How to Pronounce Colorectal Cancer

Say it like this: koh-loh-REK-tal KAN-ser. The stress falls on the second syllable of the first word (REK) and the first syllable of the second word (KAN). Think of it as saying 'koh-loh' softly, then 'REK-tal' with emphasis, followed by 'KAN-ser.'

Break it into four syllables: co-lo-rec-tal. When you say it out loud, it flows smoothly, and the third syllable (rec) gets the strongest emphasis.

'Colorectal' is a medical way of saying 'colon and rectum together.' Doctors use this one word instead of saying both organs separately, since they're connected and often discussed as one system.

'Color-' comes from Latin and refers to the colon, which is the large intestine. '-Rectal' also comes from Latin and refers to the rectum, the final part of the large intestine. Together, 'colorectal' describes both of these connected organs.

Many people stress the wrong syllable and say 'koh-LOH-rectal' instead of 'koh-loh-REK-tal.' Remember to put the emphasis on the 'REK' part, not the 'LOH.'

Yes, doctors often use the abbreviation CRC, which stands for colorectal cancer. You say it by spelling out the letters: C-R-C.

'Colon' and 'rectal' are related words that come from the same Latin roots. You might also hear 'colitis,' which means inflammation of the colon, or 'rectum,' which is the final section of the large intestine.

You might hear someone say: 'The doctor explained that colorectal cancer develops in the large intestine.' This sentence uses the term correctly to describe where this type of cancer begins.