Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer (or colon cancer) begins in the large intestine (colon) or rectum. Cancers occur when cells divide uncontrollably, eventually spreading into other tissues. Many colon cancers form masses of tissue called tumors, which grow over time.

While colon cancer is most common among older adults, it can form at any time. Doctors classify cancers by how far the cancer has spread. Early-stage colon cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular checkups are important.

When symptoms occur, they might include:

• Changes in bowel habits, including changes in consistency of stool
• Frequent constipation or diarrhea
• Feeling the “need to go" frequently, even after bowel movements
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Blood in stool or bleeding from the rectum
• Fatigue or weakness

As colon cancer spreads, patients will notice other symptoms. These can include swelling, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), frequent infections, and chronic nausea or headaches. These symptoms may vary from patient to patient.

All of these symptoms can occur with diseases that aren’t cancer. People who notice any changes in their health should report their symptoms to a doctor.

Risk Factors and Diagnosis

Like many cancers, colorectal cancer doesn’t have a single cause. The American Cancer Societynotes several risk factors associated with the disease; a risk factor is something that seems to raise a person’s chances of getting a disease.

Colorectal risk factors may include:

• A history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• A family history of colorectal cancer
• Using alcohol or tobacco
• A diet high in processed meats or red meats
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Living a sedentary lifestyle
• Being overweight or obese

Risk factors help doctors understand a patient’s chances of developing disease, but colorectal cancer could affect anyone — even a person who does not have any of the risk factors listed above.

Doctors often test for colorectal cancerby performing a colonoscopy, a procedure that involves inspecting the colon and rectum with a specialized video tool. During the colonoscopy, the physician can take tissue samples for analysis.

Treatments for Colorectal Cancer

Treatment options vary depending on the precise location of the cancer, the patient’s health history, whether or not the cancer has spread to other tissues, and many other factors. Some common treatments include:

Surgery- If cancer hasn’t spread, surgery may be the only treatment needed. Surgeons will remove cancerous tissues, potentially including polyps, part of the colon wall, or an entire section of the colon. Some patients will need several surgeries to remove as much of the cancer as possible.

Chemotherapy- Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop cancer from growing and spreading. It may be given before surgery to reduce the size of tumors, allowing surgeons to remove them.

Radiation Therapy- This treatment uses high-energy radiation, similar to X-rays, to limit the spread of cancer and to reduce symptoms associated with advanced colon cancer. Radiation therapy is typically used when colon cancer has spread throughout the body, but it might also be used before surgery.

Supplements and Complementary Therapies- A study published in The Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology found that calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acid (fish oil) might play a moderate role in lowering the chances of colon cancer, and these vitamins and minerals could potentially help patients. However, patients should discuss new supplements with their doctors before taking them, since some supplements can interact with medications or have unintended side effects.

Other complementary therapies include acupressure, CBD oil, and aromatherapy. These therapies are intended to reduce pain and anxiety, not to cure the cancer, and they’re not appropriate for all patients.

Researching Colon Cancer Online

Colon cancer is a difficult diagnosis, but early detection can improve the chances of effective treatment. Overall, the survival rate for colon cancer is 63 percent, but early-stage colon cancer has a survival rate of 90 percent.

Online resources can help people learn about colon cancer symptoms and treatments. However, patients should always have frank discussions with their physicians before taking supplements, using alternative treatments, or making any other health decisions. It’s also important to evaluate information carefully and look for several sources before believing claims. Many colon cancers are treatable, and the right resources can give patients peace of mind as they begin their treatment.