WHAT IS COLON CANCER

Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, that can spread up to the large intestine. It usually starts as a pre-cancerous growth called a polyp that evolves into a cancer over the years. Often, people with colon cancer have no symptoms until the cancer is so big it blocks the bowel or has spread to other organs. However, polyps and early colon cancer are easily spotted during a colonoscopy and can be completely cured at that stage. 

People who are obese, smokers, heavy drinkers, consume high-fat diet with a lot of red meat are at a higher risk for colon cancer.  

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COLON CANCER

Often people do not have any symptoms of colon cancer until its grows and spreads, symptoms in later stages include: 

• Bloody or red coloured stools
• Back coloured stools
• Painful bowel movements
• Constipation
• Discomfort or pain
• Weight loss
• Feeling of bloating or fullness
• Changes in stools or bowel habits

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Diagnosis: Diagnosis is arrived at by a review of medical history and physical examination of the patient. The Doctor may ask for a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy to look inside the colon and rectum, a tissue biopsy if needed, a stool exam to test for blood, or a CT or MRI scan.

Treatment: Depending on the location and how far the cancer has spread, surgery may be required to remove part of the colon or rectum as well as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Consult a Doctor immediately in case of any symptoms of colon cancer, especially rectal bleeding, even if it's in a small amount.