About Colon and Rectal Cancer
The colon and rectum are parts of the digestive system. They form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine or large bowel. The colon is the first 4 to 5 feet of the large intestine, and the rectum is the last several inches. Partly digested food enters the colon from the small intestine. The colon removes water and nutrients from the food and turns the rest into waste (stool). The waste passes from the colon into the rectum and then out of the body through the anus.
What is cancer?
Cancer is actually a group of diseases that begin in our cells. Cells make up tissues, and tissues make up your organs. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them to replace old cells that have died. If something goes wrong with this process, or if the body allows an abnormal cell to reproduce, then a mass (also called a growth or tumor) can form. A tumor can be benign or malignant.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer refers to a cancer that forms in either the colon or the rectum. Colon cancer forms in the tissues of the colon – usually in the cells that make and release mucus and other fluids.
Rectal cancer forms in the tissues of the rectum.
Most colorectal cancers start as benign polyps. A polyp is an abnormal fleshy growth on the inside of the colon or rectum. Polyps can grow and eventually become cancerous. Having polyps removed, which can be done during a colonoscopy, can help prevent colorectal cancers from ever beginning. Colorectal cancers are the second most common cancer in the U.S. More than 50,000 people die each year, but these cancers are preventable and may be curable IF they are diagnosed during the early stages of the disease.
