PURPOSE: Self-management for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its critical role in improving patient outcomes and quality of life. This study aims to explore trends in self-management research for CRC through bibliometric analysis. METHODS: Publications from 2004 to 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix" to map research trends, co-authorship networks, institutional collaborations, and patterns of keyword co-occurrence. RESULTS: A total of 1822 publications were identified, showing a steady annual growth rate of 7.49%. The USA led both in the number of publications and citations, followed by China and the United Kingdom. The University of California System was the most prolific institution, with 168 publications. The key author in the field was Vernon Sally W., and Supportive Care in Cancer emerged as the leading journal in this area. The thematic focus of the research is reflected in the prominent co-occurring keywords, such as "woman," "quality of life," and "emergency surgery." Burst keywords, including "colorectal obstruction," "colonic obstruction," "resection," and "depression," highlight the evolving research priorities and emerging interests in the field of CRC self-management. CONCLUSION: This bibliometric analysis delineated the research trends, key contributors, and emergent discourses within the self-management domain for patients with CRC. It underscores a concentrated research emphasis on the emotional well-being of patients and the critical role of surgical interventions in the self-management of CRC.