Colorectal Cancer
Overview of 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
- •
Bright red or dark blood May be mixed with stool or appear on toilet paper
- •
Cramping, bloating, or persistent pain Swelling in the lower belly
- •
Unexplained weight loss Fatigue or weakness Iron-deficiency anemia
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
Imaging Tests
Step 2: Imaging Tests (To visualize and locate the issue)
- Colonoscopy (main diagnostic test)
- CT colonography (in some cases)
Biopsy
Step 3: Biopsy (Definitive Test) (During colonoscopy if suspicious growth is found)
- Tissue is sampled during the same session
- Endocervical curettage or cone biopsy (if needed)
**Your role: Ask your doctor what to expect during prep and recovery **
Pathology
Step 4: Pathology and Lab Results (Takes a few days to a week)
- Confirms cancer type and aggressiveness
- Checks for genetic markers (e.g., KRAS, MSI)
Staging
Step 5: Staging Tests (To understand cancer spread)
- CT scan, MRI, or PET/CT
- Blood tests (e.g., CEA marker)
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
Step 2
Imaging Tests
Step 3
Biopsy
Step 4
Pathology
Step 5
Staging
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
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
How it works:
Aims radiation at the tumor from outside the body
Treatment duration:
Usually 5 days/week for 5–6 weeks
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)
How it works:
One-time dose of radiation during surgery
Treatment duration:
Single session
Polypectomy and Local Excision
What it does:
Removal of polyps or early-stage tumors through a colonoscope
Used for:
Very early colorectal cancers
Recovery:
Few days to 1 week
Colectomy (Partial or Total)
What it is:
Removal of part or all of the colon
Used for:
Localized colon cancers
Recovery:
4-6 weeks
Proctectomy
What it is:
Surgical removal of the rectum
Used for:
Rectal cancer
Recovery:
4–8 weeks
Colostomy/Ileostomy
What it is:
Creates an opening for waste removal
Used for:
Advanced cases or after rectal surgery
Recovery:
Ongoing care and adjustment
Combination Therapy
Goal:
Shrink or control widespread cancer
What it is:
Multiple chemo drugs or chemo + targeted/immunotherapy
Used for:
Stage IV or recurrent cases
Palliative Care
Goal:
Relieve symptoms like blockage or bleeding
Used For:
Late-stage or non-curative settings
Recovery
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
Psychological Support
•Therapy to process treatment impact and regain control.
Support Systems
•Support groups to reduce isolation and boost self-esteem
Energy Balance
•Manage fatigue and neuropathy through physiotherapy and pacing
Work Reintegration
•Gradual return with workplace accommodations as needed
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
- •
Bright red or dark blood May be mixed with stool or appear on toilet paper
- •
Cramping, bloating, or persistent pain Swelling in the lower belly
- •
Unexplained weight loss Fatigue or weakness Iron-deficiency anemia
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
Imaging Tests
Step 2: Imaging Tests (To visualize and locate the issue)
- Colonoscopy (main diagnostic test)
- CT colonography (in some cases)
Biopsy
Step 3: Biopsy (Definitive Test) (During colonoscopy if suspicious growth is found)
- Tissue is sampled during the same session
- Endocervical curettage or cone biopsy (if needed)
**Your role: Ask your doctor what to expect during prep and recovery **
Pathology
Step 4: Pathology and Lab Results (Takes a few days to a week)
- Confirms cancer type and aggressiveness
- Checks for genetic markers (e.g., KRAS, MSI)
Staging
Step 5: Staging Tests (To understand cancer spread)
- CT scan, MRI, or PET/CT
- Blood tests (e.g., CEA marker)
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
Step 2
Imaging Tests
Step 3
Biopsy
Step 4
Pathology
Step 5
Staging
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
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
How it works:
Aims radiation at the tumor from outside the body
Treatment duration:
Usually 5 days/week for 5–6 weeks
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)
How it works:
One-time dose of radiation during surgery
Treatment duration:
Single session
Polypectomy and Local Excision
What it does:
Removal of polyps or early-stage tumors through a colonoscope
Used for:
Very early colorectal cancers
Recovery:
Few days to 1 week
Colectomy (Partial or Total)
What it is:
Removal of part or all of the colon
Used for:
Localized colon cancers
Recovery:
4-6 weeks
Proctectomy
What it is:
Surgical removal of the rectum
Used for:
Rectal cancer
Recovery:
4–8 weeks
Colostomy/Ileostomy
What it is:
Creates an opening for waste removal
Used for:
Advanced cases or after rectal surgery
Recovery:
Ongoing care and adjustment
Combination Therapy
Goal:
Shrink or control widespread cancer
What it is:
Multiple chemo drugs or chemo + targeted/immunotherapy
Used for:
Stage IV or recurrent cases
Palliative Care
Goal:
Relieve symptoms like blockage or bleeding
Used For:
Late-stage or non-curative settings
Recovery
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
Psychological Support
•Therapy to process treatment impact and regain control.
Support Systems
•Support groups to reduce isolation and boost self-esteem
Energy Balance
•Manage fatigue and neuropathy through physiotherapy and pacing
Work Reintegration
•Gradual return with workplace accommodations as needed
At Everhope, our experts support your proactive care with advanced treatment — guiding you with knowledge, hope, and healing.
cases globally in 2022
global deaths worldwide
new cases in India each year
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
Colon cancer starts specifically in the colon, while colorectal cancer covers both colon and rectal cancers because they affect different parts of the large intestine. Both have similar symptoms and treatments, but their exact location influences some management choices
Most people find colonoscopy has little or only mild pain, thanks to anesthesia or sedation during the exam. Some feel brief discomfort or bloating, but severe pain is rare. It’s a safe and routine test for early cancer detection.
Colorectal cancer in younger people is rising and often shows up at a more advanced stage. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, and iron deficiency anemia. Early diagnosis can help improve survival
Survival rates vary by cancer stage. Overall, about 65% of people live at least five years after diagnosis. Those diagnosed early, before the cancer spreads, have a much better chance (over 90%) of surviving five years or more
Appointments for colorectal cancer care are available at Everhope Oncology’s centers in Gurgaon, with easy web and phone booking, private treatment suites, and a full team of expert doctors. To get started, visit the Everhope Oncology website, or call +91 7950 60087
Find a Centre Near You
Gurgaon EBD 65
EBD 65, Sector 65, Golf Course Extension Road, Gurgaon