Description

Cancers of the colon and rectum are the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancers and rank second among cancer deaths in the United States. Relatively little is known about the causes of colorectal cancer; however, certain risk factors have been identified, and are discussed in the "Cause" course. The "Diagnosis" course describes the methods by which colorectal cancer is detected and staged. Surgery is the most common treatment for all stages of colon cancer, and, along with other treatment options, is discussed in the "Treatment" course.