What is Colon Cancer: Breaking Down the Basics You Need to Know
What is colorectal cancer? It is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, also known as colon cancer. This disease begins in the colon (large intestine) and, if not detected early, can spread to other parts of the body. Understanding the basics of colorectal cancer—including its symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and treatment—is essential for maintaining your health and taking proactive steps toward prevention.If you’re wondering how can you reduce the risk of colon cancer, the answer lies in early detection, lifestyle changes, and regular screenings.
At KK Care Clinic, we think that the first step to successful treatment and prevention is education. Let’s examine the essential information that everyone should be aware of regarding colon cancer.
What is Colon Cancer?
The lining of the colon (large intestine), the last segment of the digestive system, is where colon cancer begins. Usually, it starts as polyps, which are tiny, benign, noncancerous growths. Some of these polyps have the potential to develop into cancer over time. Colon cancer can spread to neighboring tissues and even distant organs if it is not discovered early, which complicates treatment.
Because the disease can affect both the colon and the rectum (the final few inches of the large intestine), the term “colorectal cancer” is frequently used.
What Causes Colon Cancer?
Although the precise cause of colon cancer is not always known, the following risk factors make it more likely to occur:
• Age: People over 50 account for the majority of cases.
• Family History: Risk is increased by a family history of colon cancer or specific genetic disorders (such as familial adenomatous polyposis).
• Diet: A diet that is low in fiber and heavy in processed foods and red meat may be a factor.
• Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a lack of physical activity are all associated with increased risk.
• Medical History: The risk is increased if there is a personal history of polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), or type 2 diabetes.
You can reduce your risk by making wise lifestyle decisions if you are aware of these risk factors. Dealing with colon issues? Get advanced care with colon cancer for quicker recovery and precision. Consult the best robotic surgeon in Pune, Dr. Shrikant Kurhade, for expert treatment that’s one step ahead.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
In its early stages, colon cancer can progress quietly, often without any clear symptoms—making regular screening essential. However, as the condition advances, you may start to wonder, what are the signs of colon cancer? Common symptoms can include:
• Modifications to bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or constipation)
• Bright red or dark blood in the stool
• Constant pain, gas, or cramping in the abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness or fatigue
• A sensation that the bowel doesn’t empty entirely
It’s critical to get evaluated by a physician right away if you observe any of these symptoms.
How is Colon Cancer Diagnosed?
Colon cancer can be diagnosed using a number of tests:
- Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is considered the most reliable method for detecting polyps and diagnosing colon cancer. If you’re wondering what is mean by colonoscopy, it’s a medical procedure in which a doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of your colon and rectum.
- Stool tests: To find alterations in DNA or blood.
- CT colonography: A specialized imaging test used to view the colon is called CT colonography.
- Biopsy: To confirm cancer, a biopsy is performed if suspicious tissue is discovered during a colonoscopy.
Regular screening can either detect cancer at an early, more treatable stage or stop polyps from developing into cancer. Get expert care with robotic colon surgery in Pune at KKcare Clinic. Trust Dr. Shrikant Kurhade for advanced colon treatment that’s precise and minimally invasive.
Stages of Colon Cancer
To stage colon cancer, medical professionals use the American Joint Committee on Cancer’s TNM cancer staging system.
Colon cancer progresses through five stages. There are three sub-stages within three of the four stages. The following are some of the stages of colon cancer:
Stage 0: This carcinoma may be referred to as in situ by doctors. They are referring to aberrant or possibly malignant cells in your mucosa, which is the inner lining of your colon wall.
Stage I: In stage I colorectal cancer, the intestinal wall has been penetrated, but not past the muscular coat or into adjacent lymph nodes.
Stage II: The cancer has spread farther into the colon wall, but it hasn’t reached any lymph nodes in the area. Three types of Stage II colon cancer exist:
Stage IIA: Although it hasn’t spread to the outer layer of your colon wall, cancer has spread through a large portion of it.
Stage IIB: The cancer has spread through the colon wall or into its outer layer.
Stage IIC: An adjacent organ has been affected by the cancer.
Stage III: Your lymph nodes are now affected by colon cancer. Similar to Stage II colon cancer, Stage III colon cancer has three substages:
Stage IIIA: One to four lymph nodes have been affected by cancer that has spread to the first or second layers of your colon wall.
Stage IIIB: Only one to three lymph nodes are affected, but more layers of the colon wall are affected. Stage IIIB colon cancer also includes cancer that affects four or more lymph nodes but involves fewer layers of the colon wall.
Stage IIIC: Four or more lymph nodes and the outer or next-to-the-outer layer of your colon are cancerous. Stage IIIC colon cancer also includes cancer that has spread to one or more lymph nodes and a neighboring organ.
Stage IV: Your cancer has metastasized, or spread, to other organs such as your ovaries, liver, or lungs:
Stage IVA: Your colon’s cancer has spread to another organ or farther-flung lymph nodes.
Stage IVB: More than one distant organ and more lymph nodes have been affected by the cancer.
Stage IVC: Abdominal tissue, lymph nodes, and distant organs are all affected by cancer.
Preventing Colon Cancer
Although certain risk factors like age and family history cannot be changed, there are several effective lifestyle changes you can adopt as part of your plan for how to prevent colon cancer:
• Steer clear of tobacco: Discuss smoking cessation programs with a healthcare professional if you smoke and would like assistance quitting.
• When consuming alcoholic beverages, use moderation.
• Consume a nutritious diet: Understanding what to eat to prevent colon cancer such as fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes—can significantly support colon health and reduce long-term risk.
• Include more vegetables in your diet: and limit processed foods, high-fat, high-calorie foods, and red meat. Coffee consumption may reduce your risk of colon cancer.
• Document your family’s medical history: It is possible for colon cancer to run in families. Inform your doctor if any members of your family had cancer before the age of 45, or if your children, siblings, or biological parents have advanced polyps or colon cancer.
• Comply with colon cancer screening recommendations: For effective colon cancer prevention, consult your doctor to determine the right time to begin screening. If you have a family history of colon cancer or conditions like chronic irritable bowel disease, your doctor may recommend starting screenings before the age of 45 to catch any issues early.
Conclusion
Although colon cancer is largely preventable, it continues to be a significant health concern. Gaining awareness of its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is the first step toward prevention. One of the most effective strategies for how to keep colon healthy is adopting a nutritious, fiber-rich diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which also supports overall digestive wellness.
Do not hesitate to speak with Dr. Shrikant Kurhade, an expert colon cancer surgeon in Pune at KK Care Clinic if you require screening or have any concerns. Our staff is committed to providing you with individualized care and knowledgeable direction to help you maintain your health.
Keep in mind that life is saved by early detection. Keep yourself informed, take preventative action, and safeguard your health!