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
What Is Colo-rectal Cancer?
Colon and Rectal Cancer Myths Abound
Understanding Colon Cancer
Will My Cancer Come Back? Coping with the Fear of Recurrence
Life After Cancer: Your Survivorship Plan
Side Effects of Radiation for Colorectal Cancer
In The Encyclopedia:
Bowel resection
Colon cancer
Rectal cancer
Sigmoidoscopy
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