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Colon Cancer, Is it Deadly?

GERD - Gastro Florida — GERD - Gastro Florida

Colon cancer (Colorectal Cancer or CRC) is a deadly disease. It is the third most common cancer in America, after breast and prostate cancers. Each year, more than 50,000 Americans die from it.

Colon cancer can be treated successfully if it is caught early enough, but many people do not know they have it until it is too late. This article will discuss the symptoms of CRC, its treatments, and how to cure it.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. The colon is the large intestine, and the rectum is the end of the colon where feces (poop) are stored. Colorectal Cancer can also start in other parts of the digestive system, such as the small intestine, stomach, or esophagus.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

Colorectal Cancer symptoms can include any of the following:

– Blood in the stool

– Change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation

– Feeling bloated or full after eating only a small amount of food

– Weight loss for no known reason

– Pain in the abdomen or pelvis

If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. CRC is a severe disease, and it is essential to get treatment as soon as possible.

Treatments for Colon Cancer

There are several treatments for CRC. The most common treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Surgery is used to remove the tumor from the colon.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer. CRC can also be treated with a targeted therapy, which targets a specific gene in the body that promotes cancer growth.

Cure for Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is often curable depending on how early it is caught and how much the colon needs to be removed. If all or almost all of the colon must be removed, the person will need to have a colostomy or ileostomy. A colostomy is when the surgeon attaches one end of the large intestine to an opening on your body so that feces leave your body through this opening. An ileostomate is similar, but it involves attaching the end of the small intestine to an outlet on your body.

After Colon Cancer Treatment

Colon cancer patients should follow their doctor’s advice for treatment, including taking vitamins and eating high-fiber foods after surgery. After chemotherapy or radiation therapy, they may take iron supplements or get vaccinations against infections. Colorectal Cancer survivors are recommended for regular screenings to check for colon cancer recurrence. Colon cancer survivors are also encouraged to make healthy lifestyle choices, such as getting enough exercise and eating fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion 

Colon cancer is deadly if it is not caught early enough. If it is caught early on, then the person may still have a chance at being cured. Colon cancer has several treatments, including surgery, chemotherapyradiation therapy, and targeted therapies.

Colon cancer patients should follow their doctor’s advice after treatment. Colon cancer survivors are recommended for regular screenings to check for recurrence.