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).
Age and health history can affect the risk of developing colon cancer.
|
