If you or a loved one has faced colon cancer, you might already know quite a bit about this disease; however, not everyone has all of the information! Today, we’re going to cover the seven most important things everyone should know about this type of cancer, including colon cancer symptoms and a few questions, including what are the first signs of colon cancer and is colon cancer treatable. Let’s jump right in.
Top Things You Should Know About Colon Cancer:
#1: What Colon Cancer Is
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon – the large intestine. The colon is the last part of the digestive system, and it is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from food. According to the American Cancer Society, “Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States.”
Colon cancer usually starts as small, noncancerous (benign) growths called polyps. Over time, some polyps can become cancerous. There is no one cause of colon cancer, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle (more on this in section three).
#2: Colon Cancer Symptoms
We’ve covered the signs and symptoms of colon cancer in many previous blogs, but a recap is certainly in order for this blog, too. So, what are the first signs of colon cancer? A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools will certainly be your first clue. After this point, you may experience:
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
Abdominal pain or cramps
Weakness or fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
#3: Your Risk Factors for Developing Colon Cancer
There are several risk factors associated with the development of colon cancer. If you share any of the risk factors with this list, make sure your doctor has you on a regular screening plan (more on this in #4).
Age (50+)
Family history of colon cancer
Personal history of colon cancer, IBD, Lynch syndrome, or FAP
Diet (high in red meats and processed meats, and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains)
Smoking
Obesity
Physical inactivity
#4: How and How Often You Should Get Screened for Colon Cancer
If you are of average risk, you should have a colonoscopy every ten years from age 45 to 75. If you are a high risk patient, you should start screening earlier and have screening procedures more often. Talk to your doctor about what that will look like for you.
For patients over the age of 75, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of screening procedures as they relate directly to you and your current health situation.
#5: What Treatment Looks Like for Colon Cancer
So, is colon cancer treatable? When colon cancer is caught early, there are plenty of treatment options. The treatment for colon cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and other factors. The most common treatments for colon cancer include:
Surgeries, like colectomy, proctocolectomy, and abdominoperineal resection
Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy
You may even have an oncologist who wants to combine several of these methods to give you the best chance of beating your cancer.
#6: The Prognosis for Someone With Colon Cancer
The prognosis for someone with colon cancer depends on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. For example, the five-year survival rate for colon cancer in early stages that is confined to the colon is about 90%. The survival rate (understandably) decreases as cancerous cells spread throughout the body.
#7: How to Help Someone With Colon Cancer
Colon cancer can be a very difficult and emotional experience for both the person diagnosed and their loved ones. Here are some ways you can help someone with colon cancer:
Be there for them.
Help with practical tasks.
Provide emotional support.
Remind them to take care of themselves.
Help them find resources.
The Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay: Your Source for Colon Cancer Screening & Surgical Treatments
Here at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, our team of highly-experienced surgeons and scoping technicians can help you with different stages of your fight with cancer. From screening to surgical removal, our team is here for you. Get in touch with our team of experts today or ask for a referral from your doctor.