Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

The symptoms of colon cancer can be hard to notice, as they may simply be indigestion. The Sri Ram Cancer Centre at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur, provides comprehensive cancer care through medical, surgical, and radiation oncology services. MGMCH provides colorectal cancer evaluation and treatment through its medical and surgical oncology services, supported by multidisciplinary cancer care teams. The purpose of this guide is to help you know what colon cancer is, why it occurs, the stages of the disease, treatment options, and simple steps to take to prevent it.

Firstly, what is colon cancer?

When cells in the lining of the colon (the largest part of the large intestine) start to grow in a way that is not normal, it's the start of colon cancer becoming a tumor. Colorectal cancer often develops from growths called colorectal polyps that form in the lining of the colon or rectum. Not all polyps become cancerous, but some can develop into cancer over time.

Colon Cancer vs Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer and colorectal cancer are related but not the same. The term "colon cancer" is used for cancer of the colon, while "colorectal cancer" can be used for cancer in either the colon or rectum, the end of the large intestine. Both have similar causes, symptoms, and treatments, so they are often spoken of together, although the site of the tumor may affect treatment decisions.

Early Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Often colon cancer is overlooked because the early symptoms are subtle. Possible symptoms of colon cancer may include the following:

• A long-standing change in bowel habits, including constipation, diarrhea, or faeces that are narrower than usual

• Bleeding from the rectum or blood in stool.

• Persistent abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating.

• A feeling that the bowel doesn't fully empty

• Unexplained fatigue

• Unintended weight loss

What Are the First Signs of Colon Cancer?

Many colon cancer symptoms are difficulties with bowel movements and blood that may be coming from the rectum. Because colorectal cancer symptoms can overlap with other digestive problems, persistent or unexplained symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms as the Disease Progresses

As colorectal cancer progresses, the symptoms can become more severe, causing more intense abdominal pain, continued nausea or vomiting, severe weakness, and anemia due to chronic internal bleeding. In more severe cases, there could also be a sensation of a mass in the abdomen. If these symptoms are persistent, unexplained, or worsening, it is important to seek medical attention.

What Causes Colon Cancer?

Sometimes, a single factor is not enough to cause colon cancer: usually, it is the result of several genetic and lifestyle factors. Colon cancer typically develops in stages: Over a period of time, mutations in a normal cell's DNA begin to increase, which eventually leads to abnormal growth.

Who is at Risk of Developing Colon Cancer?

Common risk factors are:

• Age: The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, although it can occur in younger adults as well.

• Family history: If someone in your family has colon cancer or colorectal cancer, your own risk is increased.

• Long-term risk is raised with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

• High consumption of red or processed meat and low fiber are associated with increased risk.

• Sedentary lifestyle: Low levels of physical activity are a part of overall risk.

• Obesity: There is an increased risk of colorectal cancer from being obese.

• Smoking and alcohol consumption: Both are known factors for colon cancer.

• Type 2 diabetes: Associated with colorectal cancer via common metabolic factors.

Stages of Colon Cancer

The stages of colon cancer indicate the spread of the disease and help determine treatment:

Stage 0: Abnormal cells are limited to the innermost lining (mucosa) of the colon.

Stage I: Cancer has grown into deeper layers of the colon wall but has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.

Stage II: Cancer has grown through the colon wall and may have reached nearby tissues or organs but has not spread to regional lymph nodes.

Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, with the exact stage depending on the extent of the tumor and lymph node involvement.

Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs or sites, commonly the liver or lungs.

The treatment outcome is much better in early stages, further strengthening the importance of colon cancer screening and early evaluation of symptoms.

What Tests Are Used to Diagnose Colon Cancer?

The diagnosis of colon cancer is usually made using some or all of the following tests:

• Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy allows doctors to examine the colon directly and may allow suspicious polyps or tissue to be sampled for further examination.

• Stool tests: To look for hidden blood or abnormal DNA markers, which can be signs of cancer.

• CT colonography: A special type of scan that provides a detailed image of the colon.

• Blood tests: To assess for anemia or to identify certain tumor markers.

• Biopsy: A tissue sample can be examined by a pathologist to confirm cancer and provide information about the tumor.

How Do You Detect Colon Cancer Early?

Routine screening, especially colonoscopy, beginning at the recommended age or earlier for those at risk, is a key component of early detection. Screening is one of the best ways to prevent cancer, because it can detect and remove polyps that could develop into cancer before they turn into cancer.

Treatment Options for Colon Cancer

The treatment for colon cancer will be based on the stage, location, and general health of the person:

Surgery: Surgery is the most effective treatment for most stages, as the tumor is removed, and, in some cases, a section of colon may need to be removed.

Chemotherapy: This treats any remaining cancer cells after surgery, or it's used to reduce the size of a tumor before the surgery, particularly in more advanced cancers.

Radiation therapy: This is a therapy that uses radiation to kill cancer cells and is more commonly used for rectal cancer but can be used in certain colon cancer cases.

Targeted therapy: Treats a specific type of gene defect in cancer cells, typically for cancers that are more advanced or have spread to other parts of the body.

Immunotherapy: This is an option for some of the colon cancers that have a specific gene, which helps the immune system identify and kill cancer cells.

A multidisciplinary oncology team, with a mix of different surgical, medical, and radiation specialists, enables treatment plans to be finely targeted to the individual based on the diagnosis.

Is Colon Cancer Curable?

Colon cancer is treatable, and the treatment approach depends on factors such as the stage of cancer, tumor characteristics, and the patient's overall health. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy may be considered depending on the individual case.

What is the survival rate of colon cancer?

The prognosis for colon cancer is different for everyone, depending on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed, the health of the individual, and when treatment starts. Early diagnosed cancers have a much better prognosis than late diagnosed cancers if the diagnosis occurs before the cancer has spread beyond the colon. This is the reason why screening and early symptom assessment are the most useful tools to impact long-term prognosis, not any one statistic.

How Can Colon Cancer Be Prevented?

It may be impossible to prevent some cases, but some steps can make a real difference in reducing risk:

• For people at average risk, regular colorectal cancer screening generally begins at age 45.

• Adopt a diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Keep red and processed meats to a minimum.

• Keep a healthy weight.

• Stay physically active.

• Don't smoke or take in excess amounts of alcohol.

• People with inflammatory bowel disease may need an individualized colorectal cancer screening plan.

How to Avoid Colon Cancer Through Early Habits

These practices can be established at an early age rather than when symptoms arise, or the family history sends a scare down the trail and gives long-term protection. Regular screening is the most important and effective measure, as it allows for the detection and removal of polyps that may never develop into cancer.

When to see an oncologist

Consult a physician as soon as you experience any of the above, which may indicate persistent bowel changes, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or continued abdominal discomfort for persistent or unexplained symptoms. Persons with a personal or family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease should also consider screening options and when to start them with a specialist, even if they do not have any symptoms.

Get Expert Colon Cancer Care at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital

Early detection and coordinated treatment are key factors in the battle to conquer colon cancer, and the right hospital can make a difference at every stage. The Sri Ram Cancer and Super Specialty Centre at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Jaipur, provides comprehensive cancer care through medical, surgical, and radiation oncology services, supported by specialized diagnostic and treatment facilities.

At MGH, patients can access colorectal cancer evaluation and treatment through the hospital's medical and surgical oncology services. If you have persistent or unexplained symptoms or are due for colorectal cancer screening, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation.