Cancer of the large intestine, commonly called colon cancer, is a growth of cancerous cells in the rectum or large intestine (colon). Colon cancer can affect any part of the large intestine, including the ascending colon, cecum, traverse colon, sigmoid colon, and descending colon. Colon cancer has many contributing factors, such as genetic, dietary (eating poorly or high quantities of meat), intestinal polyps, obesity, smoking, diabetes, alcohol abuse, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. It is most common in adults over the age of 50.

 Symptoms of Large-intestine Cancer
Early stage colon cancer does not usually present with symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:
Abdominal cramping
Abdominal pain
Dark bloody stools (usually black and tarry)
Rectal bleeding
Feelings of "fullness"
Unexplained weight loss
Change in bowel habits
Constipation
Diarrhea
Narrow stools
Blood in stools
Loss of bowel control (later stages)
Pain in rectum (sometimes)

Treatments For Large-intestine Cancer
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. You doctor will perform a series of medical tests, including imaging tests (such as a colonoscopy), blood studies, and staging tests in order to determine whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Treatment of colon cancer will depend on the health and age of the patient, the stage of the cancer, whether it has spread to other parts of the body, and the size and location of the tumor. Common forms of treatment include chemotherapy (anti-cancer drugs), radiation therapy, biologic therapy, or surgery. The purpose of surgery is to remove all or as much of the cancer as possible. This may require the removal of a portion of the intestines and/or part of its surrounding organs. A colostomy or urostomy may be needed to collect stool or urine to help the body to rid itself of wastes. Additional forms of treatment may include pain relievers and counseling to help patients cope with illness and the treatment process.

The outcome of colon cancer varies depending on the health of the patient and the stage of the cancer. The earlier the cancer is detected the better are the chances of survival. If you are experiencing symptoms similar to those listed above, contact your doctor for further evaluation.