COLON CANCER

Colorectal cancer might not cause symptoms right away, but if it does, it may cause one or more of these symptoms:

• A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days
• A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one
• Rectal bleeding with bright red blood
• Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black
• Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain
• Weakness and fatigue
• Unintended weight loss

However, many people with colon cancer may not experience any symptoms in the early stages, which is why screening for colon cancer is so important.

Several test options are available for colorectal cancer screening:

• Stool-based tests

• •     Highly sensitive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
  •     Highly sensitive guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) every year
• Visual (structural) exams of the colon and rectum
• •     Colonoscopy every 10 years
  •     CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years
  •     Flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSIG) every 5 years

These tests can detect precancerous polyps or early-stage colon cancer, which can be treated before they become more advanced.

People at increased or high risk of colorectal cancer might need to start colorectal cancer screening before age 45, be screened more often, and/or get specific tests. This includes people with:

•     A strong family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
•     A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
•     A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
•     A known family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
•     A personal history of radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer

Lifestyle factors, such as physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, can also increase the risk of colon cancer.

Preventing colon cancer involves making healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and getting regular exercise. It is also important to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

If you are diagnosed with colon cancer, treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as your overall health.