What Causes Colon Cancer? Symptoms And Treatment Options

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What Causes Colon Cancer? Symptoms And Treatment Options

 

Colon cancer is the third-most common cancer in both men and women, but new technology has made a huge difference. Find out more about the various treatments for colon cancer like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy in this article.

 

What Causes Colon Cancer?


It is not clear what causes colon cancer, but there are several risk factors that may be involved. These include:

  • A family history of colon cancer

  • Having certain medical conditions, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

  • Smoking cigarettes

  • Being overweight or obese

  • Eating a diet high in red meat and processed meats, and low in fruits and vegetables

  • Drinking alcohol excessively


If you have any of these risk factors, it does not mean that you will definitely develop colon cancer. However, it is important to be aware of them so that you can take steps to reduce your risk. For example, if you have a family history of the disease, you may want to get screened for colon cancer earlier than the general population.

 

Symptoms of Colon Cancer


Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine (colon). The colon is the final part of the digestive tract. Cancer of the colon and rectum (colorectal cancer) is the third most common cancer in both men and women.

Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers.

Polyps are more likely to become cancerous if they are large, if they have certain types of abnormal cell growth, or if they bleed. A family history of colorectal cancer also increases your risk. In case, if you feel any of the symptoms, you can consult your nearest specialist by booking an appointment.

The exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, but several factors are associated with its development, including:

 

Age:


The risk of colon cancer increases with age. More than 90% of cases occur in people who are 50 years or older.

 

Diet:


A diet high in fat and calories and low in fiber may increase your risk of developing colon cancer.

 

Obesity:


People who are obese have an increased risk of colon cancer.

 

Smoking:


Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of colon cancer.

 

Alcohol:


Drinking alcohol increases the risk of colorectal cancer.

 

Inflammatory bowel disease:


Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are types of inflammatory bowel disease that increase the risk for developing colon cancer.

 

Treatment Options for Colon Cancer


There are a variety of treatment options available for colon cancer, which will be determined by the stage of the cancer.

If the cancer is caught early, surgery may be the only treatment necessary. A surgeon will remove the section of the colon with the cancer, as well as a small amount of healthy tissue surrounding it. In some cases, the surgeon may also need to remove nearby lymph nodes.

If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, surgery may still be an option, but it will likely be combined with other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.

Targeted therapy is a newer type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. This type of therapy is often used in combination with other treatments.

Palliative care is care that focuses on relieving symptoms and providing comfort without trying to cure the underlying cancer. It may be used at any stage of colon cancer and can be provided alongside other treatments.

 

Conclusion


There are a number of different factors that can contribute to the development of colon cancer, but fortunately there are also various treatment options available. If you're experiencing any symptoms of colon cancer, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that they can diagnose and treat the condition. With early detection and treatment, many people with colon cancer are able to make a full recovery.

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