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
Abdominal Pain
Fever
Nausea
Vomitting
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)
Blood ix
USG Abdomen
CT Scan
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.