What do the Colon and Rectum do?

The colon and rectum are part of the large bowel or large intestine, which is an organ that is part of the digestive system (also called the digestive tract). The digestive system is the group of organs that allow us to eat and to use the food we eat to fuel our bodies.

The colon and rectum play a very important role in how our bodies use the food we eat.

Why are the Colon and Rectum Important?

Healthy eating is good for your overall health,but having a low-calorie, high-fiber diet that includes many fruits and vegetables is important to a healthy colon and rectum. A healthy colon and rectum will rid your body of the leftovers it no longer needs. Your stool is filled with bacteria, so it is important to pass this out of your body. If your colon or rectum aren't working the way they should, you will experience problems such as bloating, gas and pain.

Acknowledgements

Funding
This portion of the 2009 National Colorectal Cancer Campaign, moving from awareness to action, was made possible in part with support from Presenting Sponsor sanofi aventis, Sustaining Sponsor Bristol Myers-Squibb, Major Benefactors Roche and Amgen, and Benefactor Genentech.