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Colon cancer develops in the colon, which is the first and longest section of the large intestine. The large intestine is part of the digestive system, where food is broken down so the body can absorb nutrients and eliminate waste.
This type of cancer most often affects older adults, though it can occur at any age. Colon cancer usually begins as small, noncancerous growths called polyps that form inside the colon. While most polyps are harmless, some can gradually turn into cancer if not detected and removed. Because polyps typically don’t cause symptoms, regular screening is crucial for prevention and early diagnosis.
When colon cancer is diagnosed, several treatment options are available depending on its stage. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are sometimes grouped together under the term colorectal cancer.
Colon cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, making screening tests essential.
The stage of cancer shows how far it has spread and helps guide treatment choices and prognosis.
While prevention is not guaranteed, a healthy lifestyle—balanced diet, exercise, maintaining healthy weight, avoiding smoking and excess alcohol—can reduce the risk.
Although colon cancer is often found during routine screenings, some common warning signs include:
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
Iron-deficiency anemia
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrowing of stool)
Intestinal obstruction or, in severe cases, perforation
Doctors use a combination of tests to diagnose colon cancer and assess overall health. These may include:
Blood tests (complete blood count, liver function tests, chemistries)
Tumor markers like serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
Colonoscopy and imaging tests to directly view and biopsy suspicious areas
Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing colon or colorectal cancer. These include:
Family history of colon or rectal cancer (especially in a parent, sibling, or child)
Personal history of colon, rectal, or ovarian cancer
Personal history of advanced adenomas (large or abnormal polyps)
Genetic syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
Long-term inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, 8+ years)
Lifestyle risks: smoking, heavy alcohol intake (3+ drinks daily), obesity
Demographic risk: being older, or being Black (higher incidence rates)
Treatment depends on the stage of cancer and overall patient health. Options include:
Surgery → to remove cancerous sections of the colon
Radiation therapy → often used in rectal cancer or advanced cases
Chemotherapy → drugs to kill or stop cancer growth
Targeted therapy → medicines designed to attack cancer-specific abnormalities
Immunotherapy → treatments that boost the body’s own immune system to fight cancer
Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected early through routine screening. Understanding the risk factors, recognizing symptoms, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle all play a vital role in reducing risk. If detected, a wide range of treatments can help manage and control the disease, offering patients a better quality of life and improved outcomes.