There are three primary stages of colon cancer: stage I, II, and III. Despite the name, stage I and II are not the same. In stage I, the cancer has not spread beyond the colon. Stage III, on the other hand, has spread to lymph nodes and other tissues. It may have also spread to the visceral peritoneum and other organs. Eventually, it will progress to stage IV. In this stage, the tumors are large and perforated through the bowel wall.
In both cases, cancer cells in the colon are classified according to their stage. This determines the type of treatment to undergo and the prognosis for the patient. Stage I colon cancer is very treatable, while stage IV is more aggressive. Symptoms of stage IV cancer are often vague, indicating cancer in other parts of the body. Because colon cancer does not present symptoms until it has spread, screening and routine testing for this condition is crucial.
Stage I colon cancer is treated through surgery, which involves removing the cancer and tissue and sewing the area back together. Stage II colon cancer, on the other hand, requires chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The survival rate decreases to only 26% if the cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes or distant sites. Patients with stage III cancer will likely need chemotherapy or radiation. However, the overall survival rate is still remarkably high. So, if you’re diagnosed with colon cancer, it’s vital to find out the best treatment for your individual case.
Early stage rectal cancer may respond to radiation treatments. Unlike in early stage rectal cancer, radiation therapies are generally administered only when cancer has penetrated the wall of the rectum and spread to nearby lymph nodes. Fortunately, most side effects of radiation therapy will dissipate within a few weeks. Your physician will perform a full physical examination and ask you about your family’s medical history. Afterward, a physician will likely perform a colonoscopy, a procedure that uses a long flexible tube and a camera to look inside the colon.
While colon cancer rates have dropped by 45 percent since the mid-1980s, the fact remains that younger people are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease. While cancer is most common in people over age 55, patients younger than age 55 are 58% more likely to develop advanced disease. During the same period, symptoms of colon cancer may mimic other health conditions, such as hemorrhoids and diverticulosis. It is best to see a doctor if the symptoms persist for more than a few days.
While the incidence of colorectal cancer among young people continues to increase, there is still too little evidence to justify routine screening for those younger than 50. Developing screening tests that can detect colon cancer early and help you avoid complications can help prevent the disease before it becomes too advanced. In addition to routine colon cancer screenings, many people opt to undergo a stool-based test. This test is quick and easy and carries minimal health risks.
