Symptoms & Treatment Of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. It is also the second leading cause of cancer related death in the United States. Colon cancer is a cancer that effects the large intestine, specifically the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last couple inches of the colon. Together these two cancers are commonly referred to as colorectal cancers. Colon cancer may begin as a benign clump of cells at first known as adenomatous polyps. Over time these noncancerous growth may develop into cancerous cells and become colon cancer.

In the early stages of the disease many people who have colon cancer may not experience any symptoms at all. As the disease progresses and symptoms do begin to appear they'll vary depending on the cancer's size and location on the large intestine. Some symptoms of colon cancer include a change in bowel habits. This may include diarrhea, constipation, or a change in your stools. Another sign may be rectal bleeding or blood in the stool. Colon cancer will also cause abdominal discomfort that may include cramps, gas, or pain. Colon cancer is also characterized by weakness, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.

The treatment of colon cancer will vary depending on the staging of the cancer. Typically any cancer treatment will involve a three pronged approach including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Most treatment plans will involve a combination of all of these treatment options. If the cancer is small and localized then surgery can be done to remove the cancer. In advanced stages where the cancer has spread part of the colon may be needed to be removed. Chemotherapy is a form of colon cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy the cancer cells. This form of treatment may be recommended if the cancer has spread outside of the colon to other organs.

Radiation Therapy uses powerful x-rays to attack cancer cells. In most cases these treatment options are used in conjunction with each other. For example a doctor may recommend using chemotherapy after surgery to kill off any lingering cancer cells that weren't removed. Radiation therapy is oftentimes used alongside surgery to shrink a cancer lump before surgery is attempted. A doctor will evaluate the colon cancer and come up with a treatment plan using all of the options available to fight off the cancer. The best way to prevent colon cancer is to get regular screenings to identify polyps before they become colon cancer. Screening is especially important for those over 50 years of age because about 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer occur in that age range.