Colon Cancer
Colon Cancer
What is Colon Cancer?
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow abnormally. This type of cancer can start in the colon or rectum, leading to colon cancer or rectal cancer. Doctors often categorize colon and rectal cancers together due to their similar characteristics. In most cases, colon cancer develops from benign growths in the inner lining of the colon called polyps. These polyps can mutate over time and transform into cancerous tissues.
What Causes Colon Cancer?
The exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown; however, certain risk factors are associated with the disease. A family history of colorectal cancer or hereditary gene syndromes, previous polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, and long-term ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease increase the risk of colon cancer. Additionally, behavioral risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity account for many cases. Consuming red or processed meat and being overweight also increase the risk. While the likelihood of developing colon cancer is higher after age 60, it can occur at any age. Studies indicate that one-third of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer are under the age of 55.
Colon Cancer in Men and Women
Bowel cancer affects men and women almost equally, but the risk is slightly higher in men (4.3% vs. 4%). Some studies suggest that men tend to be diagnosed at younger ages than women. Women may sometimes confuse the symptoms of colon cancer with menstrual issues or other gynecological problems. The risk of colon cancer increases after menopause.
Early Signs of Colon Cancer
In the early stages of colorectal cancer, there are usually no noticeable symptoms. Therefore, regular screening is essential to detect the disease before symptoms develop and to start treatment in the most effective way.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
The symptoms of colon cancer become more noticeable as the disease progresses and can vary from person to person. These symptoms include:
- Sudden changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, or dark-colored stool
- Changes in the consistency or odor of the stool
- Feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, bloating, or pain
- Weakness, fatigue, paleness, and anemia caused by iron deficiency
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
These symptoms may not always indicate cancer; other digestive system disorders such as hemorrhoids, fissures, and irritable bowel syndrome can cause similar symptoms. If you have complaints that last for more than a few days, it is important to consult a doctor.
Colon Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
For individuals with no family history of the disease and no complaints, colon cancer screenings should generally begin at age 50. If there are risk factors, screening may start at age 40 or earlier. For those genetically predisposed to polyposis syndrome, screening should begin between ages 15 and 18.
Various screening options are available for the early detection of colon cancer: fecal occult blood test, fecal DNA test, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and computed tomography colonography. The most effective screening method is colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, polyps can be detected and removed before they turn cancerous, or samples can be taken from suspicious areas.
If colon cancer is confirmed, additional blood and imaging tests are conducted to assess the type, stage, and spread of the disease. Our partner facilities provide quick access to the latest imaging tools for detailed diagnosis, including chest X-ray, abdominal computed tomography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, endorectal ultrasound, and positron emission tomography.
Colon Cancer Survival Rate
The prognosis and treatment of colon cancer largely depend on the stage at which it is detected. Stages range from 0 (carcinoma in situ) to IV. In the early stages, cancer is confined to the colon wall, while in stage IV, it has spread to distant organs (metastasized). When the disease is detected at an early stage, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%. If the cancer does not recur within five years, the patient is considered cured. The survival rate is lower in advanced stages, but continuous advancements in treatment methods are steadily improving these rates.
Colon Cancer Treatment
Treatment for colon cancer depends on the location, stage, and other factors. When detected early, colon cancer is a treatable disease. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. These treatments can be used alone or in combination, depending on the case.
Surgery
Surgical removal of colon cancer is the most effective treatment. The type of surgery depends on the location and stage of the cancer. In early-stage cases, cancerous polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. More advanced cases require a more extensive surgery called a colectomy, which involves removing the section of the bowel containing cancer, along with surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. The remaining parts of the colon are then reconnected (anastomosis). In some cases, patients may need a colostomy or ileostomy after surgery, which means the surgeon creates an artificial opening in the abdominal wall (stoma) to allow waste to exit the body. At our partner facilities, most colon cancer surgeries are performed using minimally invasive techniques, which reduces recovery time and increases patient comfort.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Even if cancer is detected early and completely removed, some cancer cells may spread to other parts of the body. Postoperative preventive chemotherapy may be used to destroy these remaining cells. Preoperative chemotherapy can also be used to shrink a large tumor to make surgery easier.
Targeted Therapy
Unlike chemotherapy, targeted therapy only attacks malignant cells and does not affect healthy cells. Targeted therapies are commonly used in advanced-stage colon cancer and can improve treatment performance when used in combination with chemotherapy.
Radiation Therapy
Radiotherapy uses high-dose radiation to destroy or shrink tumors. It is sometimes recommended as part of the treatment plan to eliminate remaining cancer cells or metastases. At our partner facilities, radiotherapy is administered using state-of-the-art technology.
The mortality rate for colorectal cancer has been decreasing in recent years, thanks to improvements in early detection through screening programs and advances in treatment methods.
