Date updated: June 01, 2009
Content provided by National Institute of Health

Also called: Colon and Rectal Cancer, Cancer colon

Our digestive system is many meters long and performs a variety of functions. Many digestive and corrosive enzymes are released during the process of digestion. The intestinal linings are protected by a layer of mucous. Inability to produce mucous by the linings expose the walls of the intestine to these corrosive enzymes. Ulcers and benign polyps develop in the lining of the colon which later on becomes malignant and becomes cancerous. Colorectal Cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). Such cancer is sometimes referred to as Colon and Rectal Cancer and Cancer - colon. Colon and Rectal Cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death in the United States. You will have a greater risk of getting Colorectal Cancer if you have: "Cancer elsewhere in the body, colorectal polyps, Crohn’s disease, family history of colon cancer, personal history of breast cancer, and ulcerative colitis". Certain genetic syndromes also increase the risk of developing Colorectal Cancer. Smoking cigarettes is another risk factor for Colorectal Cancer. Colon and Rectal Cancer may be associated with a high-fat, low-fiber diet and red meat.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer include "Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen, blood in the stool, diarrhea, constipation, or other change in bowel habits, intestinal obstruction, unexplained anemia, and weight loss with no known reason".