Updated 6 May 2008

Definitions: For the purpose of determining the most appropriate adjuvant therapy, the following definitions, while not strictly anatomically correct, are used.

Colon: The colon is the peritonealized portion of large intestine, spanning the cecum to the peritoneal reflection.

Rectum: The rectum is the non-peritonealized portion of the large intestine, extending from the peritoneal reflection to the anal canal. Cancers located at the level of the peritoneal reflection are often treated as per rectal cancers.

Although colon and rectal cancers share many features, there are sufficient differences to justify separate management guidelines. Accordingly, Colon cancer is dealt with in this section; Rectal cancer is reviewed in the subsequent section.