The phrase "distal colon" refers to the part of the large intestine that is farthest away from the beginning of the digestive system. It is located towards the end of the colon, closer to the rectum. Full definition
When comparing the effects of these diets to cancer development in specific subsites of the colon, they found that those regularly eating red meat compared to a red meat - free diet had higher rates of distal colon cancer — cancer found on the descending section of the colon, where feces is stored. (sciencedaily.com)
In addition to reporting their dietary habits, a total of 462 colorectal cases were documented and of the 335 colon cancers, 119 instances were of distal colon cancer. (sciencedaily.com)
Finally, Dr. Goldenring's laboratory is also investigating the role of Rab25 as a tumor suppressor in the colon using the Rab25 - / -; Smad3 + / - mouse model, which develops spontaneous invasive distal colon cancers. (vicc.org)