General Information:
Colon cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the colon.
The colon is part of the body’s digestive system. The digestive system
removes and processes nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates,
fats, proteins, and water) from foods and helps pass waste material out
of the body. The digestive system is made up of the esophagus, stomach,
and the small and large intestines. The first 6 feet of the large
intestine are called the large bowel or colon. The last 6 inches are the
rectum and the anal canal. The anal canal ends at the anus (the opening
of the large intestine to the outside of the body).
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Anatomy of the lower digestive system,
showing the colon and other organs. |
Age and health history can affect the risk of developing colon cancer.
Risk factors include the following:
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Age 50 or older.
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A family history of cancer of the colon or rectum.
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A personal history of cancer of the colon, rectum, ovary, endometrium, or breast.
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history of polyps in the colon.
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Polyps in the colon. Some polyps have a stalk and others do
not. Inset shows a photo of a polyp with a stalk. |
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A history of ulcerative colitis (ulcers in the lining of the large intestine) or Crohn's disease.
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Certain hereditary conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC; Lynch Syndrome).
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment
options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) depends on the following:
- The stage of the cancer (whether the cancer is in the inner lining
of the colon only, involves the whole colon, or has spread to other
places in the body).
- Whether the cancer has blocked or created a hole in the colon.
- The blood levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; a substance in
the blood that may be increased when cancer is present) before
treatment begins.
- Whether the cancer has recurred.
- The patient’s general health.
Treatment options depend on the following:
- The stage of the cancer.
- Whether the cancer has recurred.
- The patient’s general health
