Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum.
The colon and rectum are part of the body's digestive system. The purpose of the digestive system is to remove nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and proteins from the food you eat so your body can use them. The colon and rectum then store the waste until it passes out of the body. The digestive system includes the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The last 6 feet of the large intestine is called the large bowel or colon.