Understanding Colorectal Cancer Guide

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum, the lower parts of the digestive system. This is a comprehensive guide that will help you understand colorectal cancer, how it is diagnosed and treated, and the latest research advances. It also provides advice and resources about coping with cancer for you and your loved ones.  

This guide was developed by the HealthTree Education Team and was last updated and reviewed on April 3, 2026.

Navigating the Understanding Colorectal Cancer Guide: This guide is meant to help you understand colorectal cancer, how it forms, how it is treated, and how to cope with a colorectal cancer diagnosis. It is meant for people with colorectal cancer and their loved ones. 

You can choose to read every article in this guide in order or only read the sections that are most important to you. Use this menu to skip around through the guide or use the links at the end of each page to move on to the next section. 

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Learn what colorectal cancer is and how it starts. It also includes the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer and the risk factors. 

Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Learn about the signs and symptoms that people diagnosed with colorectal cancer may experience. 

Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

Some people may be at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Learn more about the risk factors for this cancer. 

Can I Lower My Risk of Colorectal Cancer? Screening and Prevention

Learn how regular screening and healthy habits can help catch colorectal cancer early and lower your risk.

Statistics for Colorectal Cancer

Learn more about how many people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year and colorectal cancer survival statistics.

How is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed?

Learn more about the tests and procedures that are used to diagnose colorectal cancer.

How is Colorectal Cancer Staged and Classified?

There are different systems for staging colorectal cancer and determining prognosis. This page will help you understand what your colorectal cancer stage means. 

How is Colorectal Cancer Treated?

Colorectal cancer is treated using different combinations of therapies. Learn more about surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, plus supportive care to help manage your symptoms. 

Joining A Clinical Trial for Colorectal Cancer

Clinical trials can be a way for people with colorectal cancer to receive the latest treatment options. Learn more about why you may want to join a clinical trial, how to find a clinical trial using the HealthTree Clinical Trial Finder, and what clinical trial results mean. 

Coping with Colorectal Cancer

A colorectal cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and difficult. Find ways to cope with the support of your family, friends, caregivers, and care team.

Questions to Ask About Colorectal Cancer

When you go to appointments with your care team, you may not know what to ask. Use this list of questions to help brainstorm what information is most important to you.