Colon Cancer Symptoms : Like all types of cancer, colon cancer is also caused by the growth of cells. Cancer occurs when cancer cells grow out of control in the colon and rectum. Colon cancer is also known as colorectal cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women are affected by this cancer. Treatment depends on the stage and type of this cancer. Now let's know about this cancer symptoms and treatment.
Stages of colon cancer
Doctors use different stages to detect this cancer. Treatments are done according to those stages. This helps in determining their treatment plan. It consists of 5 steps. The first stage is called carcinoma in situ. At this stage the abnormal cells are only in the lining of the colon or rectum. In the later stages, the cancer penetrates the lining or mucosa of the large intestine or rectum and grows into the muscle layer. It can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
In stage three, the cancer has spread to tissues in the walls of the large intestine or rectum. But does not affect the lymph nodes. In stage four, the cancer has given off to the lymph nodes but has not spread to other parts of the body. In the last stage, the cancer spreads to organs like the liver and lungs.
Symptoms
Colon cancer symptoms are difficult to recognize in the early stages. But later symptoms like constipation, diarrhoea, changes in stool color, blood in stool, rectal bleeding, bloating, cramping, abdominal pain are seen. A doctor should definitely be consulted if these symptoms persist for more than a week or two. Fatigue, weakness, weight loss, changes in stool for more than a month, feeling full in the bowels and vomiting are also symptoms. If cancer spreads to liver and lung cysts, symptoms like jaundice, swelling of hands and feet, difficulty in breathing and chronic headache are seen. Researchers are still studying the causes. It can be caused by genetic mutations. It can also be inherited. It cannot be said that cancer will occur because of these, but the risk of cancer is high due to these. Your age and family health history can affect your risk of colon cancer. Age above 50 years, intestinal diseases, colorectal cancer and having genetic syndromes are risk factors. Overweight, obesity, smoking, heavy drinking, diabetes type 2, sedentary lifestyle can affect this cancer.
Prevention
Colon cancer can be prevented with lifestyle changes. Otherwise the risk of developing this disease can be reduced. Stay away from red meat and avoid processed foods. Consuming plant-based foods is good. Reducing fatty foods, exercising, keeping diabetes under control, losing weight, and avoiding smoking-drinking addictions can keep this cancer under control. It can be controlled with various treatments.
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