Colon Cancer

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.

Risk factors
Test and Procedures
Recovery and Treatment

Find out more about how Colon Cancer is treated at Sentara.

For more information on colon cancer and its treatment, visit the National Cancer Institute site.

Colon Cancer

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