Learning about CRC

Stages of colorectal cancer

The stage of colorectal cancer, from stage 0 to stage IV, is one of the most important factors in selecting treatment options. Metastatic colorectal cancer is considered stage IV, which means that the cancer has spread to other organs in the body, such as the liver, lung, peritoneum (the wall of the abdomen and pelvis), or ovary. If you have any questions about your stage, ask the doctor, “Has the cancer spread to other parts of my body? If so, where?”

Staging is a standardized process that tells the cancer care team how widespread the cancer may be. For all stages of colorectal cancer, surgery to remove the tumor (often called “segmental resection”) is the primary treatment.

Stage 0 Colorectal Cancer Stage 0

Tumor is small in size and limited to the inside lining of the colon or rectum

Possible treatment: Surgery

Stage 1 Colorectal Cancer Stage I

Tumor has moved into other layers of the colon, without spreading beyond the wall

Possible treatment: Surgery

Stage 2 Colorectal Cancer Stage II

Tumor has gone through the wall of the colon or rectum, affecting nearby tissue, without affecting lymph nodes

Possible treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy

Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer Stage III

Tumor has spread to nearby lymph nodes, but not to distant organs

Possible treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy

Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer Stage IV

Tumor has spread to distant organs and/or tissues, such as liver and lungs

Possible treatments: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy

Next: CRC Questions for Your Doctor