree relatives (parent, sibling) who have had colorectal cancer or polyps increases risk
Chronic diseases
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) raises risk.
Inherited genetic syndromes
Conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome substantially elevate risk
Diet
Diets high in red meats, processed meats, and animal fats, along with low intake of fruits, vegetables, and fiber, are tied to increased risk
Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Step 1: Initial Check-Up (If you experience rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits)
What happens:
- Physical exam + digital rectal exam
- Review of family history and symptoms
Your role: Be open about all digestive changes and discomfort
Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy
Purpose:
Kills rapidly growing cancer cells throughout the body.
Common drugs:
5-FU, Capecitabine, Oxaliplatin
Used for:
Stage II–IV or post-surgery to prevent recurrence
Targeted Therapy
Purpose:
Blocks growth-promoting molecules
Common drugs:
Bevacizumab, Cetuximab
Used for :
Advanced or metastatic cancers with specific mutations
Immunotherapy
Purpose:
Activates immune system to fight cancer
Common drugs:
Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab
Used for:
MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancers
Colorectal Cancer Treatment & Types
Most common colorectal cancer:
type from glandular cells of colon or rectum.
Early-stage:
mainly treated with surgical resection of tumor.
Adjuvant chemotherapy (FOLFOX, CAPEOX) :
used in stage II high-risk and stage III to reduce recurrence.
Advanced stages:
may receive systemic chemotherapy plus targeted therapies (anti-EGFR such as cetuximab, panitumumab) per RAS mutation status.
Immunotherapy (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) :
used for microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) tumors.
Treatment tailored to molecular profiling:
for best outcomes.
Colorectal Cancer Stages
•Also called intramucosal carcinoma or carcinoma in situ.
•Cancer cells are confined to the innermost layer of the lining of the colon or rectum (mucosa).
•Non-invasive at this stage.
•Highly treatable with surgery; excellent prognosis.
Management & Prevention
Bowel Care
•Managing changes in digestion or stoma care post-surgery.
Nutrition Support
•Diet plans to rebuild strength and prevent deficiencies.
Monitoring
•Routine scans and blood work to track recurrence risk
Why Choose Everhope For Colorectal Cancer?
At Everhope, our experts support your proactive care with advanced treatment — guiding you with knowledge, hope, and healing.
1.93M
cases globally in 2022
93K
global deaths worldwide
65K+
new cases in India each year
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FAQs on Colorectal Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
Colorectal cancer can return after treatment, especially in the first two or three years. The risk of recurrence depends on the cancer stage—about 15% to 30% may see cancer come back within five years. Early stages have lower risk, while advanced stages have higher rates
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