Skip to main content

What is Colon Cancer?

 

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the large intestine, also known as the colon. The colon is the last part of the digestive system, where food is broken down and waste is eliminated. Colon cancer can affect anyone, but it is more common in older adults and people with certain risk factors, such as family history, inflammatory bowel disease, or unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Some of the possible causes of colon cancer are:

  • - Genetic mutations. Some people inherit gene changes that increase their risk of developing colon polyps, which are abnormal growths in the lining of the colon. Some of these polyps can turn into cancer over time. Examples of inherited colon cancer syndromes are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
  • - Lifestyle factors. Some habits and choices can affect the health of the colon and increase the risk of colon cancer. These include lack of regular physical activity, a diet low in fiber and high in fat or processed meats, being overweight or obese, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use.
  • - Inflammatory bowel disease. People with chronic inflammation of the colon, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, have a higher risk of developing colon cancer.

Some of the symptoms of colon cancer are:

  • - A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days
  • - A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by having one
  • - Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, which might make it look dark brown or black
  • - Cramping or abdominal pain
  • - Weakness or fatigue
  • - Losing weight without trying

These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as infection, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, or inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, examine you physically, and order some tests to find out the cause of your symptoms. One of the tests that can diagnose colon cancer is a colonoscopy, which is a procedure where a thin tube with a camera and a light is inserted through the anus into the colon to look for any abnormal growths or polyps. If any are found, they can be removed and sent to a lab for analysis.

Treatment options for colon cancer

The earlier colon cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment. Treatment options for colon cancer depend on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as your overall health and preferences. They may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Some of these treatments can have side effects, such as nausea, hair loss, infection, or nerve damage. Your doctor will discuss with you the benefits and risks of each treatment option and help you make an informed decision.

Prevention of colon cancer

Colon cancer can be prevented by getting regular screening tests, such as colonoscopy or stool tests, that can find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer. Screening is recommended for people who are 50 years or older, or younger if they have a high risk of colon cancer. Other ways to prevent colon cancer are eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat and red meat, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.

 

 

Comments

Popular Posts

Heavy Pelvis Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Heavy Pelvis Syndrome (HPS) is a medical condition that may sound unfamiliar to many, but it can significantly impact a person's quality of life. It involves the sensation of heaviness or discomfort in the pelvic region, often associated with pelvic organ prolapse or other underlying conditions. In this blog post, we’ll explore what Heavy Pelvis Syndrome is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and the available treatment options.   What is Heavy Pelvis Syndrome (HPS)? Heavy Pelvis Syndrome refers to a sensation of weight or pressure in the pelvic area that can be caused by several conditions. While it’s not a formally recognized term in all medical texts, it is commonly used to describe the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and other pelvic disorders. In individuals with HPS, the muscles, ligaments, or organs in the pelvis are affected, causing an uncomfortable feeling of heaviness or pressure.   Causes of Heavy Pelvis Syndrome Heavy Pelvis Syndrome can result from various ...

Benefits of Flaxseed: Nature's Multitasking Marvel

  If you are looking for a simple way to boost your health and wellness, look no further than flaxseed. This tiny seed has a big impact on your body, thanks to its amazing nutritional profile and versatile uses. Flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, fiber, protein, and antioxidants, making it a powerhouse of benefits for your heart, brain, skin, digestion, and hormones. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways flaxseed can improve your health and how you can incorporate it into your daily diet. Flaxseed for Heart Health One of the most well-known benefits of flaxseed is its ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, two major risk factors for heart disease . Flaxseed contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting properties. ALA can help prevent plaque buildup in the arteries and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Flaxseed also contains lignans, phytochemicals that act as antioxida...

Combatting Iron Deficiency: Best Iron-Rich Foods and Essential Tips

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide, affecting energy levels, cognitive function, and overall health. If you often feel fatigued, experience dizziness, or have pale skin, you may be dealing with iron deficiency. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and best dietary sources of iron can help you maintain optimal health. Understanding Iron Deficiency Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. When iron levels are low, the body struggles to produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to iron deficiency anemia. Common Symptoms of Iron Deficiency      • Fatigue and weakness      • Pale skin      • Shortness of breath      • Dizziness or headaches      • Brittle nails      • Cold hands and feet      • Cravings for non-nutritive substances (like ice or clay) Cause...

Sun Protection Factor (SPF): A Guide to Sunscreen Ratings

  Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a numerical system used to measure the effectiveness of sunscreen products in protecting the skin from harmful ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. SPF does not measure protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays.  UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn and can contribute to the risk of skin cancer. In contrast, UVA rays are associated with long-term skin damage, such as wrinkles, premature aging, DNA damage, and are linked to and an increased risk of skin cancer over time. To ensure comprehensive protection, it is important to choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, shielding the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. How SPF Works: SPF indicates how much longer you can stay in the sun without getting sunburned while wearing sunscreen, compared to without it. For example, if you usually burn after 10 minutes of sun exposure, applying SPF 30 sunscreen theoretically allows you to stay out for 300 minutes (10 minutes x 30) without burnin...

Our Future Health: Embracing Innovation for a Healthier Tomorrow

As we move further into the 21st century, the landscape of health and wellness is rapidly evolving. Advances in technology, shifts in lifestyle, and a greater understanding of disease prevention are paving the way for a healthier future. In this blog post, we’ll explore the trends and innovations shaping our future health and how they can improve our quality of life. The Role of Technology in Health One of the most significant drivers of change in healthcare is technology. From telemedicine to wearable health devices, technological innovations are transforming how we manage our health. Telemedicine: The rise of tele-health services allows patients to consult with healthcare professionals from the comfort of their homes. This has increased access to care, particularly for those in remote areas or with mobility challenges. Wearable Devices: Smartwatches and fitness trackers are becoming commonplace, empowering individuals to monitor their health metrics, such as heart rate, activity leve...

Nipah Virus Explained: Symptoms, Transmission, Treatment and How to Stay Safe

  Lurking in the shadows of tropical fruit bat colonies, the Nipah virus presents a complex and sometimes deadly public health challenge. While not as common as some other infectious diseases, its potential for severe neurological complications and its lack of readily available treatment make it a crucial topic for understanding and prevention. In this article, we'll delve into the science behind the Nipah virus, exploring its transmission pathways, its characteristic symptoms, and the essential measures we can take to protect ourselves and our communities from this zoonotic threat. Buckle up as we unveil the mysteries of this enigmatic virus and equip ourselves with the knowledge to stay safe. Here are a few countries where the Nipah virus has been prevalent: India: India has also faced Nipah virus outbreaks, particularly in the southern states of Kerala and Karnataka. The 2018 outbreak in Kerala remains the largest globally, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and publ...

Anaphylaxis in Children A Parent’s Guide to Preparedness

  What is Anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen. An allergen is something that your child is allergic to, such as certain foods, medications, insect stings, or latex. Anaphylaxis can affect different parts of the body, such as the skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal system. Symptoms of Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis can cause symptoms such as: Hives, itching, flushing, and swelling of the skin Difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, choking, and hoarseness Low blood pressure, fast or slow heartbeat, chest pain, and fainting Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain Anxiety, confusion, dizziness, and loss of consciousness What to do if your child has an episode of Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with an injection of adrenaline (also known as epinephrine). Adrenaline is a hormone that helps reverse th...

What is Ketamine?

  Ketamine is a drug that has various medical and recreational uses. In this blog post, we will explore what ketamine is, how it works, what are its effects and risks, and how it is used for different purposes. Ketamine is a synthetic compound that belongs to a class of drugs called dissociative anesthetics. Dissociative anesthetics are substances that produce a state of altered perception and consciousness, where the user feels detached from their body and surroundings. Ketamine was first developed in the 1960s as a safer alternative to phencyclidine (PCP), another dissociative anesthetic that has more severe side effects and potential for abuse. Ketamine has several approved and off-label medical uses . It is mainly used as a general anesthetic for surgery and other procedures that do not require muscle relaxation. Ketamine has the advantage of preserving breathing and airway reflexes, stimulating heart function and blood pressure, and causing bronchodilation (widening of the a...

Tuberculosis (TB): Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While TB primarily affects the lungs, it can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains one of the top 10 causes of death globally, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment options for TB. What Causes Tuberculosis? TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Individuals who inhale these bacteria can become infected, although not everyone exposed to TB will develop the disease. TB infections are categorized into two types: 1. Latent TB Infection:      • The bacteria remain in the body in an inactive state.      • There are no symptoms, and the infection is not contagious...

Why is cancer so difficult to cure?

  Cancer is one of the most devastating diseases that affects millions of people around the world. Despite decades of research and billions of dollars spent, there is still no universal cure for cancer. Why is that? Before delving into why cancer is hard to cure, we should know that cancer is not a single disease. It is a name given to a collection of several dozens of different diseases that have different causes, characteristics and behaviors. Each cancer type has many subtypes that can vary in their genetic and molecular makeup, which means that they can respond differently to treatments. Even within the same tumor, there can be different cancer cells with different mutations that make them resistant to certain drugs or therapies. One reason why cancer is so difficult to cure is that it can spread from its original site to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis. This makes it harder to detect and treat, as some cancer cells may escape the primary tumor and t...