Colon cancer affects the large intestines or rectum. It usually occurs at old age. It begins as benign polyps in the intestines, which further progresses to colon cancer.

The precise reason for the occurrence of colon cancer is yet to be determined; however, genetics play a huge role in the development of colon cancer. The risk factors are as follows:
- A family history of colon cancer
- Old age
- Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis
- Obesity, alcoholism, smoking
- Intake of low-fibre diet and high-fat diet,
- Diabetes

Colon cancer is curable if it is properly diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Its treatment consists of surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy .

The treatment measures for colon cancer depend upon the stage of cancer .The treatment methods are as follows:
- Surgical options like polypectomy, partial colectomy, colostomy
- Chemotherapy or immunotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Palliative treatment

People who are older than 50 years are commonly affected with colon cancer. Hence, regular screening should be conducted among people in old age group for the early diagnosis of colon cancer.