Colon cancer affects the large intestine or the colon. It is most commonly seen in older people, but can occur at any age. This condition can be treated if diagnosed early. Moreover, it can be diagnosed with imaging or lab tests. Colon cancer cases often start as cells, which are noncancerous polyps. As a result, there are no symptoms that can be seen or detected. To identify cancer in the early stages, doctors recommend people over the age of 50 to get frequent screenings.
Must know facts on colon cancer can help with early detection:
1. Symptoms for colon cancer
Colorectal cancer symptoms depend on the location and size of cancer. The common symptoms include a change in stool consistency, bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, and even blood in the stool.
2. Colon cancer treatment
The treatment of this type of cancer depends on how far the cancer has spread, the location, and size. The treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
3. More facts on colon cancer
Here are some of the facts that you must know to gauge the risk factors for colon cancer.
- Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of deaths due to cancer in men and women. There have been reports that more than 50,000 people are affected due to colon cancer each year.
- Colon cancer can affect both men and women with no ethnicity in particular. The risk factors for colon cancer are in the ratio of 4 to 5 in men and women. However, men are more susceptible to this condition at an earlier age.
- Colon cancer can be inherited. Those with a history of colon cancer have a higher risk of developing the condition. Most inherited syndromes can also lead to this condition and increase the risk of cancer.
- The symptoms and signs of colon cancer are often impossible to find as the person may be extremely healthy in the initial stages. While some may have mild symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, or weakness, others may not have any.
- Colon cancer is a type of cancer that is easily preventable. It develops in groups in the lining of the rectum and colon. Over time, some types of polyps grow to become cancerous.
- The most effective screening test for colon cancer is a colonoscopy. While there are various types of tests such as radiological imaging, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and stool testing, colonoscopy is the most effective way to detect and remove polyps. All men and women above the age of 50 are advised to undergo this test.
- Colorectal screenings are also recommended for adults over the age of 50. It has been reported that most cases of colon cancer were detected through this screening and cured when found in the early stages.
- Over one-third of people in the country have not been screened for colon cancer. It is highly advised, especially for those who have high-risk factors for colon cancer.
