About Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last several inches of the colon. Together, they’re often referred to as colorectal cancers.
Finding colon cancer at its earliest stage provides the greatest chance for a cure. A timely screening has been shown to reduce your risk of dying of colon cancer.
The early symptoms are vague, but the following signs and symptoms can indicate colon cancer:
- Change in bowel habits
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort
- Abdominal pain with bowel movement
- Feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely
- Unexplained weight loss and fatigue
- Presence of polyps as non-cancerous (benign) clumps
- A diet rich in fat and starch without fibre
- Sedentary life style
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- A family history of colon polyps
- A history of inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease)
Diagnosis, Management and Treatment
- A blood test called the ‘faecal occult’, which identifies hidden blood in the stool is done
- Followed by visualisation of colon through a procedure known as colonscopy
- Other tests including biopsy, where a piece of suspected tissue is taken for examination
- Treatment plan may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation depending on the stage of disease
Comprehensive cancer care
Apollo Cancer Centre the ONE STOP SOLUTION for comprehensive cancer care with Bone marrow transplant, Surgical, Medical, and Radiation Oncology.