Colon cancer, which is referred to as colorectal cancer, is one of the most commonly diagnosed kinds of cancer across the globe. It develops from the colon or rectum, both of which are parts of the large intestine, and affects the digestive system primarily. While colon cancer can be a silent disease in its early stages, affected individuals emphasize early detection and prevention, as this can guarantee effective treatment and improved prospects for recovery. This blog will address the causes, risk factors, signs and symptoms, means of identification, treatment, and also methods of preventing colon cancer.
What causes Colon Cancer?
Several factors contribute to the development of colon cancer, some of which are mentioned below:
Genetic Factors: A family history of colon cancer increases the risk. Some inherited syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, or HNPCC), significantly heighten the likelihood of developing the disease. These genetic mutations can cause polyps, which are small, benign growths that may turn cancerous over time.
Age: Colon cancer predominantly affects older adults, with the majority of cases diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50. However, there has been an increase in diagnoses among younger people in recent years.
Diet: A diet high in red or processed meats has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. Processed meats, in particular, contain nitrates and other preservatives, which can contribute to carcinogenic changes in the colon.
Physical Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles are a well-known risk factor for various diseases, including colon cancer. Regular exercise can help regulate digestion and support a healthy immune system, reducing the risk of tumor development.
Consumption of Alcohol and Smoking: Long-term smoking and heavy alcohol use have both been linked to an elevated risk of colon cancer. These substances can cause damage to DNA, increasing the likelihood of cancerous cell mutations.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Chronic inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease increase the risk of developing colon cancer due to ongoing inflammation in the colon.
Common Symptoms of Colon Cancer
In most cases, colorectal cancer at an early stage is asymptomatic, which makes it important to adhere to proper screening practices, especially in high-risk populations. When it advances, some of the signs that can be observed include:
- Changes in Bowel Habits: This may often feature bouts of diarrhea, constipation, or any change in the frequency and consistency of the stool for more than a couple of weeks.
- Rectal Bleeding or Blood in Stool: One of the more serious symptoms of colon cancer is excessive rectal bleeding, and it should never be ignored.
- Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: Bloating, gas, or pain in the abdomen can be caused by obstruction from a tumor.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: If you experience sudden weight loss without any significant lifestyle changes such as exercise or diet, it may indicate colon cancer.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Another common complication of the symptoms is fatigue and weakness due to anemia and cell deficiency, which is caused by chronic bleeding from the colon.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can be related to other conditions, such as hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, if any persistent symptoms occur, it’s advised to consult a healthcare provider.
How to diagnose Colon Cancer?
It is necessary to conduct screening for colon cancer, as it can lead to the diagnosis at an earlier and more treatable stage than when the disease is diagnosed without screening. Several methods are available:
- Colonoscopy: This is the gold standard for colon cancer screening. This examination is done using a colonoscope, a long hollow tube with a lens and light that is inserted through the anus and helps view the entire colon in search of polyps or cancer growth. Any suspicious polyps can be removed and tested during the procedure.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): A simple, non-invasive method where stool is tested for traces of blood, which may suggest the presence of colon cancer.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Similar to colonoscopy except that this examines only the lower regions of the colon and the rectum.
- CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): This diagnostic procedure uses X-ray machines to produce detailed images of the colon and rectum. If the screening suggests the presence of cancer, it is essential to perform further tests to assess the cancer staging, which relies on imaging modalities such as CT or MRI.
What are the different stages of Colon Cancer and how to treat it?
The treatment of colon cancer depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed:
- Stage 0 (In situ): The cancer is still confined to the innermost layer of the colon and has not spread. Treatment typically involves removing the polyp or lesion during a colonoscopy.
- Stage I: The cancer has grown into the next layer of the colon but has not spread to nearby lymph nodes. Surgery to remove the affected part of the colon (colectomy) is often curative at this stage.
- Stage II: The cancer has grown through the wall of the colon but has not yet spread to the lymph nodes. Surgery remains the main treatment, and chemotherapy may be recommended in some cases to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Stage III: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes but not to distant organs. Treatment typically involves surgery followed by chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.
- Stage IV: The cancer has spread (metastasized) to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs. While stage IV colon cancer is not usually curable, treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy can help manage the disease and prolong life.
How to prevent colon cancer?
The most common risk factors for colon cancer are age and family history, which cannot be controlled. However, the following precautions can be taken to minimize your risk of colon cancer:
- Regular Screening: Screenings should start at age 45, and earlier if there are risk factors such as a family history of the disease. Colon cancer can be managed and even cured if detected at an early stage. This is why people are urged to have regular health checks.
- Proper Nutrition: A low-fat, high-fiber diet containing whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, along with reduced red and processed meat intake, can reduce the risk of the disease effectively.
- Physical Activity: Regular physical activity supports digestive health and lowers the risk of colon cancer.
- Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: The chances of getting cancer can be lowered by reducing the intake of alcohol and quitting smoking.
- Control Obesity: Since being overweight is a predisposing factor for colon cancer, a person should also engage in regular exercise and control food intake for proper weight maintenance.
Conclusion
While colon cancer remains a serious health issue, it is among the few cancers that, if diagnosed at the right moment, can be effectively prevented and treated. The knowledge of its symptoms, risk factors, and following recommended screening guidelines enhances survival chances of the patient, if diagnosed at the right time. As research continues to advance, new treatments and prevention strategies offer hope for even better outcomes in the fight against colon cancer.
