What is Colon Cancer?
A cancer of the colon or rectum, located at the digestive tract's lower end.
Early cases can begin as noncancerous polyps. These often have no symptoms but can be detected by screening. For this reason, doctors recommend screenings for those at high risk or over the age of 50.
Colorectal cancer symptoms depend on the size and location of the cancer. Some commonly experienced symptoms include changes in bowel habits, changes in stool consistency, blood in the stool, and abdominal discomfort.
Colorectal cancer treatment depends on the size, location, and how far the cancer has spread. Common treatments include surgery to remove the cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
What Are Polyps?
A small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon or rectum.
Most are harmless. But some can develop into cancer.
Colon polyps often don't cause symptoms.
Regular screening tests, such as colonoscopy, can help ensure that polyps are identified and removed before they can develop into cancer.
