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Colon Cancer

Cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that have mutated from normal tissues. This growth can kill when these cells prevent normal function of vital organs or spread throughout the body, damaging essential systems. Colon and rectum cancers, which are sometimes referred to together as "colorectal cancer," arise from the lining of the large intestine. When cancer arises from the lining of an organ like the large intestine, it is called a carcinoma.

Cancer of the colon or rectum is the third most common type of cancer for both men and women (after breast and lung for women, and prostate and lung for men). According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 145,290 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed, and in 2005 accounted for approximately 55,000 cancer deaths.  The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is five percent, and greater than 90% of colorectal cancers are diagnosed after age 50.

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Understanding Colon Cancer

  • 5 Steps to Lowering Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer
  • About the Colon and Rectum
  • Be on the Lookout for Colon Cancer: Early Detection Can Save Your Life
  • Colon Cancer: Choosing a Doctor and What to Ask
  • Colorectal Cancer - 20 Common Questions
  • Colorectal Cancer Myths and Realities
  • Early Detection Can Prevent Colorectal Cancer
  • Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer Genes
  • Risk Factors for Colon Cancer
  • Screen Out Colon Cancer in Women
  • (More)

    • Commonly Asked Questions

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  • If a Family Member Has High Colon Cancer Risk, Do I Need Genetic Testing?
  • Is Colon Cancer Related to Genetics?
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  • What Are the Screening Guidelines for Colon Cancer?
  • What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer?
  • What Does "Slow Growing" Mean When Referring to Cancer?
  • What is the Different Between Radiation and Chemotherapy?

    • Additional Information

  • Symptoms and Tests
  • Treatment
  • Complications
  • Research Studies

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