Colon (or colorectal) cancer is the third most common cancer in adults.
Although it is treatable when caught early, it can be life-threatening if left untreated.
In fact, it’s the second leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States.
Colon cancer begins when cells in your large intestine start to grow abnormally.
These cells can form polyps, which can become cancerous (or malignant).
If this happens, they can spread to other parts of your body through lymphatic or blood vessels.
Colon cancer may also begin with colorectal adenoma or flat polyp, which is not considered malignant, but may eventually become so if it gets bigger or develops into a cancerous tumor or adenocarcinoma.
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the colon and rectum. It is the third most common type of cancer worldwide, and it usually develops slowly over several years.
The colon is part of the digestive system, and it plays a crucial role in the absorption of water and nutrients from the food we eat. Colon cancer occurs when cells in the lining of the colon or rectum start to grow abnormally and uncontrollably. Over time, these cells can form a mass of tissue called a tumor, which can spread to other parts of the body.
Some of the risk factors for colon cancer include age, a family history of the disease, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, a diet high in red or processed meat, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking. Symptoms of colon cancer may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.
Early detection and treatment are key to improving the chances of survival from colon cancer. Screening tests such as colonoscopy can detect precancerous growths or early-stage colon cancer, allowing for prompt treatment. Treatment for colon cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches.
RISK FACTORS
Most people who get colon cancer are over 50, but you can get it at any age.
If you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, you’re more likely to develop it.
You might also be at risk if you: have inflammatory intestinal conditions, eat a low-fiber, high-fat diet, have a sedentary lifestyle, have been diagnosed with diabetes or obesity, smoke or regularly consume alcohol.
SYMPTOMS
Colon cancer symptoms can differ from person to person, but there are a few common warning signs to look out for, such as: a persistent change in your bowel habits including diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool, bleeding from the rectum, or blood in your stool, persistent abdominal discomfort such as cramps, gas, or pain, a feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely, weakness or fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss with no apparent cause.
Now, there are a number of things that can cause these symptoms, and many people with colon cancer show no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
When symptoms do appear, they can vary depending on the cancer’s size and location in the large intestine.
That’s why routine screening is so important!
It can detect and even prevent some colorectal cancers.
DETECTION
Your doctor will likely start with a rectal exam.
You may also have a COLONOSCOPY, which involves a flexible tube with a lighted tip inserted into your rectum that allows the doctor to see inside your colon.
Screening often requires a FECAL OCCULT BLOOD TEST as well, which helps detect hidden blood in the stool that’s often caused by colon polyps or tumors.
Your doctor may also order additional tests, such as: a CAT scan an imaging test that uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, an ultrasound which uses sound waves to produce pictures that show the size, location, and shape of the tumor (if any), as well as abnormalities that may be present in surrounding tissues, and a biopsy during which they take out a small piece of tissue and check for cancer cells.
TREATMENT
Colon cancer treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
The type of colon cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer cells found in the colon.
Colon cancer treatment depends on various factors such as the stage and location of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and their personal preferences. The most common treatments for colon cancer are:
Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for colon cancer, and it involves removing the cancerous part of the colon or rectum. The type of surgery depends on the stage and location of the cancer, and it can be performed either as an open surgery or a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, or it can be given before surgery to shrink the tumor. Chemotherapy can be given orally or through an IV.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with chemotherapy, or it can be given before surgery to shrink the tumor.
Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to specifically target cancer cells. It is often used in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. It is still relatively new and is currently being studied in clinical trials for colon cancer.
It is important to consult with a medical professional to determine the best treatment plan for an individual case of colon cancer.
PREVENTION
The good news is that you can take steps to reduce your risk of colon cancer by making
some lifestyle changes.
Do the following: eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; they contain
important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which may play a role in cancer prevention, drink alcohol in moderation, stop smoking, try to exercise at least 30 minutes every day, maintain a healthy weight.
The bottom line is, that it’s better to be safe than sorry.
So, do whatever you can to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.
Make sure to get routine screening, and if you suspect you have it, don’t wait to talk to your doctor about it.
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