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COLON CANCER
Our gut has been getting a lot of attention in recent years. It’s a powerful,
complicated system that can easily get out of balance. Nutrition, stress and
lifestyle habits all help play an important role in our gut health. Speaking of
important roles, our colon (large intestine) is a part of the digestive system
that helps absorb water and minerals and eliminate waste. The colon is an
essential part of our system. But, if cells grow abnormally in the colon or
rectum, colon polyps may form. And, depending on the type of polyp, it might
turn into colorectal cancer (colon cancer) over time (usually many years).1,2
colon polyps
A small growth on lining of your colon that may become cancerous.
close
Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer cancer.org, 2021
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WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF COLON CANCER?
Most colon cancers are called adenocarcinomas. These tumors start in the cells
that make mucus to lubricate the inside of the colon and rectum. Other types of
colon cancers exist but are rare. They include:3
What is Colorectal Cancer? cancer.org, 2021
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* Carcinoid tumors
* Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
* Lymphomas
* Sarcomas
HOW IS COLON CANCER DIAGNOSED?
Did you know a polyp may take up to 15 years before it turns into cancer?
Regular screenings may help spot polyps early and could even help prevent them
from turning into cancer. So, even if you don’t have symptoms, you may want to
consider getting regular colon cancer screenings once you turn 50. (Some experts
say 45.) If you have any risk factors (read on to learn about these), talk to
your doctor about getting screened before you turn 50 years old.4,5
Colorectal Cancer Screening cancer.org, 2021
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WHAT ARE COMMON COLON CANCER SCREENINGS?
Here’s a little bit about each type of colon cancer screening. Be sure to talk
with your doctor about which one may be right for you.6
Colorectal Screening Tests cancer.org, 2021
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* Stool test: There are three types of stool tests. The guaiac-based fecal
occult blood test and fecal immunochemical test both check for blood in your
stool (blood could be an indicator that there’s a polyp or cancer). Both
kinds of tests are done once a year. The stool DNA test checks for actual
cancer cells in the stool and is done every 1 or 3 years.
* Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Your doctor inserts a little lighted tube into your
rectum and lower part of the colon to check for polyps or cancer. This is
done every 5 years (or every 10, along with that stool DNA test mentioned
above).
* Colonoscopy: This is like the flexible sigmoidoscopy, but it checks the
rectum and the whole colon. During a colonoscopy, the doctor may remove
anything suspicious. This screening is done every 10 years for people at
average risk. It can also be a follow-up test if something concerning is
found in one of the screenings listed above.
* Virtual colonoscopy: This uses X-rays and computers to create images of your
colon for the doctor to analyze. This one is done every 5 years.
The test you choose may depend on your health, risk factors and personal comfort
level with getting screened. The important thing is to talk to your doctor who
can help you pick one — and have it done regularly.
WHAT ARE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF COLON CANCER?
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of colon cancer may be tricky because they
may be caused by something unrelated. That’s the nature of our delicate
digestive system. It’s important to pay attention to how your gut is functioning
because it might be trying to tell you something. Here’s a list of symptoms that
colon cancer might cause:7
Colorectal Cancer Signs and Symptoms cancer.org, 2021
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* Diarrhea, constipation or change in bowel movements
* Rectal bleeding or bloody stool
* Constant abdominal pain or cramps
* Feeling like your bowel doesn’t empty all the way
* Weakness or fatigue
* Unexplained weight loss
Keep in mind, early stages of colon cancer may likely not cause any symptoms at
all. But, if any of these sounds familiar, schedule a visit with your doctor
right away.
AM I AT RISK FOR COLON CANCER?
Most people have about a 4% chance of being diagnosed with colon cancer in their
lifetime (men 4.4% and women 4.1%). However, the rate of diagnosis continues to
drop because more people are getting screened and making lifestyle changes that
lower their risk.8,9 The list below shows which factors might increase your
risk for colon cancer.10
Colon cancer- Diagnosis and treatment cancer.org, 2021
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Colorectal Cancer Statistics cancer.org, 2021
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* Poor health: Diabetes, obesity, smoking, alcohol, inactivity and diet all may
play a crucial role in your chances for getting colon cancer. The good news?
These are all things you can change! Talk with your doctor about lifestyle
habits to help lower your risk.
* Older age: The majority of cases happen in people 50 or older.
* Race: African-Americans have a greater chance of getting colon cancer.
* Personal and family history: If you or a close family member has been
diagnosed, you’re more likely to develop it (or get it again).
* Previous radiation treatment: If you’ve had radiation therapy around the
abdomen, your chances may go up.
* Inflammatory intestinal conditions: Conditions like ulcerative colitis and
Chron’s disease may increase your risk.
* Inherited syndromes: Certain gene mutations form syndromes that increase your
risk. The most common are familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome
Lynch syndrome
A condition that’s inherited where you’re at risk for colorectal cancer and
cancer in other major organs. These can include stomach, small intestine,
liver, gallbladder, urinary tract, brain and skin.
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. Just a small number of cases are linked to these.
It’s important to know all your risk factors, even the ones you may not be able
to do anything about. This list started with the factors you can change for a
reason — to motivate you in taking control of your health.
HOW IS COLON CANCER TREATED?
There are a number of different treatment options. The cancer’s stage and
location may help determine which treatment (or combination of treatments) may
be best for you.10
Colon cancer- Diagnosis and treatment cancer.org, 2021
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* Surgery: This is the most common treatment for colon cancer. For early (and
small) cancers, you might have the polyps removed during surgery or your
colonoscopy. More advanced cancers that have spread might require part of
your colon or surrounding lymph nodes to be removed.
* Radiation: This might be used to kill cancer cells or help shrink a big tumor
before surgery (that makes it easier to remove).
* Chemotherapy: Chemo(therapy) drugs help kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is
often used after surgery that’s been done to remove advanced tumors. It helps
kill any remaining cancer cells and lowers the risk of your cancer coming
back.
* Immunotherapy: This approach works a little like a vaccine — but for colon
cancer. It may help your body recognize and fight off cancer cells.
There’s no single right treatment approach for colon cancer. Each person’s
journey is different. Be sure to have a conversation with your doctor and care
team about the pros and cons of each option and do your own research so you’re
comfortable with the plan you pick.
WHO SHOULD I SEE IF I'M CONCERNED ABOUT COLON CANCER?
If you think you might have symptoms of colon cancer, or you’re concerned about
your risk level, schedule a visit with your primary care provider (the doctor or
provider you might see for your yearly physical). Bring a list of your symptoms,
family history and any questions you want answered. If your doctor thinks you
may have signs of colon cancer, he or she may order one or more of those tests
we mentioned above. Or, you might be referred a gastroenterologist. (Your body
could be telling you that your gut just needs a little extra care.) If your test
results show signs of cancer, you’ll likely be referred to an oncologist to
discuss further tests and treatment options.11
gastroenterologist
A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases in your
gastrointestinal tract and liver.
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oncologist
A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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Colon cancer- Preparing for your appointment cancer.org, 2021
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Footnotes
1. Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer cancer.org, 2021
2. Picture of the Colon webmd.com, 2020
3. What is Colorectal Cancer? cancer.org, 2021
4. Colorectal Cancer Screening cancer.org, 2021
5. What Should I Know About Screening? cdc.gov, 2021
6. Colorectal Screening Tests cancer.org, 2021
7. Colorectal Cancer Signs and Symptoms cancer.org, 2021
8. Colorectal Cancer Statistics cancer.org, 2021
9. Colon cancer- Symptoms and causes cancer.org, 2021
10. Colon cancer- Diagnosis and treatment cancer.org, 2021
11. Colon cancer- Preparing for your appointment cancer.org, 2021
Disclaimer
Content is for general informational purposes only and not intended to be
medical advice or a substitute for professional health care. See your physician
for medical advice personalized to your situation. Consult your doctor prior to
beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care
routine.
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