Colon Cancer – A quick overview

The colon is the final part of the digestive tract where digestion takes place. It can spread to other body parts in the form of metastases. Most commonly, it occurs in adults, but it can occur in any age group.

cancer often starts as a polyp- non-cancerous growth. However, sometimes they can become cancerous. Therefore if diagnose with polyps, you need to get under regular screening for cancer. Your healthcare providers will perform colonoscopy as a screening tool to know if polyps have become cancerous or not.

Cancer that involves the rectum is known as colorectal cancer.

You must attend all your follow-up visits with the healthcare provider. When you do that, colon cancers can be detected at early stages- when it is more treatable and has not progressed to advanced stages yet.

If you do not attend the follow-up visits and screening tests, polyps may turn cancerous, and you may not know about it.

People who are diagnosed with polyps, those at risk of cancer, or those who are above 50 years should get their screening tests done frequently- once in two years at least. If you have any symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract, you can visit a gastroenterologist in Lahore.

What are the symptoms of Colon Cancer?

The signs and symptoms of cancer may show up as:

Change in bowel habits- sometimes you may have diarrhea, and sometimes you may have constipation.
Blood in stool
Unintentional weight loss
Lethargy
Abdominal cramps or gas
Nausea and vomiting
Loose and narrow stools
A change in stool consistency
A feeling that your bowel has not emptied completely
Anemia due to blood loss

What are the Risk Factors for Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer occurs due to a mutation in the DNA. Factors that can put you at risk of developing cancer are:

Age

As the age increases, the risk of colon cancers can increase for you. However, it is not the case all the time. But most of the patients are diagnosed with cancer after the age of 50. Therefore you need to take care of yourself after 50 years of age.

Previous history

Having a previous history of colon cancer or having non-cancerous lesions in polyps can put you at risk of developing colon cancer.

Inflammatory conditions of the intestines

The inflammatory conditions of the intestine, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis that remain for a long time can put you at risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Inherited genes

Some gene mutations travel in families from one generation to another. If you inherit those genes, it can increase the risk of developing colon cancer for you. However, having those genes does not mean that cancer is inevitable. But you may get it because of genetic mutations.

Family history

Having a family history of colon cancers can increase the risk for you. The risk even increases if more than one person has had it.

Diet

Eating a high fiber and low fiber diet can increase the risk of colon cancers for you. Therefore those who eat processed foods and red meat can increase the risk.

Diabetes

Diabetic people and those having insulin resistance can increase the risk of colon cancers.

Sedentary lifestyle

There is an increased risk of colon cancers for people who live a sedentary lifestyle.

Smoking

People who smoke cigarettes are at increased risk of getting cancer, as compared to those who do not.

Alcohol intake

Consuming alcohol can increase the risk of cancer.

Radiation therapy

Getting radiation therapy in the abdominal region for some other cancers can increase the risk of cancer.

If you have any symptoms of cancer, you must visit the Best Gastroenterologist in Karachi.