Colon cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the colon—the large intestine—and is the most common form of cancer, typically occurring in older adults.
The large intestine is the final section of the digestive system that connects to the anus. The large intestine consists of two parts: the colon and the rectum. The colon is the first section of the large intestine following the small intestine. The section following the colon is the rectum, which connects to the anus. Colon cancer also develops in the colon.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
The colon is located on both the right and left sides of the intestine. Because the colon on the right side is narrower, symptoms tend to become apparent sooner. However, the colon on the left side is wider, making early diagnosis more difficult.
Symptoms of colon cancer are signs that appear in the intestine—which can result from various causes—and help in diagnosing colon cancer.
- The most prominent symptoms of colon cancer are prolonged constipation and diarrhea
- Blood in the stool is another symptom of colon cancer
- Constipation and diarrhea can cause abdominal pain, but abdominal pain can also occur for other reasons
- Abdominal cramps
- A feeling that the bowels have not been completely emptied
- Anemia
- Weakness and fatigue due to anemia
- Unexplained weight loss
These
are among the symptoms of colon cancer.
The colon is located in the right and left sections of the large intestine. The right side of the colon has a narrower structure, which is why the symptoms differ and the likelihood of early diagnosis is higher. The left colon, on the other hand, has a wider structure. Symptoms do not manifest immediately. For this reason, diagnosis is difficult, and the cancer continues to progress in the body, advancing to later stages. Symptoms of left colon cancer include anemia, weakness, and fatigue.
Stages of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer stages refer to cancer that develops in the colon portion of the large intestine; there are five distinct stages, and symptoms vary depending on the stage.
Colon cancer is staged to determine the extent to which it has spread.
There are five stages of colon cancer, ranging from 0 to 4.
Stage 1: This is the earliest stage of colon cancer. Cancer diagnosed at this stage is considered to have been detected early. Cancer at this stage is called carcinoma in situ. A polypectomy is usually sufficient to treat cancer at this stage. In very rare cases, removal of a section of the large intestine may be necessary. This procedure is called a colectomy. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy is not required to treat cancer at this stage.
Stage 1: This is the first stage of colon cancer. At Stage 1, the cancer has taken hold in the large intestine. To treat cancer at this stage, it is necessary to remove a portion of the large intestine—that is, to perform a colectomy. During these surgeries, lymph nodes are also removed from the body to prevent the spread of cancer cells to the lymphatic tissue. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy is not required for the treatment of Stage 1 cancer.
Stage 2: This is the second stage of colon cancer. In Stage 2, the cancer has spread to the outer layers of the colon but has not yet spread to the lymph nodes. Treatment for Stage 2 colon cancer involves the removal of cancerous cells from the colon as well as the removal of lymph nodes. This procedure is called a colectomy. Chemotherapy is generally recommended.
Stage 3: This is the third stage of colon cancer. In Stage 3, the cancer has spread beyond the large intestine to the lymph nodes. During a colectomy, both the cancerous portion of the large intestine and the lymph nodes are removed. In addition to surgery, chemotherapy is administered to treat Stage 3 cancer. Radiation therapy may be required in very rare cases.
Stage 4: This is the fourth stage of colon cancer. Stage 4 is the final stage of the disease. At this stage, cancer cells have spread beyond the colon and lymph nodes to other nearby and distant organs. Surgery at this stage will not be effective in treating the patient. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used to shrink the cancerous cells. Once the cells are deemed sufficiently shrunk and the patient is observed to be responding to treatment, they are removed surgically. However, sometimes cancerous cells can cause blockages or perforations in the colon. Upon detection of this condition, the large intestine is brought out through the mouth.
As the stage of colon cancer progresses, the likelihood of successful treatment decreases. The earlier it is diagnosed, the more successful the treatment will be.
Causes of Colon Cancer
- Genetic Factors
- Age
- History of cancer
- Exposure to chemical substances
- Polyps
- Poor diet
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Inflammation of the intestines
- Obesity
- Excessive consumption of processed foods
These are among the causes and risk factors for colon cancer.
Can Colon Cancer Be Prevented?
If he has risk factors for colon cancer, it is possible for him to protect himself and prevent the disease. The symptoms of colon cancer can be detected through regular screenings and tests, such as blood tests and colonoscopies. Advanced age is one of the risk factors, and older individuals should definitely undergo a colonoscopy. This can help prevent colon cancer.
Colon Cancer Diagnosis
If symptoms of colon cancer are observed, he must seek help from a specialist. This is because colon cancer can be dangerous, and early diagnosis is crucial. Early diagnosis can significantly alter the course of colon cancer treatment. Once a diagnosis of colon cancer is confirmed, treatment should begin with a positive outlook. This has a positive impact on recovery.
Can Colon Cancer Be Prevented?
It is certainly possible to prevent colon cancer. If he is at risk for colon cancer, he must undergo regular screenings. This can greatly reduce the likelihood of developing colon cancer. However, screening alone is not enough. Making lifestyle changes—such as quitting smoking and alcohol use and adopting a healthier diet—can also reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. Regular colonoscopies help lower the risk of developing colon cancer.
Colon Cancer Treatment
Early diagnosis is crucial in the treatment of colon cancer. As with any disease, treatment for colon cancer can become more difficult and time-consuming as the disease progresses. In treating colon cancer, the stage of the cancer and its location must be taken into account. After the necessary screenings, a treatment plan is developed and implemented. Surgical procedures for colon cancer are performed using either laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Following surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are administered. Radiation therapy may be administered either before or after surgery. Colon cancer can be treated using these methods.
