US Medical Term · conditions
Colon Cancer
Cáncer de colon
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Colon Cancer |
| Spanish (Español) | Cáncer de colon |
| Chinese (中文) | 結腸癌 |
| Korean (한국어) | 대장암 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Ung thư đại tràng |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Kanser sa colon |
| Portuguese (Português) | Câncer de cólon |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | มะเร็งลำไส้ใหญ่ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 結腸がん |
What it means
Colon cancer is a malignant tumor of the large intestine (colon). It often starts as small, noncancerous polyps that can turn cancerous over time. Colonoscopy screening can find and remove polyps before they become cancer. Symptoms may include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss. Risk factors include age over 50, family history, and certain diets. Treatment usually involves surgery, and may include chemotherapy or radiation. Screening colonoscopies are recommended starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have been having rectal bleeding and my doctor wants to test me for colon cancer.
He tenido sangrado rectal y mi médico quiere hacerme pruebas para detectar cáncer de colon.
At what age should I start getting colonoscopies to screen for colon cancer?
¿A qué edad debo empezar a hacerme colonoscopias para detectar cáncer de colon?
My father had colon cancer — does that increase my risk?
Mi padre tuvo cáncer de colon. ¿Eso aumenta mi riesgo?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
C18 Malignant neoplasm of colonRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026