Understanding Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis
Understanding Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, affects the large intestine, the lower part of the digestive system. Due to its prevalence and potentially serious consequences, it’s essential for everyone to understand its causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer begins as small, noncancerous clumps of cells known as polyps, which can develop into cancer over time. These polyps often remain small and produce few, if any, symptoms. Therefore, doctors recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying and removing polyps before they become cancerous.
Symptoms
Early on, most people with colon cancer don’t have symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can vary depending on the cancer’s size and location in the large intestine. The common symptoms include:
- A persistent change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, or pain
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer, but it’s important to have them checked by a doctor to determine the cause.
Who is Affected by Colon Cancer?
It can affect both men and women at any age; however, the risk increases after the age of 50. Individuals with a family history of colon cancer or a personal history of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, face a higher risk. Moreover, genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) significantly elevate the likelihood of developing colon cancer.
Screening vs Diagnosis
Doctors typically perform screening tests when individuals do not exhibit symptoms, aiming to detect colon cancer at an early stage when treatment is most likely to be effective. Conversely, clinicians use diagnostic tests when a person presents symptoms or when a screening test result indicates that cancer might be present. Commonly used screening and diagnostic tests include colonoscopy, fecal immunochemical tests, and digital rectal exams.
Therefore, healthcare professionals recommend undergoing a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50, as colon cancer frequently occurs after that age.
Causes and Risk Factors
The risk for colon cancer is multifactorial, influenced by genetics, diet, lifestyle, and certain health conditions. Some known risk factors for colon cancer include:
Age: More than 90% of colon cancers are diagnosed in individuals over 50.
Personal or Family History: If you or a close relative have had colon cancer or polyps, your risk of developing the disease may be higher.
Inflammatory Intestinal Conditions: Long-standing inflammation in the colon, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, can increase your risk.
Lifestyle Factors: Such as sedentary lifestyle, a low-fiber, and high-fat diet, heavy alcohol consumption, and tobacco use.
Diabetes: A diagnosis of diabetes or insulin resistance.
Understanding these risk factors can help in assessing an individual’s risk and taking steps to lower it.
How is it Diagnosed?
Early diagnosis of colon cancer can greatly increase the chances of successful treatment and recovery. The gold standard for diagnosis is a colonoscopy, a test that allows the doctor to look at the inner lining of the colon.
Colonoscopy Procedure
During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. It contains a tiny video camera at the tip. The patient is typically sedated for comfort during the procedure. The doctor can then view images of the colon on a monitor. If polyps are found, they can be removed and tested for cancer during the same procedure.
Other Diagnostic Tests
If a colonoscopy indicates cancer, the doctor may order further testing to determine the extent (stage) of the cancer. This might include imaging tests such as CT scan, MRI, PET scan, Chest x-rays, or blood tests.
Conclusion
Colon cancer is a serious and potentially fatal disease, but with early detection and proper treatment, many people can be cured. By knowing the risk factors, recognizing the symptoms, and undergoing regular screenings, individuals can significantly reduce their risk. Those diagnosed with colon cancer have several treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. It’s crucial to talk with your doctor about the best treatment for you and develop a plan that fits your specific medical needs and personal preferences.
You May Also Like
Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery: A Minimally Invasive Breakthrough in Oncologic Care Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery: A Minimally …
Early signs of thyroid cancer- by Dr. Vijay Jagad Early signs of thyroid cancer- by …
What are the Symptoms and Causes of Bladder Cancer? What are the Symptoms and Causes …