Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in humans. The incidence varies in different parts of the world. It is higher in developed countries and lower in developing countries. The elderly are most often affected. In Croatia, almost 3,000 patients are diagnosed annually. Cancer occurs along the entire intestine, most commonly in the proximal portion. The exact cause of colon cancer is not known. Risk factors include age over 40, genetic predisposition, inflammatory bowel disease, and the environment, namely eating habits, obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol. 30-70% of all colon cancer cases can be attributed to a diet rich in red, processed meat that is usually poor in fruits and vegetables. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the intake of red meat, and rarely consume dried meat products. Epidemiological studies attribute as much as 85% of cancers to environmental factors. According to the WHO, at least one third of all cancers can be prevented by changing behavior, so it is important to work on your health. By removing variable risk factors such as improper diet and increasing physical activity, it can have the effect of reducing the risk of disease. The most common symptoms of colon cancer are abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements (changes in the period of constipation and diarrhea), and blood and mucus in the stool. The diagnosis of cancer begins with a medical history and physical examination. Treatment is mostly surgical and depends on the location and condition of the patient. After the operation, the patient must, as soon as possible, depending on his physical and mental abilities accept and adopt procedures that will work for a lifetime. During the hospital stay, the patient should be gradually acquainted with the new situation. The quality of life of a patient depends on how much he and his family have adopted procedures in stoma care and accepted the stoma lifestyle. The most important thing a person with a colostomy needs to learn is that they still need to live life as before and be an active and equal family member.