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Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer, has quickly become one of the most rapidly growing health issues worldwide. According to the WHO, it is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Previously believed to be a condition mainly affecting individuals over 50, recent studies indicate a concerning rise in colorectal cancer cases among younger adults. This makes early awareness and screening more crucial than ever. Unhealthy eating habits, lack of activity, and obesity are contributing to this trend and elevating the risk of colon cancer. The positive aspect is that early detection and simple lifestyle modifications can significantly impact saving lives. With the help of advanced tools, such as AI-enhanced colonoscopies and genetic testing, the early identification of colon cancer is becoming faster and more precise. In this blog, we will provide all the crucial information about early signs of colon cancer, types, causes, risk factors, and treatments, so you can remain informed, take action, and safeguard your health.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal or rectal cancer, begins in the large intestine (colon) when abnormal cell growths called polyps form on the inner lining of the colon. Not all polyps are harmful; some are non-cancerous, while others may develop into cancer over time. Larger polyps (over 3 cm) or having more than three polyps increase the risk of cancer.
Early screening techniques, such as colonoscopy, allow doctors to detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous, thus preventing cancer. If left untreated, cancerous polyps can spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, impacting other parts of the body.
Did you know? AI-powered colonoscopy is an exciting advancement that uses artificial intelligence to enhance the detection and characterisation of colon polyps during the procedure. These systems utilise deep learning algorithms trained on large datasets of colonoscopy images, allowing them to spot subtle tissue changes that even experienced doctors might overlook.
Types of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer types are classified according to the cells where the cancer originates. Knowing these types is essential for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and prognosis. The most common types of colon cancer include:
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is the term for cancer that develops in the mucus-producing cells that lubricate the lining of the colon and rectum.
Carcinoid Tumors
This type of cancer develops in the hormone-making cells in the large intestine.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours
This type of cancer usually starts to develop in the special walls of the colon. This can make any part of the digestive system cancerous.
Lymphomas
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the immune system cells of the human body. This type of cancer develops in the lymph nodes. It can also develop in the rectum, colon, or other organs of the digestive system.
Sarcomas
Colorectal sarcomas are rarely seen in patients and are considered an unusual form of intestinal cancer. This type of cancer originates in the blood vessels, muscles, or tissues associated with the colon (large intestine).
Stages of Colon Cancer
The various stages of colon cancer include:
Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ): When abnormal cells are found in the innermost layer of the colon (mucosa) and & spread into nearby normal tissues.
Stage 1: When cancer forms in the innermost layer of the colon wall.
Stage 2: Cancer has grown to the outer layer of the colon but has not spread beyond it.
Stage 3: Cancer has not only spread to the colon’s outer layers but has also spread to the first to third lymph nodes.
Stage 4: In Stage 4, cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
You can have colon cancer without experiencing any symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they might be hard to recognise as signs of colon cancer because they often resemble those of less severe conditions. Some early signs of colon cancer include:
- Abdominal discomfort: Cramping, bloating, or ongoing pain in the lower abdomen.
- Changes in bowel habits: Diarrhoea, constipation, or a sensation of incomplete bowel emptying.
- Blood in stool: Bright red or dark stools could signal bleeding in the colon.
- Unexplained weight loss: Unexpected weight loss despite no changes in diet or exercise.
- Fatigue and weakness: Often caused by anaemia resulting from blood loss in the intestines.
- Urinary or pelvic symptoms: In some women, colon cancer may press on the bladder or reproductive organs, leading to discomfort or frequent urination.
- Nausea or vomiting: May occur if the tumour partially obstructs the intestine.
Risk Factors of Colon Cancer
Factors that could raise the possibility of developing colorectal cancer include:
- Age: The risk of developing colorectal cancer rises with age, with the majority of cases occurring in individuals over 50 years old.
- Family history: Having a family history of colorectal cancer or specific genetic conditions, like Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), can elevate the risk.
- Personal history: Individuals who previously had colorectal cancer or specific types of polyps are at increased risk.
- Lifestyle factors: Unhealthy lifestyle choices, like a diet rich in processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables, sedentary habits, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use, can heighten the risk.
Note: You should never ignore unusual symptoms in your body. Cancer symptoms can spread to other parts of the body rapidly. As per the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer, the stage 4 colorectal cancer symptoms can make the liver, lungs, or ovaries cancerous.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer in Females
Females may experience the same symptoms as listed above. In addition, if people who are menstruating have anaemia from colon cancer, they may have irregular menstrual cycles.
Causes of Colorectal Cancer
The colon cancer causes are still unknown. Colon cancer develops when cells in the colon undergo DNA mutations, disrupting the instructions that guide cell behaviour. These mutations can lead to rapid cell growth and hinder the normal process of cell death. This uncontrolled growth can create a lump known as a tumour. In some cases, these cells invade adjacent healthy tissues, causing damage. Over time, cancer cells may break free and spread to other parts of the body, leading to metastatic cancer.
How to Prevent Colon Cancer?
Although not all cases can be avoided, adopting healthy lifestyle habits and undergoing regular screenings can significantly lower your risk of colon cancer. Factors that may help prevent colorectal cancer include:
1. Avoid Unhealthy Dietary Habits: Eating high-fat and empty-calorie foods in excessive amounts increases the threat of obesity and colorectal cancer in the human body. Furthermore, the excessive intake of red meat and processed meat can be the cause of cancerous disease.
2. Excessive Consumption of Alcohol: Those who consume alcohol in excessive amounts develop high-risk factors in their bodies to become the victim of cancer. Therefore, healthcare regulatory bodies recommend the intake of alcoholic beverages (carcinogens) in only a limited amount.
3. Say No to Cancerous Tobacco: The intake of tobacco in any form often becomes the cause of a cancerous disease. This carcinogen usually damages the DNA in the human body.
4. Lifestyle Changes: Those with a sedentary lifestyle are more prone to developing cancer. Physical activities reduce the risk of cancer.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Those who often suffer from inflammatory bowel disease may develop the early symptoms of colorectal cancer easily.
6. Be Acquainted with Inherited Cancerous DNA: Some cancerous cells or DNA run in families. In the case of colon cancer, adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome are the inherited syndromes for cancer.
7. Keep Your Diabetes in Check: People who fall victim to high insulin resistance are more likely to develop the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer in their intestines.
Colon Cancer Screening
Regular colorectal cancer screening is a powerful tool to prevent cancer. When abnormal cells start growing into polyps, it takes 10 to 15 years for them to develop into colorectal cancer. With on-time and regular screening and prevention, most of the polyps can be identified and removed; hence, prevention is possible.
Lower the Risk of Colon Cancer
Managing your diet, keeping a healthy weight, and increasing the intensity of your physical activity can help. Moreover, quitting smoking may help to reduce the possibility of many types of cancer. Taking daily multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium and minerals can reduce colon cancer symptoms.
Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Although the colorectal cancer survival rate is high, lack of immediate treatment may be a reason for increasing death counts. Hence, ensuring on-time detection and treatment is essential to combat this illness. Recommendations below are a colon cancer symptoms treatments given by the healthcare providers:
1. Surgical Treatments: Most commonly, doctors recommend surgical treatments to cure colorectal cancer. The colorectal surgeon only operates on the organ that is affected by the tumour. Under this treatment, the surgeon will try to cure cancer from its roots. The following types of surgical treatments may be recommended by the doctor, depending on your medical condition:
- Polypectomy
- Partial colectomy
- Ablation and embolisation for colorectal cancer
2. Systematic Treatments: Based on the stage of colon cancer, doctors sometimes recommend systematic treatments with or without surgery. These systematic treatments are inoperable. Typically, cancer is treated with oral medications. In some cases, the doctors inject these drugs via the bloodstream, which can reduce the intensity of the disease. Healthcare experts may often recommend the following systematic treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
>> Also Read: Can Gut Microbiome Variations Predict Colorectal Cancer Risk?
In a Nutshell
Health emergencies like colorectal cancer can happen unexpectedly. Being prepared helps protect you and your loved ones. Even though health insurance might seem optional, its benefits are essential for covering unexpected medical costs. With Care Health Insurance’s Cancer Mediclaim, you can get thorough coverage for cancer treatments, giving you peace of mind when it matters most. Reach out to our friendly experts today to learn more about the plan benefits and coverage options, and take a positive step towards safeguarding your family’s health.
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
