What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer (colorectal cancer or CRC) is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon). The colon is the final part of the digestive tract. It typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Symptoms of colon cancer can include:

– Blood in the stool (bowel movement)

– Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation

– Feeling tired all the time

– Unexplained weight loss

– Pain in the abdomen or rectum

– bloating or swelling of the abdomen

Treatment of Colon Cancer

Treatment for colorectal cancer will depend on the stage of the disease. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.

Surgery is the most common treatment for it. The surgeon will remove the cancerous tumor and some of the healthy tissue around it. This is called a tumor resection.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used before or after surgery, or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy may be given as pills, or it may be injected into a vein.

How to Prevent Colon Cancer

There are several things you can do to help prevent colorectal cancer:

– Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

– Exercise regularly.

– Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

– Get regular screenings for colon cancer.

– See your doctor if you have any symptoms of the disease.

Other facts about the disease and its treatment

There are several other things you should know about CRC:

– It is the third most common type of cancer in the United States.

– More than 95% of cases are diagnosed in people who are 50 years or older.

– African Americans are more likely to get colon cancer than white Americans.

– The disease can often be cured if it is caught early.

– Treatment options are improving all the time.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon). The colon is the final part of the digestive tract. Colorectal cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age.   More than 95% of cases are diagnosed in people who are 50 years or older and African Americans are more likely to get CRC than white Americans.

Treatment options for this disease continue to improve with time as doctors develop new ways to battle this deadly illness like radiation therapy and chemotherapy drugs. Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly will also go a long way towards preventing colorectal cancers from developing in your own body by keeping you fit and strong while not exposing yourself too much to carcinogens found in cigarettes, alcohol, processed meat, and certain pesticides.