THE food and liquids that we drink are digested and absorbed in the stomach and small intestine. Undigested food, waste products and water then passes into the large intestine (colon), which is about 150cm long. Some water and salts are absorbed back into the body in the colon, which leads into the rectum. Faeces are stored in the rectum, which is about 15cm long, before they are passed out from the anus.
The lining of the colon and rectum comprises cells which are constantly renewed. Sometimes there is an excessive growth of cells forming a polyp. Most polyps are non-cancerous (benign). However, some polyps may, over time (usually years), develop into cancer.
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