Although colorectal cancer and colon cancer are separate diseases, they are closely related. Both are caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the large intestine. However, the two are differentiated due to differences in the risk of infection spread and other factors.
Colorectal cancer is a broad term that includes both colon and rectal cancer. Conversely, colon cancer specifically refers to cancerous growths that occur in the colon rather than the rectum.
Although these cancers share similar risk factors, symptoms, and treatment approaches, their specific anatomic location and potential disease progression may require different management strategies.
This article compares colorectal cancer and colon cancer and discusses their similarities and differences.
Colorectal and colon cancers both start in the digestive system, particularly the large intestine. These cancers also have other characteristics in common:
incident
Colorectal and colon cancers are among the most common types of cancer worldwide. It is more prevalent in developed countries and occurs more frequently in older people.
The incidence of both cancers is
symptoms
Both colorectal and colon cancers can cause the following symptoms:
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
- rectal bleeding or bloody stools
- abdominal pain or cramps
- Unexplained weight loss
- Malaise
- Feeling that the bowels are not completely empty
Learn more about colon cancer and back pain.
If someone is experiencing new symptoms or has concerns in general, they should consult a health care professional.
Risk factor
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
- Certain genetic diseases, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis
Lifestyle factors can also increase your risk for both types of cancer, including:
- Meals high in red and processed meat
- low fiber intake
- A life without physical activity
- obesity
- smoking
- heavy alcohol intake
cause
Both cancers are caused by the accumulation of genetic mutations in the cells lining the large intestine. These mutations can cause uncontrolled cell growth and form tumors.
Additionally, both cancers have genetic mutations that control their growth, such as familial adenomatous polyposis.
sieving
Screening plays an important role in the early detection and prevention of both colorectal and colon cancer. The steps are the same for both and include:
- stool-based test
- Visual examination (colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy)
- polyp removal
Experts recommend that people at average risk begin regular screening when:
Click here for more information about colorectal cancer screening.
Survival rate
Survival rates for colorectal and colon cancer depend on several factors, including:
- stages of disease
- The presence of metastases, or the spread of cancer to other parts of the body
- the person’s overall health
In general, survival rates for rectal and colon cancers are about the same. However, the overall 5-year survival rate for colon cancer is reported to be slightly lower (63%) than for rectal cancer (68%).
Learn more about how doctors determine survival rates.
There are also important differences between colorectal and colon cancers that affect their management:
anatomy
Colorectal cancer includes cancer that starts in either the colon or rectum. Colon cancer specifically refers to cancer that originates in the colon.
The anatomy of the colon and rectum is different. The rectum is close to other organs and lacks a protective outer layer, the serosa. This makes rectal cancer more likely to metastasize.
recurrence
Colorectal and colon cancers can come back after initial treatment. The risk of recurrence depends on many factors, including:
- Cancer stage at diagnosis
- effectiveness of treatment
- Other factors
Recurrence also differs slightly between colorectal and colon cancers. A 2019 study followed 188 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma. Researchers found local recurrence.
In a 2016 study, researchers found that:
metastasis
Both cancers can spread to other parts of the body by entering the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Rectal tumors can easily spread because of their proximity to blood vessels.They are
Learn more about metastatic colorectal cancer.
gender difference
There are slight differences in the incidence and location of colorectal and colon cancers in men and women. In general, men tend to: taller than Colorectal cancer incidence.
process
Broadly speaking, the types of treatments available for both colorectal and colon cancer include:
However, drugs and approaches may differ depending on the cancer. For example, surgery may not be possible in the later stages of colon cancer.
For either cancer, the specific treatment plan depends on:
- cancer stages
- Characteristics of cancer
- the person’s overall health
- previous treatment
In addition, people with rectal cancer
Colorectal and colon cancers are related but distinct diseases, each with unique characteristics and treatment approaches.
Although there are many similarities, including symptoms, there are notable differences in anatomy, survival rates, and treatment plans. If you have new symptoms or concerns, you may need to see a health care professional.
Doctors can use various tests to distinguish between the two. In general, understanding the differences between colorectal cancer and colon cancer is critical to accurate diagnosis and determining appropriate treatment.