Colorectal (Colon & Rectal) Cancer

What is Colorectal Cancer?

"Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer." (Visit What is Colorectal Cancer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for more information).

Different Types of Colorectal Cancer:

"There are many types of colorectal cancer, the most common of which is adenocarcinoma. Other types include carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, colorectal lymphoma.

Hereditary colorectal cancers, meaning that several generations of a family have had colorectal cancer, include hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)." (Visit Types of Colorectal Cancer, Stanford Health Care, for more information).

Types of Treatments:

Depending on the cancer type and its stage of advancement, treatments may be local or systemic. A local treatment means that only the area around the tumor is affected, whereas systemic treatments impact cancer cells throughout the body. Systemic treatments are usually drug therapies.

Common Local Treatments

Common Systemic Treatments

Visit Treating Colorectal Cancer, American Cancer Society, for more information

Caring For a Loved One with Colorectal Cancer

The Caregiver Badge Colorectal Cancer Alliance

"Wearing the courageous badge of ‘caregiver’ presents unique challenges. When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, you’re shoved into a world of medical appointments and barely understandable cancer jargon". This site offers an abundance of valuable information, such as handling financial questions, coping with grief, and staying organized.

Colon Cancer Caregivers Colon Cancer Foundation

The Colon Cancer Foundation offers numerous tips on adjusting to your role as a caregiver and how to help your loved one. They advise giving one’s loved one support, securing professional care when needed, and staying both positive and honest throughout this challenging endeavor.

The Young Colorectal Cancer CaregiverFight Colorectal Cancer

This blog entry describes the highs and lows of being a young caregiver and lists ways to help manage caregiving demands. People may find that their relationships with loved ones become stronger but still struggle with feelings of helplessness and inadequacy.

CaregivingFight Colorectal Cancer

As a caregiver, it is essential to take care of your loved one and yourself. This web page recommends keeping track of your personal needs and educating yourself about the disease, as well as advice about parenting while living with colorectal cancer.

Advice for Colon Cancer Caregivers U.S News & World Report

“Taking care of someone who has colorectal cancer has unique challenges.” When facing these obstacles, this article suggests you reach out for help, take care of yourself and not feeling guilty about it, and consider taking part in a support group.

Caring For a Loved One with Colorectal Cancer

The Caregiver Badge Colorectal Cancer Alliance

"Wearing the courageous badge of ‘caregiver’ presents unique challenges. When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, you’re shoved into a world of medical appointments and barely understandable cancer jargon. This site offers an abundance of valuable information, such as handling financial questions, coping with grief, and staying organized.

Colon Cancer Caregivers Colon Cancer Foundation

The Colon Cancer Foundation offers numerous tips on adjusting to your role as a caregiver and how to help your loved one. They advise giving one’s loved one support, securing professional care when needed, and staying both positive and honest throughout this challenging endeavor.

The Young Colorectal Cancer CaregiverFight Colorectal Cancer

This blog entry describes the highs and lows of being a young caregiver and lists ways to help manage caregiving demands. People may find that their relationships with loved ones become stronger but still struggle with feelings of helplessness and inadequacy.

CaregivingFight Colorectal Cancer

As a caregiver, it is essential to take care of your loved one and yourself. This web page recommends keeping track of your personal needs and educating yourself about the disease, as well as advice about parenting while living with colorectal cancer.

Advice for Colon Cancer Caregivers U.S News & World Report

“Taking care of someone who has colorectal cancer has unique challenges.” When facing these obstacles, this article suggests you reach out for help, take care of yourself and not feeling guilty about it, and consider taking part in a support group.