Colon cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the large intestine (colon), which is the lower part of the digestive tract. It generally starts as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called polyps on the inner lining of the colon. Some of the polyps turn into colon cancers over time.

Doctors are not sure what causes colon cancers. Colon cancer usually develops when normal cells in the colon undergo genetic damage and become cancerous. These cancer cells multiply out of control and form a tumour (growth) in the colon. With time, the cancer cells can invade the surrounding normal tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

Colon cancer is an extremely treatable and often curable disease if it is localised to the colon. Surgery is the main treatment method for colon cancer and cures more than 50% of the patients.

Surgery is the first treatment for colon cancer and may be combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Treatment depends on the part of the colon that is affected, how far the cancer has spread and the patient’s overall health. The treatment aims to remove the cancer, prevent its spread and relieve symptoms.

People of any age can get colon cancer. However, most cases with colon cancer are older than 50. The risk of colon cancer increases with age. Roughly 91% of the cases are diagnosed in individuals of age 50 and above.