Colorectal Cancer

Learn about colon cancer prevention and new treatments from leading multi-disciplinary specialists at Jefferson. Watch here for future chances to meet our doctors Take the Quiz - True or False: You Know the Facts about Colorectal Cancer Webcast: Colon Cancer from Prevention to Treatment Physicians representing five specialties discuss options and take patient questions

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common internal cancers affecting men and women in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and nationwide as well. If detected promptly, it can be highly curable.

A tendency toward colorectal cancer can be inherited. Colorectal cancer may run in families through inherited conditions called  familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and  hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). These conditions account for up to 10 percent of all colorectal cancers.


Jefferson's innovative  Familial Colorectal Cancer Tumor Registry gathers and maintains data on area families, counsels patients about risk factors and preventative measures and provides information on available clinical trials.


Patients with colorectal cancer can also benefit from the  Jefferson Hereditary Cancer Center, which provides help for people with a family history of certain cancers through education, risk assessment, counseling and genetic testing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Colorectal Health  (Fact Sheet)