Generally, cancer is a class of diseases typically characterized by beyond-control cell growth arising from different reasons, and colon cancer is just one of these in the class.

Colon cancer concerns this uncontrolled cell growth with cells in the large intestine and most originate from small, noncancerous (benign) tumors called adenomatous polyps that form on the inner walls of the large intestine. Over time, some of these polyps may grow into malignant colon cancers should they not be removed during a colonoscopy procedure; causing numerous complications when colon cancer cells invade and damage healthy nearby tissues.

Upon its formation into malignant tumors, the cancerous cells may travel through the blood and lymph systems, spreading to other parts of the body where they invade and destroy other healthy tissues throughout the body resulting into a process called metastasis which is deemed as a more serious condition that is very difficult to treat.

Not equated to rectal cancer, colon cancer often occur together with rectal cancer in what is called colorectal cancer. However, the difference between rectal cancer and colon cancer is that the former originates in the rectum, which is the last several inches of the large intestine, closest to the anus.

As with all other cancers, it is ultimately the result of cells which uncontrollably grow and do not die. Normal cells in the body follow an orderly path of growth, division, and death. Programmed cell death is called apoptosis, and when this process breaks down, cancer results. Colon cancer cells do not experience programmatic death, but instead continue to grow and divide. Although scientists do not know exactly what causes these cells to behave this way, they have identified several potential risk factors.

You may find more information on colon cancer such as its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention here.

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