Understand the symptoms, treatment options, and possible colon and rectum cancer complications. Learn about colonoscopy to diagnose this disease.
Colon and Rectum Cancer and Its Treatment
Colon and rectum cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the most common cancers in both men and women. It begins as a growth, or polyp, on the inner wall of the colon. The polyps may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).
Surgery is the primary treatment for colon and rectum cancer. It may involve removing part or all of the colon and rectum. Further, adjuvant chemotherapy treatment may be used after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
What Causes Colon and Rectum Cancer?
A complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors causes colon and rectum cancer. Some of the most common risk factors include:
Having a family history of colorectal cancer
Age
Smoking
Obesity
Eating an unhealthy diet high in processed and red meats and low in fruits and vegetables.
Physical inactivity
Heavy alcohol consumption
Advanced adenomatous polyps (pre-cancerous growths in the colon and rectum)
Individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
Sometimes, people can be born with genetic syndromes that increase their risk of developing colorectal cancer. These syndromes include familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
It is important to consult a genetic counselor if any family history of colorectal cancer or inherited gene mutations is present.
What Are the Symptoms of Colon and Rectum Cancer?
Colon and rectum cancer can be difficult to detect in the early stages because it does not always cause symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
A change in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation
Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
Abdominal pain or cramps
Unexplained weight loss
Weakness and fatigue
Feeling bloated or full after only a small amount of food
Nausea and vomiting
Anemia
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is necessary you contact your doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Early detection and treatment of colon and rectum cancer can significantly increase the chances of successful outcomes.
How to Prevent Colon and Rectum Cancer
The following simple measures can help you reduce Colon Cancer risks.
Simple lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet low in fat and high in fiber.
Getting regular physical activity
Maintaining a healthy weight
Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption
In addition, screening tests can help catch any signs of cancer before they become more serious. Regular screenings should begin at age 50 or earlier if there is a family history of colon or rectal cancer.
Talking to your healthcare provider about the best ways to prevent colon and rectum cancers is important. They can provide more information on lifestyle modifications, screening tests, and other strategies to reduce cancer risk.
What Is Colonoscopy and Why Is It Important?
The colonoscopy procedure examines the interior of the large intestine or colon. During the procedure, a flexible tube with an attached camera is inserted through the anus into the rectum and slowly advanced through the colon. The doctor can then view a magnified image of the colon's lining and look for any irregularities or signs of disease.
Colonoscopies are important because
They can detect colorectal cancer in its earliest stages when it is most treatable.
They can help identify polyps, which are growths that may become cancerous over time.
They detect conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
They help diagnose other digestive problems that may cause abdominal pain, bleeding, or changes in bowel habits.
Regular screening with a colonoscopy is recommended for individuals over the age of 50 or those with a family history of colorectal cancer.
How to Treat Colon and Rectum Cancer
Treatment for colon and rectal cancer depends on several factors, including:
The stage and location of the tumor
Potential side effects
Patient preferences
Overall health.
Common treatments for colon and rectal cancer include
Surgery: Surgery is one of the main treatments for colon and rectal cancer. It includes removing the tumor and the surrounding tissue during an operation.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy treatment uses medications to destroy cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery and can help shrink a tumor.
Radiation therapy: The high-energy x-rays of radiation therapy destroy cancer cells and may be used before or after surgery.
Targeted therapies: Targeted therapies are medications that target cancer cells and may be used to shrink tumors or keep them from growing.
Patients should speak with their healthcare team to understand the treatment options and how they could affect them. It's also important to discuss goals for treatment and any potential side effects that may occur.
Colon and Rectum Cancer Is Not a Death Sentence
With advances in treatments and technologies, such as robotic surgeries, even those with advanced stages of the disease can live for years in remission. Even if cancer is not curable, palliative treatments can significantly reduce symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life.
The key to effective treatment of colon and rectum cancer is early diagnosis. Regular screenings, such as a colonoscopy or virtual colonoscopy, can detect changes in the colon and rectum that may indicate cancer.
If diagnosed with colon and rectum cancer, it is important to find a doctor who is experienced and knowledgeable in treating the disease. Patients should also seek a qualified oncology team to provide comprehensive care throughout their treatment.
