Cancer is a frightening diagnosis that no one wants to hear but we cannot afford to ignore. Colon cancer is one of the most deadly cancers because it frequently begins quietly. The illness may have advanced by the time symptoms show up. Because early detection is essential as it can save your life. This cancer is the most prevalent type in the world and it develops in the rectum or large intestine (colon). In this blog post, we will break down the three main indicators or warning signs of colon cancer. You must pay attention to the signals your body sends when something is amiss.
The good news is that if detected early it is also among the most treatable tumors. By identifying the warning symptoms and signs, scheduling examinations on a daily basis and following a healthy lifestyle, you can take charge of your health. Pay attention to your body and do not avoid any strange feelings. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to be proactive and informed because early detection can save your life.
What is Colon Cancer?
It can be silent cancer but it does not have to be. Another name for this common tumor type is colorectal cancer. In the US, the tumor is the third most common type of cancer. For the past 20 years, it has been growing among younger people.
The large intestine is where colon cancer begins that helps carry digested food out of your body. It develops from certain polyps or growths in the inner lining of your large intestine. Colon cancer is not detected or treated and may spread to other areas of your body.
Which Causes are Responsible for this Cancer?
These are a few reasons why people get colon cancer.
- Family history
- High intake of processed meats
- Low intake of fruits and vegetables
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Alcohol Consumption
What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?
Here are the symptoms or signs of colon cancer in both women and men:
- Constipation
- The condition of diarrhea
- Rectal hemorrhage
- A bloated abdomen
- Weight loss without exerting effort
- Discomfort or cramps in the abdomen
- Tiredness or weakness
- The sensation that the bowel does not empty entirely
- Stools that are thinner than normal
3 Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer You Should Never Ignore
Three warning signs of colon cancer are listed below, which you should never disregard.
Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue
Some people may think that losing weight naturally is like a dream but when it occurs suddenly it is a warning sign. Another devious symptom that many people ignore is fatigue. This occurs because internal bleeding brought on by the cancer may result in anemia which leaves you feeling exhausted and weak.
They can be caused by stress, infections, or even other illnesses such as diabetes. An alarming sign that something is amiss with your digestive system is the unresponsiveness to food and intended yet somehow involuntary skipping of meals.
Blood in Your Stool
Bright red blood usually indicates bleeding at the rectum or lower part of the colon. It may be due to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or some other health problems. When stools are black or tarry, they probably indicate bleeding in the upper part of the digestive tract. It may point out colon tumors or other very strong gastrointestinal illnesses.
Blood in the stool is a scary symptom for both women and men because it may indicate several underlying conditions, from mild to serious. The nature, colour, and amount of blood will give a clue about the cause. Sometimes, causes would be the same for both genders, however, some conditions may differentially affect men and women.
Alterations in Bowel Activities
Several factors could affect the change in bowel frequency; diet, infections, or stress. Sometimes, everyone experiences upset stomach but when diarrhea or constipation lasts longer than a few days, this can be a serious indication of infection. By developing this tumor it will block the passage of waste products, making it harder for digestion and passage out of your body.
If your stool suddenly is pencil-thin and stays that way, there could be something blocking the passage of waste in your colon.
Regular Diagnostic/Blood Tests for Colon Cancer
To diagnose this tumor, a doctor uses a variety of tests which are mentioned below:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
- Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay
- X-rays
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging scan
- Positron emission tomography scan
- Ultrasound
- Biopsy
Choosing the Right Colon Cancer Treatment
Medical care for this type of cancer is based on its stages. But it also depends on the individual’s age and overall medical condition. After knowing all these factors your doctor may easily decide on which colon cancer treatment options are best for you. There is no single medical care for colon cancer, there are several options available to treat this health concern, including:
- Surgery: It is the main treatment option for colon cancer in its early stages. A surgeon performs numerous operations and procedures to remove cancerous cells from a patient’s body. Other surgical procedures that may be used to treat colon cancer include palliative, laparoscopic, and endoscopic procedures.
- Radiation therapy: This method uses high-energy gamma rays to destroy cancerous cells. These rays are released from a machine outside the patient’s body by an external radiation medical aid that a doctor may use.
- Chemotherapy: A medical team will recommend medications that disrupt the process of cell division during chemotherapy treatment. They accomplish this by causing DNA disruption which harms and kills cancerous cells.
- Immunotherapy: It is a key treatment for either advanced stage of colon cancer. Usually, the cancer cells are removed by this medical aid because it stops the immune system from attacking healthy cells.
Survival Rate of Colon Cancer: Stage-By-Stage
Survival rates of colon cancer vary according to the stage of the disease when it is diagnosed. Early diagnosis is a key factor in determining the effects, thus, screening and symptom awareness are crucial in colon cancer.
Understanding the colon cancer survival rates by reading these factors:
Survival Rates for Colon Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society and SEER data of the last 5-6 years, the survival rates for colon cancer are:
- Localized (Stage I & II): Approximately 90–95%
- Regional (Stage III): Approximately 65–75%
- Distant (Stage IV): Approximately 13–20%
Stage at Diagnosis
The diagnosis stage of colon cancer significantly influences patients’ survival. An early-stage cancer that is still in the colon has an especially high survival rate due to effective treatment. Current treatments are less effective against late-stage cancers, especially those with distant spread, and survival rates are lower.
Treatment Approaches
The patient’s assessment sample also includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or an administered combination of these as pertinent to the outcome. Therapy has advanced in some medical stages, making the survival rates lower with the increase in metastatic spread, especially in cases diagnosed early in the disease stage, for example, 91 percent for relative five-year survival in localized colon cancer, or reducing this figure to about 73 percent when it is a case of regional spread.
Age and Overall Health
Survival can also be affected by a patient’s age and overall health status. Younger patients and those healthy enough to stand it may respond well, thus leading to good outcomes. But still, the patients of increased age or with other health issues may have added complications.
Interpreting Survival Statistics
Survival statistics are useful in understanding trends across populations, but not in predicting results for individuals. Specific tumor characteristics, genetic mutations, and the extent to which a patient responds to treatment will all affect prediction. Also, you can discuss these factors with your healthcare provider so that you can understand the implications in your case.
Importance of Early Detection
Early detection includes frequent screenings and recognizing symptoms. It makes room for timely actions that could easily change survival rates. The discovery of more medical improvements in research still offers unique therapeutic diversities to hold more promise in the future survival rates.
Explore the Risk Factors for Colon Cancer
Colon cancer can happen to anyone but some things make it more likely.
- People over the age of 50 may experience some cases but younger adults may also contract it.
- Your risk of developing colon cancer may be increased if it runs in your family
- A diet deficient in fruits and vegetables, low in fiber, and heavy in processed and red meats can raise risk.
- Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can all lead to colon cancer.
- You may be more susceptible to conditions, like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease which are inflammatory bowel diseases.
Proactive Measures to Reduce Your Colon Cancer Risk
Here are some measures points that you have to apply in your lifestyle to reduce your colon cancer risk:
Make Healthful Food Selections
Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low in red and processed meats decreases the risk of colon cancer and other cancers. A healthy and balanced diet, rich in these nutrients and fiber, may also help the body develop cancerous cells in the colon.
Do Physical Activity Regularly
Regularly doing physical exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, and some more, for at least 150 minutes a week. Physical activity maintains a healthy weight, reduces inflammation, and makes bowel movements more regular.
Regular Tests for Screening
They can find the premalignant types of polyps or early-stage cancer through colonoscopy and other screenings. These tests will help you to find out the question that you have colon cancer. Doctors recommend regular checks for colon cancer starting at age 45, or earlier for those with a family history. These checks help prevent colon cancer by spotting threats before they become dangerous.
Restrict Alcohol and Tobacco
More major alcohol and tobacco use has been linked with a higher risk of colon cancer. Restricted alcohol consumption that equals less than about one ounce of pure alcohol a day for women and less than two ounces for men is enough to avoid developing colon cancer entirely from tobacco products.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Colon cancer risk is higher when you are overweight. A balanced diet combined with physical activities reduces weight to a normal level and prevents colon cancer. Not too much loss provides good health to the colon as well.
These lifestyle changes help reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. However, specialists advise patients to seek professional guidance before implementing any lifestyle changes.
Remember, your health is in your hands. Trust your gut, pay attention to your body and do not be scared to ask for medical advice. If it is caught in time colon cancer can be cured.
Discovering the Genetic Factors Behind Colon Cancer
Here are some genetic factors that may affect colon cancer:
- Genetic Predisposition: Rarely, some genetic transformations can be inherited in families, increasing the chances for subsequent generations to develop colorectal carcinoma. Genetic factors are involved in diseases such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis.
- Polygenic Risk: Although some gene mutations are associated with hereditary colon cancers, this also has a polygenic component individual’s overall risk is modulated by the interaction of several genetic factors.
- Family History: First-degree relatives, such as a parent, sibling, or child, who are diagnosed with colon carcinoma, render individuals more susceptible. The risk is further magnified if the diagnosis is given to the individual at a younger age or if more than one family member is also affected.
- Screening Recommendations: Because cancer is hereditary, screening recommendations will differ for those who have such a family history. These could call for more frequent screenings to be carried out earlier than would usually be needed for the rest of the population.
Conclusion
The detection of early warning signs of colon cancer can greatly impact treatment and recovery outcomes. You should pay attention to your body’s warning signs even though they don’t always mean that you have cancer. A healthy lifestyle, regular screenings, and education can all help prevent and identify colon cancer early. Do not hesitate to see a doctor if you observe anything out of the ordinary. A healthier tomorrow can be ensured by making your health a priority today.