Colorectal cancer includes cancer of the colon, rectum, anus, and appendix is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colon cancer and rectal cancer is collectively known as colorectal cancer has many features in common.  Colorectal cancer is a term used to refer to cancer that develops in the colon or the rectum. The colon and rectum are parts of the digestive system, which is also called the gastrointestinal, or GI, system.

The colon has 4 sections:

·         The first section is called the ascending colon. It begins where the small bowel attaches to the colon and extends upward on the right side of the abdomen.

·         The second section is called the transverse colon since it goes across the body from the right to the left side in the upper abdomen.

·         The third section, the descending colon, continues downward on the left side.

·         The fourth section is known as the sigmoid colon because of its âSâ or âsigmoidâ shape. The sigmoid colon joins the rectum, which in turn joins the anus or the opening where waste (fecal) matter passes out of the body.

The wall of each of these sections of the colon and rectum has several layers of tissue. Colorectal cancer starts in the innermost layer and can grow through some or all of the other layers. Colorectal cancer is preventable when polyps are found and removed. It is highly curable when found in its early stages. It is important to have screening tests that examine the entire colon because cancer can occur anywhere in the colon. Colorectal cancers develop slowly over a period of several years. Growth of tissue or tumor usually begins as a non-cancerous polyp, which may eventually change into cancer. A polyp develops on the lining of the colon or rectum. Certain kinds of polyps, called adenomatous polyps or adenomas, have the potential to become cancerous.

Screening treatment for colorectal cancer is important because symptoms may be absent or may be due to other conditions. Possible indicators include changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain and bleeding from the rectum. Diagnostic tests for colorectal cancer include tests for blood in the stool, a special type of enema x-ray, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Ultrasound, blood tests, x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The treatment may also include oncologists, proctologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons. 

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article source: Healthy Living Article Directory.com