Colon Cancer, Causes and its Treatment

Colon cancer is a form of cancer that affects the large intestine, where abnormal cell growth leads to the formation of tumors. This can result in damage to the function of the intestine and cause blockages. In the early stages, colon cancer often does not exhibit any signs or symptoms.

However, in some cases, a small growth known as a polyp can progress to colon cancer in later stages. It is worth noting that colon cancer is the most common type of cancer and can affect both men and women.

Additionally, when diagnosed and treated in the early stages, colon cancer is highly treatable.

Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer:

Colon cancer typically presents no symptoms in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, certain symptoms may manifest. These can include:

• On and off Abdominal pain
• Frequent complaints of constipation/change in bowel pattern
•  Sudden Weight Loss
• Feeling of fullness: It happens due to chemical or hormonal changes in the body. Secondly, the tumor presses on the intestine and causes fullness.
• Feeling of flatulence
• Decrease appetite
• The feeling of low energy(lethargy)
• Skin color changes
• per rectal bleeding and pain
• Frequent vomiting occurs if the tumor blocks the intestine.

Colon cancer diagnostic tests.

Diagnostic tests depend upon the guidelines and criteria. However, your physician will suggest specific tests based on your signs and symptoms.

Physical Examination and Medical History:

Your doctor will gather a complete medical history, including current symptoms, past medical conditions, family history, diet, exercise, physical assessment for abdominal tenderness or distension, daily bowel habits, and use of over-the-counter drugs.

• Colonoscopy and Biopsy: This procedure is done by inserting a flexible tube containing a mini camera to visualize the internal colon, and at the same time, a small piece of the colon ( biopsy)from the suspicious region is taken to look for diagnostic purposes, such as the type of cancer. This helps the physician to initiate the treatment plan.
• Imaging tests: Various imaging tests are used for diagnostic purposes, like CT scans, ultrasound, MRI, and PET scans, used to find cancer in other parts of the body. If the cancer has been diagnosed in late stages, the imaging test confirms the metastasis of the tumor in other parts of the body. These results also help the treating physician to plan treatment options according to the stage of the disease.

Causes of colorectal cancer:

The exact cause of colon cancer is unknown. However, there are some risk factors as follows.

• Family history. (Genetic predisposition plays a very strong role in developing cancer. If the parents or siblings have suffered from colon cancer, then there are more chances of having colon cancer or any other cancers related to the gastrointestinal system.

• Obesity(as there is more fat in the body, more inflammatory processes take place in the body Also, some imbalances of hormones take place, which may lead to cancer.

• Some inflammatory diseases: Disease like ulcerative colitis causes direct damage to the inner mucosa by causing inflammation in the colon tissues, which further aggravates cells to grow abnormally. In most of the cancer patients, ulcerative colitis remains the leading cause.

• Overconsumption of alcohol (It is said that alcohol contains some cancer-causing chemicals, which can lead to colorectal cancer if consumed in excess.
• Use of Tobacco. Inhaling chemicals, called free radicals, in cigarette smoke causes alterations in cell functions and leads to genetic mutation, which further leads to cancer.
• Frozen or Processed Food: A 2019 study published in the British Medical Journal suggests that processed food lacks vitamins and fiber and contains higher amounts of sugars, salts, fats, and preservatives, which can lead to altering cell function and lead to cancer.

How can you prevent colon cancer?

The following are some tips to prevent colorectal cancer.

High-fiber diet:

A high-fiber diet prevents constipation and also reduces the friction of intestinal content with intestinal walls. So, by adding fiber to your diet, reduces the friction and make the intestinal wall smooth, this reduces the friction and lowers the risk of injury to the inner linings of the intestine.

Prevent constipation.

Constipation causes toxic effects on intestinal walls and also leads to polyps as a result of straining, which, in later stages, can lead to cancer. However, the prevention of constipation is very important, and the following effective remedies/measures could be taken to prevent constipation.

• An active lifestyle involves doing more physical exercise, which reduces the risk of constipation.
• Lower use of processed food. Most of the processed food containes preservative and less amount of fiber in them. So, try not to consume processed food; instead, use fresh and pure organic food to reduce the risk of constipation.
• Get treatment for colon diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, which may have long-lasting inflammation that could lead to colorectal cancer. The flare-up in the ulcerative colitis worsens the condition, which mostly aggravates it.
• Weight control/prevent obesity. Weight is the root cause of diseases, including cancer. In an obese person, so many inflammatory processes occur that lead to cancer.

Treatment of Colon Cancer

Fortunately, the survival rates of colon cancer are very high if the diagnosis is made in the early stages. However, treatment depends on the cancer stage. The following are the treatment options.

Surgical Treatment:

The surgical treatment for colon cancer involves removing the part of the colon involving the tumor and then attaching the remaining healthy parts of the colon. In some cases, a temporary colostomy bag is attached to the part of the colon to make a path for feces. This bag remains with the patient until the reversal of the colon. for a few months and then later reversed.

Chemotherapy:

 Furthermore, Chemotherapy is given to patients to eradicate /kill the cancer cells and to prevent their spread to other parts of the body.

CONCLUSION:

Please remember the following information:

In conclusion, colon cancer can be controlled, and complications can be prevented through timely diagnosis and treatment. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult your healthcare provider or physician. Early diagnosis leads to better recovery results and the possibility of living a normal, cancer-free life.