Colon Cancer

 Colon Cancer

The colon is also called the large intestine. The ileum (the last part of the small intestine) connects to the cecum (first part of the colon) in the lower right abdomen. The rest of the colon is divided into 4 parts :

The ascending colon travels up the right side of the abdomen 

The transverse colon runs across the abdomen 

The descending colon travels down the left abdomen 

The sigmoid colon is a short curving of the colon, just before the rectum.

The colon removes water, salt and some nutrients forming stool. Muscle line the colon's walls, squeezing its content along. Billions of bacteria coat the colon and its contents, living in a healthy balance with the body. 

Colon cancer is also called colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of epithelial cells which form the lining of the colon or rectum. These small growths also known as polyps are often benign, although some have the potential to develop and become cancer. 

Stages of Cancer

• Stage1:- The tumor is localised to the lining of the colon

• Stage 2:- The tumor grows into the outer lining of the colon or surrounding tissue

• Stage 3:- The cancer has metastasized to the lymph nodes

• Stage 4:- The cancer has metastasized to distant organs in the body. 

Causes and Risk Factors

• Family history 

• Age; although a person can develop colon cancer at any age, the risk increases greatly with age

• Colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel diseases

• Lack of exercise 

• Smoking 

• Excessive alcohol consumption 

Symptoms and Signs

• Blood in the stool, which may make the stool look dark

• A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of the stool that’s for more than few days

• Rectal bleeding with bright red blood 

• A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by having one

• Abdominal pain

• Weakness and fatigue 

• Unintended weight loss

• Anemia

Treatments

• Surgery

• Chemotherapy 

• Biological therapy 

Prevention 

• Avoid excessive alcohol 

• Quit smoking 

• Exercise regularly 

• Eat vegetables and fruits regularly