Remember, if you can't see the truck driver in their side mirror, they can't see you. The Ohio Department of Public Safety Colon Cancer Cancer of the large bowel, or colon and rectum, is often referred to as colorectal cancer. It is the second most commonly diagnosed malignancy in the United States and is the second highest cause of cancer death. Colorectal cancer affects the lower intestinal portions of the digestive system, the colon and rectum. The colon is the upper 5 to 6 feet of the large intestine, and the rectum is the last 6 to8 inches.
Tumors can develop anywhere in the colon or rectum.
Colorectal cancer can also spread to other parts of the body, especially the liver, and sometimes to the lungs, bones and other organs. Families that are at high risk because of multiple affected family members, can be at a 10-fold greater risk than the general population. Also, if cancer develops in high-risk individuals, it frequently occurs between the ages of 40 and 50, rather than later in life. Having had ulcerative colitis, or breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer may put one at greater risk for colorectal cancer. People who enjoy eating meat that is burnt or charred are at greater risk as well.