Colon cancer refers to the condition where cells of the large intestine multiply uncontrollably. The disease causes problems because tumors interfere with the normal function of the colon. In advanced cases, the disease spreads (metastasizes) beyond the colon and affects the function of other organs. The colon is five feet long and connects the small intestine to the anus. The last 10 inches of the colon is called the rectum. While cancer anywhere in the large intestine is referred to as “colorectal cancer”, you will want to know if your tumor is in the rectum because, in these cases, surgical procedures are different.

Unfortunately colon cancer is not a rare disease in the United States. In fact, 1 in 19 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer in their lifetimes. However, if the disease is caught early, about 90% of cases are curable. This is why awareness and screening are so important. If you have colon cancer, your brothers, sisters, and children have a higher than average risk of developing the disease. Please encourage them to become educated about screening guidelines and tell them to get screened at the recommended time.