What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is when the cancer starts in the large intestine or the colon. The colon is the last part of the digestive tract. Even though colon cancer usually affects the elderly, it can however happen to anyone at any age. The origin of this cancer is generally a clump of non cancerous cells called polyps. These polyps could grow to become colon cancer. Polyps usually do not cause any symptoms and can be extremely small in size, hence regular testing and screening can aid in the early identification and removal of polyps before they grow into cancers. Colon cancer also is termed as colorectal cancer which combines colon and rectal cancer, which originates in the rectum.
What is Rectal Cancer?
Rectal cancer starts in the end of the colon and ends in the start of the narrow tube leading to anus. Even though colon and rectal cancer seem similar, the type of treatment and procedure differs a lot. This is mainly attributed to the fact that the rectum sits in a congested place, close to other organs. This space makes the rectal cancer removal surgery quite complex.
What are the stages of colorectal cancer?
- Stage 0: Also called as Carcinoma in situ, in this stage, the non cancerous abnormal cells are present in the inner lining of colon or rectum.
- Stage 1: Cancer is now present in the lining or mucosa of the colon or rectum.
- Stage 2: Cancer has penetrated to the walls of the colon or rectal and nearby tissues.
- Stage 3: The cancer has now spread to the lymph nodes.
- Stage 4: Cancer is now spread to different organs as well.
How can you prevent Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer can be prevented by few simple lifestyle changes:
- Eating wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Quit Smoking.
- Avoid Alcohol.
- Limit consumption of red meat.
- Exercise regularly.
- Have a healthy weight.
What are the symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
Few of the symptoms of colorectal cancer could include:
- Sudden change in bowel habits.
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Unable to completely empty the bowel.
- Blood stained stools.
- Blood from rectum.
- Bloating of abdomen.
- Sudden loss of weight.
- Weakness.
- Tiredness.
- Lump in abdomen.
- Pain abdomen.
- Anemia.
How is Colorectal Cancer detected?
Colon cancer can be detected by the following diagnostic tests:
- Blood Test.
- Stool Test.
- Colonoscopy.
- CT Scan.
- Sigmoidoscopy.
- Barium Swallow.
What is the treatment for Colorectal Cancer?
Colon cancer can be cured by utilising thr following procedures based on the stage and spread of the cancer
- Surgery.
- Chemotherapy.
- Radiation Therapy.
- Immunotherapy.
- Targeted Drug Therapy.