Colorectal cancer is a malignant neoplasm arising in the colon or rectum. As a research concept, it encompasses the systematic investigation of its etiology, pathogenesis, molecular characteristics, clinical presentation, diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, and therapeutic strategies. Key characteristics studied include its molecular heterogeneity, diverse histological subtypes, and complex progression mechanisms, highlighting its significance as a major global health burden and a primary focus of translational and clinical oncology research aimed at improving patient outcomes.