The death of the famous actor Chadwick Boseman (who played Black Panther in the Marvel Cinema) brought more attention to colon cancer. He was neither obese, nor had a sedentary lifestyle, and that is reflective of so many of the patients who suffer from colon cancer. People are blindsided when they get diagnosed with colon cancer. Initially, you won’t feel sick in a typical way, you won’t experience any pain, and won’t think that anything serious can be wrong with you. There can be subtle signs that people usually ignore.
Globally, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the third most common cancer type. This blog is written in the hope that it might encourage the reader to trust their instincts and take action if something doesn’t feel right. Early detection is key, and if this information helps even a single person catch the disease before it’s too late, then it will be worth sharing.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably, forming a mass called a tumor. The colon is a part of the large intestine that absorbs water and salts from food residue. The rectum is the final portion of the digestive tract that stores stool before it’s expelled from the body. While colon cancer can affect any part of the colon, it most commonly starts in the sigmoid colon or the rectum.
What are the Types of Colon Cancer?
The different types of colon cancer include the following:
- Adenocarcinoma: Most common form of colon cancer, originating from the glandular cells in the lining of the colon or rectum
- Carcinoid Tumors: Rare and originate from hormone-producing cells in the gastrointestinal system
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): Rare type of cancer that develops in the connective tissue of the digestive tract
- Lymphomas: Although rare, can also occur in the colon, affecting the lymphatic tissue.
Health History and Initial Concerns
Before any symptoms show up, patients usually consider them fairly healthy. Individuals who stay active, do not have any major medical conditions, and do not have any family history of colon cancer are not usually concerned about getting the disease. One might think that it was something that happened mostly to older individuals with a family history of the disease.
Initially, you might notice changes in your body like being more fatigued than usual or mild stomach cramps that do not last long. This may result in you thinking that there is nothing to worry about.
The next thing that you might notice is blood in your stool. It isn’t a lot, just a small amount, but it should be enough to make you pause and think about your health. You may have heard that blood in your stool could be a sign of hemorrhoids, so do not panic immediately. If the blood keeps reappearing sporadically over a few weeks then you should get it checked out.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer?
Pain and fatigue, common in patients with colon cancer, may result in reduced overall quality of life (QOL). It is not surprising that the majority of patients with colon cancer are identified due to signs and symptoms rather than incidentally or through screening.
Colon cancer symptoms vary based on cancer location within the colon or rectum. Common symptoms include:
- changes in stool caliber
- gastrointestinal bleeding
- abdominal pain
- constipation (notably in patients aged 65 to 79)
In patients aged 80 and older:
- weight loss is more common
- primary symptoms are changes in stool caliber, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding
Less commonly, some patients experience abdominal obstruction.
How is Colon Cancer Diagnosed?
Colon cancer is diagnosed through medical history, physical exams, imaging tests, and laboratory tests. Some of the most common diagnostic methods are mentioned below:
Stool Tests
Tests like fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) can detect small amounts of blood in the stool, which may indicate the presence of colon cancer. These are less invasive but often require further diagnostic testing if abnormalities are detected.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy can detect and remove abnormal growths in the entire colon and rectum. If any suspicious areas are found, biopsies can be taken for further examination. People at average risk should have a screening colonoscopy every 10 years.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy can detect and remove abnormal growths in the rectum and sigmoid colon. It is often used for screening purposes, but it is less comprehensive than a full colonoscopy. People at average risk should have a screening sigmoidoscopy every 5 or 10 years.
CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)
Virtual colonoscopy is less invasive than a standard colonoscopy but may require a follow-up standard colonoscopy to remove any found polyps. It’s recommended every 5 years.
Blood Tests
Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), can reveal anemia caused by chronic bleeding, while other tests like carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) may be used to monitor treatment but are not reliable for initial diagnosis.
How is Colon Cancer Treated?
Some of the treatment options for colon cancer are mentioned below:
Surgery
Surgical removal of the tumor or the affected portion of the colon is the most common treatment for localized colon cancer. The surgeon may remove the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue and may also remove nearby lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.
Surgery can be of the following two types:
- Colectomy: Removal of part of or the entire colon.
- Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive approach that uses small incisions and a camera to guide the surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill the cancerous cells or stop their growth. It can be used before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors or after surgery (adjuvant) to eliminate remaining cancer cells and prevent recurrence.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses powerful rays to aim at and kill cancer cells. It’s more commonly used for rectal cancer but may also be used for colon cancer if the tumor has spread.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
Targeted therapies focus on specific molecular targets involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. These therapies can be more effective and cause fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. Immunotherapy, which boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer, may also be an option for certain advanced colon cancers.
Palliative Care
For patients with advanced or metastatic colon cancer, palliative care is important for improving quality of life by managing symptoms and providing emotional support, even if a cure is not possible.
What Can Be Done Regarding the Rising Incidence of Colon Cancer in Young Adults?
Early identification and diagnosis are crucial for individuals under 50 who may qualify for earlier screening or exhibit symptoms.
- Individuals should be screened for colon cancer (with regular colonoscopy and colonic biopsy) before the age of 50.
- Individuals under age 50 who are found to have colonic polyps for any reason should have ongoing surveillance based on the number, size, and histology of the polyps.
- Continued screening efforts are needed for individuals with a family history of colon cancer.
- Observing early symptoms such as bleeding, abdominal pain, anemia, and a change in bowel habits can help avoid delays in diagnosis.
Key Takeaways: What You Should Know?
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off with your body, don’t ignore it. We often dismiss symptoms because we don’t want to worry or think it’s nothing, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Be Proactive: Regular screenings for colon cancer are essential. Don’t wait until you’re experiencing symptoms. If you’re over 45 or have a family history of colon cancer, get screened regularly.
- Seek Support: Cancer can feel isolating, but it’s important to lean on your support system, whether that’s family, friends, or support groups. Emotional and mental health are just as important as physical health during treatment.
- Know the Symptoms: If you notice persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, blood in your stool, or fatigue, contact your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Colon cancer can develop slowly, often with no early symptoms. This is why it’s so important to pay attention to any changes in your body, especially if they persist over time. If you notice symptoms like blood in your stool, abdominal pain, or significant changes in your bowel habits, don’t brush them off. See a doctor, and if necessary, get a colonoscopy. For those over 45, routine screenings are crucial, and if you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, you may need to start screenings even earlier.
Don’t wait, get checked, it could save your life!