Colon Cancer

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer affects the large intestine – the main section of the large bowel that connects your small intestine to your rectum.

Small growths called polyps often develop in the inner lining of the colon. These polyps are generally harmless, but in some instances, the cells within the polyps mutate and become cancerous.

The mutated cells multiply more quickly than healthy cells, and they don't live a normal life cycle. Instead of dying and being replaced the way noncancerous cells are, they live on and build up to form masses or tumors.

What are the causes of colon cancer?

The reason why colon cancer develops in some colorectal polyps and not others isn't clear. However, certain risk factors increase your probability of developing colon cancer, including:

• Personal or family history of colon cancer
• Having inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• History of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or uterine cancer
• Inherited conditions such as juvenile polyposis
• Excessive exposure to asbestos or chlorine
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Diet probably plays a significant role in colon cancer development. Studies show people who eat a lot of fruit and vegetables are less likely to develop the disease.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

It's quite likely that you wouldn't develop any notable symptoms in the early stages of having colon cancer.

However, as the cancer progresses, you might experience rectal bleeding, changes in your bowel habits, diarrhea, and unintended weight loss. You may also develop pain in your lower abdomen.

Untreated colon cancer can spread (metastasize) through the colon wall and around your body, at which stage it becomes a challenge to treat. Survival rates for metastasized colon cancer are only 11% after five years.

How is colon cancer diagnosed and treated?

If you have symptoms of colon cancer, the definitive diagnostic test is a colonoscopy. In this procedure, Dr. Sankhala uses a colonoscope – a camera on a flexible tube – to view the length of your colon. This enables him to identify any cancerous growths, and in many cases, he can remove them at the same time.

Advanced colon cancer might require one or more further interventions, such as:

• Partial colectomy or bowel resection surgery
• Ablation and embolization
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

Dr. Sankhala may also offer you a place in a clinical trial for new colon cancer treatments.

An early diagnosis of colon cancer is critical. Your chance of surviving for five years rises to 90% if you receive treatment before your cancer metastasizes.

Should I undergo colon cancer screening?

Colon cancer screening is a procedure everyone over the age of 50 should undergo. A simple fecal immunochemical test of a stool sample every year can detect signs of cancerous changes, which, if present, need to be followed up with a colonoscopy. You should also have a screening colonoscopy every 10 years.

If you're in a high-risk category, you should undergo more frequent screening and start the screening process earlier. Prompt removal of polyps before they become cancerous is the most effective way to prevent potentially life-threatening colon cancer from developing.

To discuss any symptoms of colon cancer or the screening process, call Kamlesh Kumar Sankhala, MD, today or book an appointment online.