What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the colon, which is the large intestine. The symptoms of colon cancer can vary depending on the stage of the cancer. Some common symptoms include:

Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool.
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
Abdominal pain.
Weakness and fatigue.
Unexplained weight loss.

Other symptoms of colon cancer can include:

Gas or bloating.
Nausea or vomiting.
Constipation.
Rectal pain or discomfort.
Feeling of fullness after eating.
Unexplained anemia.
Fatigue.
Weakness.
Pain in the back, side, or pelvis.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for the best possible outcome.

It is important to note that not everyone with colon cancer will experience symptoms. Some people may have no symptoms at all, which is why it is important to get regular screening tests, even if you do not have any symptoms.

The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk start getting screened for colon cancer at age 45. People at high risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer, should start getting screened earlier.

The screening tests for colon cancer include:

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): This test looks for blood in the stool.
Sigmoidoscopy: This test allows the doctor to look inside the rectum and lower part of the colon.
Colonoscopy: This test allows the doctor to look inside the entire colon.

If you are diagnosed with colon cancer, the treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer. Early-stage colon cancer can often be cured with surgery. More advanced colon cancer may require surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

The outlook for people with colon cancer is good if the cancer is diagnosed early and treated promptly. The 5-year survival rate for colon cancer is 90% for people diagnosed at Stage I and 70% for people diagnosed at Stage II.

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Here are the 6 early signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer

I can help you with that. Here are the 6 early signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer Change in bowel habits: This could mean a change in the frequency of your bowel movements, the consistency of your stool, or the amount of mucus in your stool. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool: This can be bright red or dark red. Abdominal pain or cramping: This pain may be constant or it may come and go. Weakness or fatigue: You may feel tired all the time, even after getting a good night's sleep. Unexplained weight loss: This weight loss is not due to dieting or exercise. Iron deficiency anemia: This is a condition where your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, or inflammatory bowel disease. However, it is always best to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist for more than a few...

What are the risk factors for colon cancer?

Here are some of the risk factors for colon cancer : Age: The risk of colon cancer increases with age. Most cases of colon cancer are diagnosed in people over the age of 50. Family history: People with a family history of colon cancer are at increased risk of developing the disease. Personal history: People who have had polyps in their colon are at increased risk of developing colon cancer. Polyps are small growths that can develop on the lining of the colon. Inflammatory bowel disease: People with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, are at increased risk of developing colon cancer. Diet: A diet high in red meat and processed meats is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. Lack of physical activity: People who are physically inactive are at increased risk of colon cancer. Obesity: People who are obese are at increased risk of colon cancer. Race: African Americans are more likely to develop colon cancer than white p...

What are the available treatment options for colon cancer, and how is the choice of treatment determined?

The choice of treatment for colon cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the location of the cancer, and the patient's overall health. The main treatment options for colon cancer are Surgery: Surgery is the removal of the cancer and some surrounding healthy tissue during an operation. It is often called surgical resection. This is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given before surgery (called neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink the tumor, after surgery (called adjuvant therapy) to kill any remaining cancer cells, or as a standalone treatment for advanced cancer. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be given before surgery (called neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink the tumor, after surgery (called adjuvant therapy) to kill any remaining cancer cells, or as a standalone treatment for advanced cancer. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses ...

How is colon cancer diagnosed and what are the typical screening methods?

Colorectal cancer is diagnosed through a combination of tests, including: Colonoscopy: This is the gold standard test for diagnosing colorectal cancer. It involves inserting a long, flexible tube with a camera into the rectum and colon to look for polyps or cancer. Sigmoidoscopy: This test is similar to a colonoscopy, but it only looks at the rectum and the lower part of the colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This test is similar to a sigmoidoscopy, but it uses a thinner, more flexible tube. Bard FIT: This is a stool test that looks for hidden blood in the stool. Blood in the stool can be a sign of polyps or cancer. Multi-targeted stool DNA test: This is a stool test that looks for DNA changes that are associated with polyps or cancer. The best screening method for you will depend on your individual risk factors for colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer every 10 years. The decision to be screene...

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