Colon cancer is a gastrointestinal cancer that forms in the tissues of the colon — the longest part of the large intestine. Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas, cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids.
Most colon and rectal cancers begin as small polyps (abnormal growths) on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These polyps can progress over time and invade the wall of the bowel. Polyps are not always cancerous, but they can sometimes change into cancer.
In their later stages, colon and rectal cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body. For this reason, it is important to remove them if we find them, and early.
When discovered early, colon cancer is highly treatable. Up to 90 percent of patients whose colorectal cancer is diagnosed and treated in the early stages can be cured.
Learn more about our GI Cancer Program