The stage of cancer is a reflection of the size of the cancer, the presence or absence of spread of the cancer to lymph nodes, or the presence or absence of spread of the cancer to other organs in the body. Knowing the stage helps doctors identify the best treatment.

Overall, about 30% of patients treated at Roswell Park have Stage I or Stage II Colon Cancer. This reflects the aggressive adherence of Roswell Park to the nationally accepted colon cancer screening programs. Roswell Park Cancer Institute continues to see a majority of patients for Stage III and Stage IV Colon Cancer. Compared to the national average a significantly higher proportion of patients come to Roswell Park with Stage IV disease. This reflects the fact that Roswell Park is a resource for individuals in the region with more advanced cancer who specifically choose to come to the Roswell for their care. The Stage IV presentation of our patients is primarily due to Colorectal Liver Metastasis. Many of these patients are referred to Rowell Park for its well known management of this complicated cancer with multimodality treatment including systemic surgery or therapy. RPCI is well known for its leadership role in utilizing emerging technologies for this aggressive group of cancers.

Around 50% of patients treated at Roswell Park have Stage I or Stage II Rectal Cancer. This reflects the aggressive adherence of Roswell Park to the nationally accepted colorectal cancer screening programs. Compared to the National Data, Roswell Park Cancer Institute also treats a higher percentage of patients with more advanced Stage III and Stage IV Rectal Cancer. This reflects the fact that Roswell Park is a resource for individuals in the region with more advanced cancer who specifically choose to come to the Roswell for their care. The Stage IV presentation in our patients is primarily due to Colorectal Liver Metastasis. Roswell Park is well known for its leadership role in utilizing multimodality treatment including systemic surgery or therapy, and emerging technologies for this aggressive group of cancers.