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Conditions We Treat: Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is also called colon cancer or rectal cancer. It refers to any cancer in the colon, from the beginning, called the cecum, to the end, called the rectum. Colorectal cancer occurs when the cells that line the colon or rectum become abnormal and grow out of control.
Colorectal Cancer: What You Need to Know

- Colorectal cancer refers to any cancer in the colon or rectum.
- Polyps are usually benign growths that form in the colon and rectum. These polyps may progress into cancer if left untreated.
- If you have polyps, they may develop into cancer, so your doctor will want to monitor you regularly.
- Some forms of colorectal cancer are hereditary; if colorectal cancer runs in your family, you should undergo regular colonoscopies.
- Subcategories of colorectal cancer include: hereditary colorectal cancer, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer and sporadic (nonhereditary) colorectal cancer.
Patient Resources
Learn more about colorectal cancer in our Health Library
Read a more in-depth article about colorectal cancer, written by Johns Hopkins gastroenterologists, which details the anatomical description of the causes of colorectal cancer.
Read our FAQs about colorectal cancer.
Why choose Johns Hopkins Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology for colorectal cancer?

Our Physicians
As leaders in the treatment of colorectal cancer, physicians at Johns Hopkins offer excellent patient care.
Meet our physicians:Our Team

Our Services
The Colon Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic is specially designed to evaluate patients who have a family history of colon cancer.
Learn more about the clinic's services.
Our Patient Education
Catching colon cancer early is key to successful treatment.
Learn about the various screening procedures available.
Learn about your risk factors, symptoms and the importance of screenings.
Learn about the genetics of colon cancer.