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

Symptoms of rectal cancer can be more readily apparent than those of colon cancer because of its location near the outside of the body, according to Rachel Gordon, MD, a physician who is double board-certified in colorectal and general surgery at Episcopal Health Services in Queens, New York. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 24 Apr. 2026

More than 3,200 of the 6,000 systems tested at or above 5 milligrams per liter, a level connected to colorectal and ovarian cancer. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026

According to the American Cancer Society, 158,850 new colorectal cancers will be diagnosed in 2026. —Erika Edwards, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026

Common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer can include a change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days, according to the American Cancer Society. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 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