Although not very well known, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., and the average risk is about 1:20 people. As spring break approaches, it’s important to take some time out to learn about this deadly disease this March.
Colon cancer is a cancer that starts in our digestive system, which is responsible for breaking down our food and absorbing the nutrients in order to turn that food into energy. The system can be thought of as a long pipeline, where at each organ, food is processed differently. After food is chewed in the mouth and swallowed, it travels to the stomach, where strong acids break down the food into smaller molecules. From the stomach, the broken down food then travels to the small intestine, which further breaks down the food and absorbs most of the nutrients, and then finally travels to the large intestine or colon, where water and nutrients are absorbed. The food, now waste, is stored in the colon and is then moved to the rectum and excreted out through the anus.
Colon (colorectal) cancer is a cancer that starts in the rectum or colon. Like other cancers, it is caused by the harmful mutation of the DNA of the body’s cells, which causes these cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. Left unchecked, this uncontrolled cell growth may cause serious bodily harm. Specifically in colon cancer, the disease usually starts as “polyps”, clumps of precancerous cells that line the inside of the colon. Although most of these polyps are harmless, certain types of the polyps, called adenomas can become cancerous over time.
Illustration of colon cancer
Image source: JACOPIN /BSIP
The best treatment for colon cancer is recognizing cancerous polyps before they can metastasize. Doctors will often use a procedure known as a colonoscopy (where they insert a slender video camera into your colon) or multiple CT scan images in order to diagnose this cancer. Because early detection is so important, it is critical to contact your physician if you experience the following symptoms:
- A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
- A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several risk factors that may increase the risk of colon cancer. Old age may greatly increase the risk of colon cancer as the majority of colon cancer patients are older than the age of 50. Additionally, African-Americans have been shown to have a higher risk for colon cancer than other races. Finally, there is a greater risk of colon cancer if there is a family history of the disease . While this does not mean that the disease is genetic, family histories of colon cancer may arise from exposure to similar environments and carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). This is by no means a comprehensive list of risk factors, and a physician should be contacted if there are any concerns about risk.
Colon cancer is a serious disease, but through our continued research and support, we can fight it. Take steps to raise awareness about colon cancer for a happier, healthier world.
