The colon is a large tube-like structure in your digestive system that filters waste material from food and water. This material passes through the ascending, descending and sigmoid parts of your colon to the end of the colon, which is called the rectum.
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells lining the colon and rectum. There are several different types of colorectal cancer, but the most common is adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinomas develop when there are a group of abnormal cells in the colon or rectum that have an inherited mutation and cannot repair themselves.
Early detection can help prevent colon cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends having a screening test for colorectal cancer every 10 years. The tests include a colonoscopy, which lets doctors look inside your rectum and colon. They also use blood and a biopsy to see if you have cancer.
Getting a colonoscopy is the first step in finding and removing polyps that may turn into cancer. This helps prevent colon cancer and its symptoms, and improves your health.
Your doctor will also look for signs of colorectal cancer during your regular checkups. These include a change in the way you poop or blood on or in your stools.
Other risk factors for colon cancer include family history of the disease, being overweight or obese, using tobacco, eating a diet high in fats and red meat, and being under age 50. People with these risk factors may need to get screened more frequently than others.
Screening methods for colon cancer vary depending on your age and risk level. The American College of Physicians recommends a fecal occult blood test, a colonoscopy, and a sigmoidoscopy for everyone over age 50. It’s also a good idea to ask your doctor if you have any symptoms that could indicate colon cancer, or if you have a genetic mutation that increases your chances of developing the disease.
Treatment for colon cancer depends on the type of tumor and its stage. The most common treatments are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These therapies target cancer cells, which can shrink or destroy them.
Surgery for colon cancer involves removing part of the rectum or the whole rectum and its attached lymph nodes. Your doctor will try to remove as much of the cancer as possible, while avoiding as much normal tissue as possible.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It can be used to treat early-stage colon cancer or other types of tumors that have spread to other parts of the body.
There are many different forms of radiation therapy, including a variety of types of X-rays. A doctor will choose the best form of radiation therapy based on your health and the tumor’s location.
Another treatment for colon cancer is a procedure called radiofrequency ablation. This is an alternative to surgery that uses heat to kill cancer cells. It’s also an option for patients who are not a good candidate for surgery.
