Colon cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the large intestine , or colon.
When detected early, colon cancer has a very high cure rate. Colon cancer can be prevented by removing polyps, usually without surgery, before they develop into cancer. Your risk of colon cancer is increased if you have a parent, brother or sister with a history of polyps, colon cancer or other cancers. A regular program of prevention and early detection would be of special benefit to you. If you have a history of polyps, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's Disease, then you are also at increased risk of colon cancer, and a regular program of prevention and early detection would be beneficial.