Colorectal cancer cells. Coloured differential interference contrast (DIC) light microscopy time-lapse footage of a culture of colorectal cancer cells, showing the cells moving and dividing. Cancer is the uncontrolled replication of cells caused by damage to the cellular genetic material. Colon and colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in North America and Western Europe. It is thought to be connected to following a diet high in fat and low in fibre.