Description

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the colon (large intestine) or rectum. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide and is highly treatable when detected early. Colon cancer typically develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum, which can become cancerous over time if not removed. Risk Factors Age: Risk increases after age 50, though cases in younger adults are rising. Family History: A family history of colon cancer or polyps. Genetic Syndromes: Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer). Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Personal History: Previous colon cancer or polyps. Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis). Lifestyle Factors: Diet high in red or processed meats and low in fiber. Sedentary lifestyle. Obesity. Smoking and heavy alcohol use. Other Factors: Type 2 diabetes. Radiation therapy to the abdomen. Symptoms Early-stage colon cancer often has no symptoms, which is why screening is critical. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include: Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stools). Blood in the stool (bright red or dark). Persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas, or pain). Unexplained weight loss. Fatigue or weakness. Feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely. Diagnosis Screening Tests: Colonoscopy: Allows visualization of the entire colon and removal of polyps. Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): Detects hidden blood in stool. Stool DNA Test: Checks for genetic changes associated with cancer. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Examines the lower part of the colon. CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): Uses imaging to detect polyps or cancer. Diagnostic Tests: Biopsy: Tissue sample taken during colonoscopy to confirm cancer. Imaging: CT, MRI, or PET scans to determine the extent (stage) of cancer. Staging Colon cancer is staged using the TNM system: Stage 0: Cancer is confined to the innermost lining of the colon. Stage I: Cancer has grown into deeper layers but not spread beyond the colon wall. Stage II: Cancer has spread through the colon wall but not to lymph nodes. Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Stage IV: Cancer has metastasized to distant organs (e.g., liver, lungs). Treatment Treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Surgery: Polypectomy: Removal of polyps during colonoscopy. Colectomy: Removal of part or all of the colon, often with nearby lymph nodes. Colostomy or Ileostomy: In some cases, a stoma is created to divert waste. Chemotherapy: Used after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to kill remaining cancer cells or before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink tumors. Common drugs: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), capecitabine, oxaliplatin. Radiation Therapy: More common for rectal cancer than colon cancer. Used to shrink tumors before surgery or to relieve symptoms in advanced cases. Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth (e.g., bevacizumab, cetuximab). Immunotherapy: For advanced cancers with specific genetic markers (e.g., microsatellite instability-high or MSI-H). Prevention Screening: Regular screening starting at age 45–50 (earlier for high-risk individuals). Colonoscopy every 10 years or other tests as recommended. Lifestyle Changes: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit red and processed meats. Exercise regularly. Maintain a healthy weight. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol. Medications: Aspirin or other NSAIDs may reduce risk in some individuals (consult a doctor). Prognosis Early detection (Stage I or II) has a 5-year survival rate of about 90%. Survival rates decrease with advanced stages, but treatment options are improving. When to See a Doctor If you experience persistent symptoms like blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or changes in bowel habits. If you are 45 or older and have not been screened for colon cancer. If you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps. Colon cancer is preventable and treatable, especially when detected early. Regular screening and healthy lifestyle choices are key to reducing your risk. If you have concerns or symptoms, consult our Colon Cancer Specialist Dr. Snehal Makeshwar at his GASTRO CURE CLINIC, Panchsheel Square, Dhantoli Nagpur.

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