Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Stages, Causes, and Treatment

Colon cancer is a growth of uncontrollable cells in the part of the large intestine, called the colon. It is also referred to as colorectal cancer, which includes both colon and rectal cancer, and begins in the rectum.  

It develops from certain polyps that form inside the colon. Polyps are not cancerous, but with time, they can turn into tumors. 

Polyps often don’t cause any specific symptoms, and that’s why colon cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, doctors recommend regular screening tests to check for polyps in the colon. 

Colon Cancer Symptoms

Many people with colon cancer don’t have symptoms, especially in the early stages. If you experience the following symptoms, it may be colon cancer:

• Change in bowel habit, such as constipation and diarrhea
• Blood in the stool
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Tiredness or weakness
• Excessive fatigue

It is essential to make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any lasting symptoms. 

Stages of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is divided into different stages to determine how far the cancer has spread. 

• Stage 0: In this stage, abnormal cells are only present in the colon’s inner lining. It is the earliest stage of colon cancer.
• Stage 1: In this stage, the cancer has penetrated the colon’s lining and has grown into the muscle layer. 
• Stage 2: In this stage, the cancer has spread to the colon walls or through the walls to nearby tissues.
• Stage 3: In this stage, the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes but not to other parts of the body.
• Stage 4: It is the most advanced stage in which the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

These stages help the healthcare provider to develop the best treatment plan for the patient.

What Causes Colon Cancer?

The exact cause of colon cancer is not known, but researchers have identified some factors that may increase the risk of developing colon cancer.

• Genetics: Genetic conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis, Lynch syndrome, Gardner’s syndrome, and cystic fibrosis don’t guarantee you will develop colon cancer, but they increase the chances. 
• Age: People more than 50 years of age are more susceptible to colon cancer.
• Family History: If someone in your family has a history of colon cancer, you may be at risk of developing it.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Pain and swelling in the intestine can increase the risk of colon cancer development.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes or insulin resistance can develop it.

These factors are known to increase the risk of developing colon cancer.

Lifestyle Habits that May Increase the Risk of Colon Cancer

Lifestyle choices that may increase your risk of developing colon cancer are:

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Consuming red meat and processed meat
• No physical activity

How is Colon Cancer Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will recommend the following tests to diagnose colon cancer:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• CT/MRI scan
• Biopsy
• Ultrasound
• PET scan
• Screening tests like colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and stool tests

If the screening test shows abnormalities, additional tests may be recommended, such as:

• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): To detect hidden blood in the stool

• Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT): To detect blood in the stool that may not be visible

• Fecal DNA test: To detect signs of genetic mutations and blood products in the stool

Treatment Options for Colon Cancer 

Treatment plan for colon cancer depends on various factors such as the stage, type, and location of cancer, and the patient’s overall health.

• Surgery: It is the first line of treatment for localized colon cancer. The surgeon will remove the cancerous part of the colon and some surrounding healthy tissues. It includes polypectomy, partial colectomy, and surgical resection with colostomy. 

• Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It can be used before or after the surgery.

• Targeted Therapy: Drugs specifically target proteins or molecules in the cancer cells to inhibit their growth and spread.

• Radiation Therapy: It uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells for advanced colon cancer. It is sometimes used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.

• Ablation Therapy: In this procedure, extreme heat or cold is used to destroy cancer cells. It includes radiofrequency ablation and cryosurgery. These procedures are used with other treatments.

Recovery

Recovery after colon cancer treatment involves a multi-faceted approach.

• The patient needs to stay in the hospital 2-5 days post-surgery
• To manage pain, pain medications or local anesthesia are given in the first 48 hours
• Bowel function typically returns 2-3 days after surgery
• The patient should walk around within 24 hours and can gradually increase their activity level
• Regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the recovery

Prevention of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer can not be prevented, but by managing the risk factors, one can reduce the risk of developing the condition:

• Quit smoking
• Avoid consuming alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Add fruits and vegetables to your diet
• Follow regular colon cancer screening
• Keep track of family medical history

Why India is a Preferred Choice for Colon Cancer Treatment?

India has established itself as a preferred destination for colon cancer treatment. The country welcomes thousands of patients every year for high-quality medical care at an affordable cost. Colon cancer treatment cost in India is more affordable than in other Western nations without compromising the treatment quality. Moreover, there are some of the best cancer hospitals in India accredited by international organizations and staffed by skilled oncologists, ensuring the best care and a seamless medical journey.

Bottom Line

Colon cancer is a deadly disease, but early diagnosis and timely treatment can save lives. Many colon cancer cases begin with small, non-cancerous polyps that can be detected and removed before they turn into a tumor. Regular screening could help catch cancer early, so that the patient can get prompt treatment to reduce any complications. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen and schedule regular screenings for better long-term health outcomes.