Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer or bowel cancer, is cancer arising out of the inner lining of the last part of the large intestine. A family history of colon cancer, long-standing ulcerative colitis, and the presence of colon polyps are some of the leading reasons that put an individual at a risk of colon cancer.

A majority of colon cancer develop from benign growths in the colon, also known as polyps. Removal of colon polyps is, therefore, the best prevention of colon cancer. The polyps may produce no symptoms at all in the affected individuals and this is the reason why they are hard to detect. Therefore, individuals at high risk of colon cancer should undergo colon cancer screening at regular intervals to detect the presence of polyps and proper action should be taken them to remove polyps before they turn cancerous. Early screening and detection is the key to successful colon cancer treatment.

Colon cancer is diagnosed with the help of sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. During these tests, a piece of tissue is removed from the colon to confirm the presence of cancer cells. When the cancer cells are confirmed, a treatment plan is prepared. The course of treatment advised by the doctor may depend on the location, size, and the extent of cancer. It also depends on the overall health of the patient and how well he or she can tolerate it. Surgery is the most common treatment option used for colon cancer. Colon cancer treatment cost varies from one patient to the other.