What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer detected in the country. It affects the inner wall of the large intestine, which is the last portion of the digestive tract in the human body. Various tumorous growths develop around the intestine, leading to colon cancer. Mostly, middle-aged men and women are affected by this disease. Colon cancer and rectum cancer generally occur together, and this condition is called colorectal cancer. There are various treatment options for colon cancer, and these depend on the stage or growth of a tumor in the body.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
The signs of colon cancer may not be visible in the initial stages. However, in the later stages, it is quite easy to notice the symptoms. These signs are mostly related to gastrointestinal disturbances. Here are some symptoms of colon cancer:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Changes in stool consistency for more than 4-5 weeks
• Visibility of blood in the bowel movements
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Bloating
• Acidity
• Severe weakness
• Tiredness
• Rapid weight loss

What are the risk factors for colon cancer?
Several risk factors make one susceptible to colon cancer. Some of them are:

• Family history
• Genetic factors
• African American origin
• Aging
• Inactive lifestyle
• Low fiber diet
• Excess body weight
• Addiction to alcohol or smoking

How is it diagnosed?
Colon cancer can be screened in the following ways:

• Blood tests
• Colonoscopy
• Biopsy
• Sigmoidoscopy

What are treatment options for colon cancer?
The treatments for colon cancer depend on the stage of the cancerous growth, the age of the patient, and their overall health. Surgery is the most common option for treating colon cancer. It is relatively easier and less complicated to treat colon cancer at an early stage. Colon cancer is curable, and the person can go on to live a healthy life. Here are some of the treatment options for colon cancer:

• Surgery: This method is used to treat colon cancer in the early stages. It is effective in removing polyps or cancerous growths and is commonly known as a colectomy. There are two ways of doing surgery, invasive and minimal invasive. Laparoscopic surgery, palliative surgery, and endoscopy are some of the surgical methods adopted to eliminate colon cancer from the body.
• Chemotherapy: This treatment for colon cancer can help improve a patient’s life. Usually, this method follows a surgery. Chemotherapy is necessary when some cancer lymph nodes remain in the patient’s body. Sometimes, doctors can also opt for this treatment before the surgery, depending on the type and stage of cancer. It is particularly effective in removing cancer when it spreads to the other parts of the body. Chemotherapy uses drugs or chemicals that help to destroy and damage cancer cells.
• Radiation: Radiation is yet another way to treat colon cancer. This therapy option damages the cancer cells by using radioactive rays on the affected areas. The powerful rays shrink the cancer cells and make it easier to remove the tumor during a surgical procedure. This treatment option is preferred in the early stages of colon cancer.