Overview

What is cancer?

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in an organ, such as the colon, lung, or skin. Cancer cells grow together to form a mass called a tumor. Benign (non-cancer) tumors can also grow but do not invade other tissues. Cancer, however, is more likely to be life threatening, because malignant cells can invade surrounding tissue and spread, or metastasize, through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to distant parts of the body. Early detection before the cancer spreads provides the best chance of cure.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer, sometimes referred to as just colon cancer, is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States in both men and women. Colorectal cancer occurs in the lower portion of the digestive tract called the colon, and the last portion, called the rectum. Screening, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are the keys to curing and surviving colon cancer.

More on Colon Cancer

In The Encyclopedia:

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.