Colon (Bowel Cancer)

TYPES OF CANCER

Colon (Intestine) Cancer

Colon cancer is a type of colorectal cancer that affects the colon, also known as the large intestine. The colon is part of the digestive system; it is an organ system that processes food for energy. Colon cancer begins when the normal cells lining the colon begin to grow and change uncontrollably. These cells eventually form a tumour (which can be benign or malignant) over a period of years. Cancer can be attributed to both genetic and environmental factors. While it is still a leading cause of death, recent advances in screening and treatment have increased the survival rate.
Cancer develops from certain polyps or growths in the inner lining of the colon. Doctors can perform screening tests that detect polyps before they develop into cancerous tumours. Colon cancer that is not detected or treated can spread to other parts of the body.

Colon (Intestine) Cancer Symptoms

Many people do not have symptoms at first. When symptoms do occur, they will most likely depend on the size of the cancer and its location in the large intestine.

Symptoms of colon cancer may include:

Changes in bowel habits, for example more frequent diarrhoea or constipation
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
Persistent discomfort such as cramps, gas or pain in the abdomen
Feeling that the bowel is not completely empty during defecation
Weakness or fatigue
Losing weight without effort

Many of the above symptoms can also be caused by other problems such as infection, haemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. It is important to get checked if you have any of these problems.

What are the Stages of Colon (Intestine) Cancer?

Doctors use staging as a general guide to determine how far the cancer has progressed. This can help them develop the best treatment plan and better predict your long-term outlook. Colon cancer stages can be listed as follows:

Stage 0: Also known as carcinoma in situ, this stage involves abnormal cells found only in the inner lining of the colon.
Stage 1: The cancer has penetrated the lining or mucosa of the colon and may have grown into the muscle layer. It has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Stage 2: The cancer has spread to or through the walls of the colon into nearby tissues but has not affected the lymph nodes.
Stage 3: The cancer has moved to the lymph nodes but not to other parts of the body.
Stage 4: The cancer has spread to other distant organs such as the liver or lungs.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer stage 1?
In stage 1 of colon cancer, there may be no obvious signs or symptoms. As symptoms develop, they may vary depending on the size of the tumour and its location in the large intestine. Early symptoms may only affect the colon and cause changes in bowel habits.

What Causes Colon (Intestine) Cancer?

Doctors are not sure why colon cancer is caused. Colon cancer occurs when cells in the colon develop changes in their DNA. A cell's DNA holds instructions that tell the cell what to do. The changes tell the cells to multiply rapidly. The changes ensure that the cells continue to live when healthy cells die as part of their natural life cycle. This leads to too many cells. As a result, a mass called a tumour can form. The cells can invade and destroy healthy body tissue. Over time, the cells can break down and spread to other parts of the body. When cancer spreads, it is called metastatic cancer.

How Is Colon (Intestinal) Cancer Diagnosed?

Colon cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Therefore, it is often detected during routine screenings such as colonoscopy. Its diagnosis usually begins with a screening to assess whether symptoms indicate cancer. If a gastroenterologist suspects colon cancer, he or she will recommend a biopsy. For this, the doctor will take a small sample of tissue. In less common cases, it may be necessary to surgically remove part of the colon to make a diagnosis.

The samples are then sent to the laboratory for examination. If cancer is found, further tests may be performed to more accurately classify the cancer and determine treatment options.

How is Colon (Intestinal) Cancer Treated?

Treatment for colon cancer will depend on several factors, including the stage and type of cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. In stages 0, 1 and 2 of colon cancer, it is often possible for a surgeon to surgically remove cancerous polyps. Surgery is the most common treatment for colon cancer. There are different colon cancer surgeries and procedures, and treatment for colon cancer that has spread or recurred may also include

Chemotherapy: Doctors may use chemotherapy drugs to shrink tumors and relieve colon cancer symptoms.
Targeted therapy: This treatment targets genes, proteins and tissues that help colon cancer cells grow and multiply. Doctors often use a type of targeted therapy called monoclonal antibody therapy. This therapy uses laboratory-created antibodies that bind to specific targets in cancer cells or cells that help cancer cells grow. The antibodies kill the cancer cells.

If the cancer has metastasized, colostomy, ablation therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy may be used in addition to chemotherapy.

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Colon (Intestine) Cancer Risk Factors

The exact causes of colon cancer are still unknown. However, researchers have identified several factors that can increase your risk of developing colon cancer. The most important of these is genetic predisposition. Genetic mutations can be inherited or acquired. These mutations do not guarantee that you will get colon cancer, but they increase your chances. Some genetic conditions associated with colon cancer include

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

Gardner syndrome

Lynch syndrome

Cystic fibrosis

Some mutations can cause abnormal cells to accumulate in the lining of the colon and form polyps. These are small, benign growths. However, untreated polyps can develop into cancer. Surgical removal of these growths can be a preventive measure. In addition, colon cancer risk factors include the following

Over 50 years of age

Previous history of colon polyps

Previous history of bowel diseases

Family history of colorectal cancer

Having certain genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

Having certain health conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Previously undergone certain medical procedures, such as abdominal radiation and gallbladder removal

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How to Protect Yourself from Colon (Intestine) Cancer?

Certain risk factors for colon cancer, such as family history and age, are not preventable. However, some lifestyle factors that can contribute to colon cancer are preventable and changing them can help you reduce your overall risk of developing this disease. You can apply the following methods to prevent colon cancer:

Avoiding processed meats
Consume more plant-based foods
Reducing dietary fat and red meat
Exercise daily
Maintaining a moderate weight, especially if you have obesity or are overweight
Reducing stress
Managing pre-existing diabetes

When you reach 45 years of age, having a colonoscopy or other cancer screening can help detect colon cancer. This is important as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications.

Biz Kimiz?

Founded in 2018, Pharmackt operates in the Turkish pharmaceutical and genetic markets. In oncology, hematology and rare diseases, “Pharmackt” sees it as a priority to be useful in every field with its innovative approaches in order to produce common solutions to the search of physicians and patients.