Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Polyps generally aren’t cancerous, but some can turn into colon cancers over time….CONTINUE READING...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Polyps often don’t cause symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests to look for polyps in the colon. Finding and removing polyps helps prevent colon cancer.
If colon cancer develops, many treatments can help control it. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and medicines, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Symptoms
According to Mayoclinic, many people with colon cancer don’t have symptoms at first. When symptoms appear, they’ll likely depend on the cancer’s size and where it is in the large intestine.
Symptoms of colon cancer can include:
1. A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation.
2. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
3. Ongoing discomfort in the belly area, such as cramps, gas or pain.
4. A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty all the way during a bowel movement.
5. Weakness or tiredness.
6. Losing weight without trying.
When to see a doctor
If you notice lasting symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with a health care professional.
Causes
Doctors aren’t certain what causes most colon cancers.
Colon cancer happens when cells in the colon develop changes in their DNA. A cells’ DNA holds the instructions that tell the cell what to do.
The changes tell the cells to multiply quickly. The changes let the cells continue living when healthy cells die as part of their natural lifecycle.
This causes too many cells. The cells might form a mass called a tumor. The cells can invade and destroy healthy body tissue. In time, the cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body. When cancer spreads, it’s called metastatic cancer….CONTINUE READING
