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In 2015, 70.3% of stage III colon and stage II and III rectal patients received adjuvant chemotherapy.
Background
Colon cancer forms in the tissues of the colon, which is the longest part of the large intestine. Rectal cancer forms in the tissues of the rectum, which is the last several inches of the large intestine closest to the anus.
The main types of treatment for colon and rectal cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Depending on the stage of the cancer, two or more of these types of treatment may be combined at the same time or used one after another.
Surgery is the most common treatment for all stages of colorectal cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy is used after surgery to minimize chances of recurrence and has been shown to help people with stage III colon and rectal cancer live longer. Radiation therapy uses high energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy can make radiation therapy more effective against some colon and rectal cancers. The proportion of patients receiving guideline-concordant adjuvant therapy increased steadily between 1987 and 2005. Potential disparities remain for some groups of patients.
Measure
Percent of individuals, aged 20 years and older, diagnosed with stage III colon cancer who received adjuvant chemotherapy or diagnosed with stage II or stage III rectal cancer who received chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy.
Data Source
SEER Patterns of Care/Quality of Care Studies, National Cancer Institute, 1987-2015.
Healthy People 2030 Target
- There are no Healthy People 2030 targets for cancer treatment, including colorectal cancer treatment.
Healthy People 2030 is a set of goals set forth by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Trends and Most Recent Estimates
Guideline-concordant Chemotherapy Treatment
| Overview Graph | Detailed Trend Graphs | Most Recent Estimates (2015) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percent of patients | 95% Confidence Interval | ||
 |
All Ages |
70.3 | 66.4 - 74.0 |
Ages <65 |
86.9 | 82.2 - 90.6 | |
Ages 65+ |
57.1 | 51.1 - 62.9 | |
Additional Information on Colorectal Cancer Treatment
- Colorectal Cancer. National Cancer Institute
- Colon Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)-Patient Version. National Cancer Institute.
- Rectal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)-Patient Version. National Cancer Institute.
- Treating Colorectal Cancer. American Cancer Society.
- Colon Cancer (NCCN Guidelines for Patients®). National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
- Rectal Cancer (NCCN Guidelines for Patients®). National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
- Advances in Colorectal Cancer Research. National Cancer Institute.
- Colon Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)-Health Professional Version. National Cancer Institute.
- Rectal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)-Health Professional Version. National Cancer Institute.
- SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Colorectal Cancer. National Cancer Institute.
- SEER-Medicare Linked Database. National Cancer Institute.
- SEER Patterns of Care/Quality of Care Studies. National Cancer Institute.
- Colorectal Cancer Mortality Projections. Cancer Intervention Surveillance Network.