Colon cancer is an abnormal, unregulated growth within the lining of the colon or rectum, both parts of the large intestine. The colon is the longest part of the large intestine and is divided into four sections: the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon, and the sigmoid colon. The innermost layer of the colon, the mucosa, is lined with a single cell layer of epithelial cells. A genetic mutation in these cells can result in a polyp, which can become cancerous, leading to the development of colon cancer. This course provides an overview of colon cancer, its characteristics, risk factors, preventative testing, early signs and symptoms, and treatment options
