What is colon Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is preventable and highly curable if detected in early stages. The colon and rectum make up your large intestine. Colorectal cancers usually begin as a growth on the inner lining of the large intestine.

It is preventable simply by doing colonoscopy and caght in early stages through colonoscopy.

What are the Risk Factors For Colon Cancer?

The exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown. Physicians often cannot explain why one person develops this disease and another does not. However, the understanding of certain genetic causes continues to increase. The following factors can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. 

• Age: Of the people diagnosed with colorectal cancer, 90% are over the age of 50

• Family history of colorectal cancer (especially parents or siblings)

• Personal history of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis for eight years or longer

• Personal and family history of colorectal polyps

• Personal history of breast, uterine or ovarian cancer

Can It be prevented?

Colorectal cancer is preventable. Nearly all cases of colorectal cancer develop from polyps. They start in the inner lining of the colon and most often affect the left side of the colon and rectum. Detection and removal of polyps through colonoscopy reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer screening recommendations are based on medical and family history. Screening typically starts at age 45* in patients with average risk. Those at higher risk are usually advised to receive their first screening at a younger age. 

While it is not definitive, there is some evidence that diet may play a significant role in preventing colorectal cancer. A diet high in fiber (whole grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts) and low in fat, nitrates, and processed meats is the only dietary measure that may help prevent colorectal cancer. 

*In 2018, secondary to new data on the increased risks of colon cancer in those under 50, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery changed recommendations to consider starting screening at age 45.  

What Are The Symptoms Of Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is usually asymptomatic in its early stages and is detected during routine screenings. It is important to note that other common health problems can cause some of the same symptoms. For example, hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding, but do not cause colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer symptoms include: 

• A change in bowel habits:  constipation, diarrhea, frequency of the

  bowel movements

• Narrow/smaller shaped stools

• Bright red or very dark blood in the stool

• Ongoing abdominal or pelvic pain and bloating

• Unexplained weight loss

• Nausea or vomiting

• Feeling tired all the time

Abdominal pain and weight loss are typically late symptoms, indicating possible extensive disease. Anyone who experiences any of the above symptoms should see a physician as soon as possible. 

How Is It Diagnosed?

• Physical exam and medical history

• Blood tests

• Colonoscopy: Examination of the entire colon with a long, thin

  flexible tube with a camera and a light on the end (colonoscope)

• Biopsy: Removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a

  microscope to check for signs of cancer

How Is Colon Cancer Staged?

The following tests may be used for staging:

• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: A highly sensitive x-ray test

  that allows physicians to see “inside” the body to identify new or recurrent tumors. This test can accurately detect the presence of most cancer cells that have spread outside of the colon.

• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: An imaging test that

  uses a special dye that has radioactive tracers. This allows physicians to detect the presence of most cancer cells that have spread outside of the colon.

• CEA blood test: Carcinoembryonic antigen is a substance in the

  blood that may be elevated if cancer is present. Although not completely conclusive on its own, this test is often done with other diagnostic tests.

• Magnetic Resonance imagin (MRI):  An imaging test that uses a

  magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to create pictures of organs and structures inside the body. This helps determine if the tumor has spread through the wall of the rectum and invaded nearby structures.

• Abdominal ultrasound:  A procedure in which a transducer is

  moved along the skin over the abdomen. This test looks for tumors that may have spread to the liver, gallbladder, pancreas or elsewhere in the abdomen.

The extent of cancer (clinical stage) is linked to treatment decision making and post-treatment patient outcome. Staging is based on whether the tumor has invaded nearby tissues or lymph nodes, or has spread to other parts of the body. The exact stage is often not determined until after surgery.  

What Are The Stages Of Colon Cancer?

There are four stages of colon cancer.

What Is The Treatment Of Colon Cancer?

Surgery to remove the colorectal cancer is almost always required for a complete cure. The tumor and lymph nodes are removed, along with a small portion of normal colon on either side of the tumor. An ostomy is a surgically created opening that connects a part of the colon or small intestine to the skin of the abdominal wall. This procedure is typically only done in a very small number of colorectal cancer patients. 

Minimally invasive surgical techniques such as laparoscopy or robotics may be used by trained surgeons based on the individual case. Your surgeon will discuss this with you prior to surgery and decide on the most optimal approach.  

-Right hemicoloectomy is the procedure for right sided colon cancer

-Left hemicolectomy is the procedure for left sided colon cancer.

What Is The Role Of Chemotherapy In Colon Cancer?

Chemotherapy may be offered either before or after surgery, depending on the stage of the cancer. Unlike rectal cancer, radiation therapy is rarely used for colon cancer.

What is Post Treatment Prognosis?

Patient outcome is strongly associated with colorectal cancer stage at the time of diagnosis. Cancer confined to the lining of the colon is associated with the highest likelihood of success. This is one reason why early detection through screening methods like colonoscopy is crucial. 

Follow-up care after treatment for colorectal cancer is important. Even when the cancer appears to have been completely removed or destroyed, the disease may recur. Undetected cancer cells can remain in the body after treatment. Your colon and rectal surgeon will monitor your recovery and check for cancer recurrence at specific intervals. Most patients will have a repeat colonoscopy one year after completion of treatment. Blood tests, clinical examinations and imaging tests may be performed based on the stage of the cancer.