A common term for a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled manner and can spread to tissues from which they did not originate. 

The treatment of cancer, by the use of special anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs.

Carefully planned and controlled studies that are carried out with groups of volunteers. They test the effectiveness and safety of new treatments, medical products or techniques.

Inflammation of the large intestine (the colon). There are many forms of colitis, including ulcerative, Crohn's, infectious, pseudo membranous, and spastic. Long-standing ulcerative colitis increases the risk for colon cancer.

Another name for the large intestine; the section of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum. A long hollow tube responsible for absorbing water and forming, storing, and expelling waste.

A procedure that examines the entire rectum and colon for the presence of growths by inserting a long flexible lighted viewing tube with a tiny lens on the end. This procedure is considered "invasive," because it requires sedation and the insertion of the colonoscope through the rectum.