Hemin (Fe3+ heme) induced the expression of sestrin 2 by activating ROS and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2, and, together with hemin, sestrin 2 overexpression protected colon cancer cells from death including HCT116 and RKO cells and promoted MC38 tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. This evidence concerns the gene SESN2 and colonic neoplasm.