Conditions We Treat: Colorectal Cancer

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.