Colorectal Cancer

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the colon or rectum. Since cancer cells do not have the ability to regulate their own growth, they have the ability to spread. If colorectal cancer is not treated, the cancer cells can invade local tissues and eventually spread to distant organs (metastasis).

If diagnosed early, there is approximately a 90% chance that colorectal cancer can be cured, compared to just a 10% chance for advanced-stage disease. The most effective method of avoiding colorectal cancer is believed to be a healthy diet that is high in fibre, calcium, fruits and vegetables.

UHN Resources

UHN Brochures and Pamphlets

• Abdominal Perineal Resection (APR) with Colostomy
• Colorectal Cancer Screening
• Frequently Asked Questions about Colorectal Cancer
• Lower Anterior Resection (LAR)
• Lower Anterior Resection (LAR) with Ileostomy
• Nurse Performed Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
• Right or Left Hemicolectomy
• What to Do When Receiving RT to the Pelvis (Colorectal or Anal Cancer)

UHN Clinics or Centres

• Endoscopy Unit
• Gastrointestinal Clinic
• Oncology Interactive Education Series

Related Web Sites

• Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada
  This site is dedicated to supporting patients and increasing awareness of colorectal cancer.
• What is Colorectal Cancer? - Canadian Cancer Society
  An overview of colorectal cancer. Find links on the right side of the screen that will take through the progression of the disease, from risk factors through screening and early detection, diagnosis, staging and treatment and living with the disease.
• What is Colorectal Cancer? - American Cancer Society
  An overview of colon and rectum cancer.
• What You Need to Know about Cancer of the Colon and Rectum
  This National Cancer Institute (NCI) has important information about the possible causes, symptomes, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer. It also has information to help patients cope with the disease.
• Medlineplus: Colorectal Cancer
  This site, by the National Library of Medicine (US), is a gateway to lung cancer resources. Some particularly useful aspects of this site are its links to Pictures/Diagrams and Dictionaries and Glossaries.