colorectal

adjective

co·​lo·​rec·​tal ˌkō-lō-ˈrek-tᵊl 

: relating to or affecting the colon and rectum

colorectal cancer

Examples of colorectal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The drug targets a mutation in the KRAS gene found in nearly all pancreatic cancers and many cases of lung, colorectal and ovarian cancer. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

People with a family history of colorectal cancer, a personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis face higher risk and may need earlier screening. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

People with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, and those with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, IBS or ulcerative colitis, face elevated risk because chronic inflammation can promote abnormal growths. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

Craif’s at-home testing kit — which is currently on the market in Japan — also tests for 10 of the most common cancers, including breast, lung, stomach, colorectal, esophageal and ovarian cancer. — Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for colorectal

• anorectal
• dialectal
• erectile
• projectile
• rectal

Medical Definition

colorectal

adjective

co·​lo·​rec·​tal ˌkō-lə-ˈrek-tᵊl, ˌkäl-ə- 

: relating to or affecting the colon and the rectum

colorectal cancer