Colorectal Cancer

Note: This module does not cover Gastrointestinal Tumors (GIST) or Neuroendocrine Tumors (NET).

This module will introduce some basic information about colorectal cancer: related statistics, risk factors, relevant anatomy, major histologic types, abstracting, coding, staging, and general treatment paradigm.

The main purpose of this module is to cover the foundational aspects of abstracting colorectal cancer cases. It includes information about anatomy, major histologic types, staging criteria and treatment. References to appropriate cancer registry manuals and websites, or professional websites (e.g., American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute’s Physician Data Query (PDQ), NCCN guidelines) are included throughout.

Review the appropriate linked manuals for complete site-specific coding instructions for the data items mentioned in this module.

This training can be used as an initial step toward comprehensive training for the Oncologist Data Specialist (ODS) credential. For more comprehensive training, see the following

1. SEER*Educate
2. SEER Advanced Topics for Registry Professionals
3. NAACCR training
4. NAACCR Annual Conference
5. National Cancer Registrars Association Education
6. NCRA Annual Conference
7. Cancer Staging Education (AJCC)
8. State association meetings

Updated: June 24, 2025