Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine and the lower end of the digestive tract, respectively.
SYMPTOMS
A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation
Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
Weakness or fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Risk Factor
Older age – majority older than 50
African-American race. African-Americans have a greater risk
A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
Inflammatory intestinal conditions – ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk
Family history of colon cancer
Low-fiber, high-fat diet
A sedentary lifestyle
Obesity
Smoking
Alcohol
DIAGNOSIS
Colonoscopy
CT Scan
Blood Test (CEA)
TREATMENT
The three primary treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Surgery for early-stage colon cancer – Removing polyps during a colonoscopy. – Endoscopic mucosal resection. – Minimally invasive surgery – using laparoscopic surgery
Surgery for invasive colon cancer – Partial colectomy – Lymph node removal
Prevention
Reducing the risk of colon cancer can be achieved through lifestyle changes such as:
Maintaining a healthy diet (high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains)
Regular exercise
Maintaining a healthy weight
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Regular screenings, especially if you have a higher risk due to personal or family medical history
If you have concerns or symptoms related to colon cancer, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate screening.