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
• Frequently complaints of constipation/change in bowel pattern
•  Sudden Weight lose
• Feeling of fullness
• Feeling of flatulence
• Decrease appetite
• The feeling of low energy(lethargy)
• Skin color changes
• rectal bleeding and pain
• Frequent vomits 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 from the suspicious region is taken to look for the diagnostic purposes type of cancer.
• 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.

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

• Obesity(as there are more fats 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 colon tissues which further aggravates cells to grow abnormally.

• Overconsumption of alcohol (It is said that alcohol contains some cancer-causing chemicals which can lead to colorectal cancer if consumption is more.
• Use of Tobacco. Inhaling chemicals called free radicals in cigarette smoke causes alteration 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 fibers and contains more amount of sugars, salts, fats, and preservatives which can lead to altering cell function and can lead to cancer.

How you can prevent colon cancer?

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.

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

• Active lifestyle by doing more physical exercise
• Lower use of processed food
• Get treatment for colon diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis which may have long-lasting inflammation which could lead to colorectal cancer.
• Weights control/prevent obesity.

Treatment of Colon Cancer

Fortunately, the survival rates are very high if diagnosed 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 containing the tumor and then attaching the remaining healthy parts of the colon. In some cases, a temporary colostomy bag is created for a few months and then later reversed.

Chemotherapy:

 Furthermore, Chemotherapy is given to patients to eradicate /kill the cancer cells and to prevent its 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.