OVERVIEW
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon). The colon is the final part of the digestive tract.
Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers.
If colon cancer develops, many treatments are available to help control it, including surgery, radiation therapy and drug treatments, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Colon cancer is sometimes called colorectal cancer, which is a term that combines colon cancer and rectal cancer, which begins in the rectum.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
Both men and women are equally at risk for colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is most common among people aged 50 and older but can occur in patients as young as teenagers. Over 75% of colon and rectal cancers happen to people with no known risk factors, which is why regular screening is so important. A personal or family history of colon or rectal cancer or colon polyps can increase the risk of developing colon cancer.
Hereditary Risks
- A first degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colorectal cancer.
- A relative diagnosed under 50 or more than one affected relative.
- Family history of Lynch syndrome, FAP, MAP, or several other inherited syndromes.
- About 20% of all colorectal cancer patients have a close relative with colorectal cancer.
Personal Medical History
- Personal or family history of certain types of polyps.
- Personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease.
- Other cancers such as ovarian, breast, and endometrial.
- African Americans, Asians, and those of Hispanic descent are often diagnosed at a later stage of the disease.
Other Risk Factors
- Physical inactivity.
- Being overweight or obese.
- High consumption of red and/or processed meat + very low fruits and vegetables.
- Tobacco smoking.
- Average of 2-4 alcoholic drinks per day have a 23% higher risk of colorectal cancer than those who consume less than one drink per day.
SYMPTOMS OF COLON CANCER
- A persistent change in your 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.
- A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely.
- Weakness or fatigue.
- Unexplained weight loss.
STAGES OF COLON CANCER
Stage 0: This is called cancer in situ. The cancer cells are only in the mucosa, or the inner lining, of the colon or rectum.
Stage I: The cancer has grown through the mucosa and has invaded the muscular layer of the colon or rectum. It has not spread into nearby tissue or lymph nodes
Stage IIA: The cancer has grown through the wall of the colon or rectum but has not spread to nearby tissue or to the nearby lymph nodes
Stage IIB: The cancer has grown through the layers of the muscle to the lining of the abdomen, called the visceral peritoneum. It has not spread to the nearby lymph nodes or elsewhere
Stage IIC: The tumor has spread through the wall of the colon or rectum and has grown into nearby structures. It has not spread to the nearby lymph nodes or elsewhere
Stage IIIA: The cancer has grown through the inner lining or into the muscle layers of the intestine. It has spread to 1 to 3 lymph nodes or to a nodule of tumor in tissues around the colon or rectum that do not appear to be lymph nodes but has not spread to other parts of the body
Stage IIIB: The cancer has grown through the bowel wall or to surrounding organs and into 1 to 3 lymph nodes or to a nodule of tumor in tissues around the colon or rectum that do not appear to be lymph nodes. It has not spread to other parts of the body
Stage IIIC: The cancer of the colon, regardless of how deep it has grown, has spread to 4 or more lymph nodes but not to other distant parts of the body
Stage IVA: The cancer has spread to a single distant part of the body, such as the liver or lungs
Stage IVB: The cancer has spread to more than 1 part of the body
Stage IVC: The cancer has spread to the peritoneum. It may also have spread to other sites or organs
Prevention
Screening colon cancer
Doctors recommend that people with an average risk of colon cancer consider colon cancer screening around age 50. But people with an increased risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer, should consider screening sooner.
Several screening options exist — each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Talk about your options with your doctor, and together you can decide which tests are appropriate for you.
Lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of colon cancer
You can take steps to reduce your risk of colon cancer by making changes in your everyday life. Take steps to:
- Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which may play a role in cancer prevention. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables so that you get an array of vitamins and nutrients.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.
- Stop smoking. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit that may work for you.
- Exercise most days of the week. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If you’ve been inactive, start slowly and build up gradually to 30 minutes. Also, talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.
- Maintain a healthy weight. If you are at a healthy weight, work to maintain your weight by combining a healthy diet with daily exercise. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about healthy ways to achieve your goal. Aim to lose weight slowly by increasing the amount of exercise you get and reducing the number of calories you eat.
Colon cancer prevention for people with a high risk
Some medications have been found to reduce the risk of precancerous polyps or colon cancer. For instance, some evidence links a reduced risk of polyps and colon cancer to regular use of aspirin or aspirin-like drugs. But it’s not clear what dose and what length of time would be needed to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Taking aspirin daily has some risks, including gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.
These options are generally reserved for people with a high risk of colon cancer. There isn’t enough evidence to recommend these medications to people who have an average risk of colon cancer.
If you have an increased risk of colon cancer, discuss your risk factors with your doctor to determine whether preventive medications are safe for you.
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CANCER QUERIES 
One response to “COLON CANCER”
One of the biggest cause of any cancer growth or developments that i noticed by reading some researches, and books is something too much means, if stress then too much stress which imbalances our hormones which leads to abnormal cell growth in any area of our body then next one is too much sexual activities, too much sugar and fast food and medicines that aren’t natural such as birth control. All of these things too much can cause abnormal cell growth which if we didn’t noticed that aren’t we doing this too much or aren’t we eating this too much can totally took away your precious health. Overall, the information you give here is super great.
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