What is Colorectal Cancer? The colon, or large intestine, is a long, hollow tube at the end of the digestive tract which is located in the abdomen. It acts as a waste processor, taking digested food in the form of solid waste and pushing it out of the body through the rectum and anus. The lining of the colon is a prime location for the development and growth of small polyps or tumors. Polyps are often benign, or non-cancerous. However, the colon can also contain malignant, or