Colon cancer in the world is one of the most common malignancies in both sexes with a tendency to grow. In the Republic of Croatia, it ranks second in frequency, in men after lung cancer, and in women after breast cancer. People between the ages of 50 and 55 are most often affected. The occurrence of colon cancer is preceded by a number of risk factors such as genetic predisposition, the existence of cancer in the family, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. At the very beginning of the disease, the symptoms are not pronounced, only with the progression of the disease do the first symptoms appear. Symptoms depend on the location, size and type of cancer. One of the most common symptoms is blood in the stool. Since the nurse is present as soon as the patient's first visit to the doctor, her task is to mentally and physically prepare the family and the patient for all examinations and surgery. Diagnosis begins with a clinical and digitorectal examination. The method of choice in the treatment of colon cancer is surgery, which requires a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. It is important that the nurse explains the details of the preoperative and postoperative course to the patient. With her professional knowledge, communication skills and empathy, she develops a sense of security and a friendly relationship between the patient and the nurse. During hospitalization and after the patient leaves the hospital, the nurse educates the patient about the proper care of the colostomy if it is installed and about all the aids needed to make the colostomy at home as high quality as possible.