Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer Treatment in Koramangala, Bangalore

The colon is the final part of the digestive tract or the large intestine. Colon cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the colon or the rectum. It is also known as colorectal cancer, which is cancer that affects both the colon and the rectum.

Approximately 2 million people are diagnosed with colon cancer each year. It is the second most fatal cancer worldwide. But, colon cancer is highly treatable if detected in the early stages.

What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer starts developing as a result of abnormal cell growth in the colon. When cells start growing and dividing of their own accord, they form polyps (small flat bumps). Most polyps are initially non-cancerous but can gradually become cancerous.

In their early stages, the polyps may be small and not produce any significant symptoms. Hence regular screenings are advised to avoid further complications. Doctors usually remove these polyps before they turn cancerous. For more details, you should contact colon and rectal specialists near you.

Symptoms

The symptoms of colon cancer are usually vague and not specific and include:

• Shortness of breath
• Narrow stools or change in stool shape
• Change in bowel movement
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Weakness
• Dark or red blood in stool
• Sudden weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Cramps
• Fatigue
• Bloating
• Rectal bleeding
• Excessive gas

In the early stages, the patient might not experience any symptoms at all. A range of symptoms might develop on further development, depending on the size and location of the cancer.

In the later stages, you may develop symptoms such as:

• Unintended weight loss
• A persistent feeling that your bowels are not empty
• Unexplained weakness
• Vomiting
• Excessive fatigue

In some instances, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body and exhibit symptoms such as:

• Jaundice
• Blurred eyesight
• Swelling in the hands or feet
• Breathing difficulties
• Chronic headaches
• Bone fractures

When to See a Doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you see any of the symptoms mentioned above. If they persist and make you uneasy or worried, it is better to get it checked. You should look for colon cancer surgery doctors near Bangalore for a screening as soon as possible. 

Request an appointment at Apollo Hospitals

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment

Risk Factors

The risk factors of colon cancer can be fixed or modifiable.

These are the fixed risk factors that are out of your control.

• Age: Chances of colon cancer increase after 50
• A history of colon polyps
• History of bowel disease
• Family history of colon cancer
• Race: More commonly observed in Eastern European Jewish or African American ethnicities

These are the modifiable risk factors that can be altered by making modifications to your lifestyle.

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Being a heavy drinker
• Having an inactive lifestyle
• Having type 2 diabetes
• Having a diet that is high in fats

Treatment

There are several ways to treat and cure colon cancer. But the most common way to treat colon cancer is Surgical Oncology.

Surgical Oncology: Surgery is the easiest way to treat colon cancer. During the surgery, the cancerous tumor and some parts of the intestine surrounding the tumor are removed. The surgeon then reconnects the healthy parts. This is performed when the cancer is in the early stages. You can look for a colon cancer surgeries hospital near you for more information about the surgery.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a fairly common disease. It affects 1 in 23 men (4.3%) and 1 in 25 women (4%) in their lifetime.

The cancer can be fatal if left untreated. If you suspect you might have, consider getting yourself checked for benign (non-cancerous) tumors. Contact colon cancer surgeries doctors near you if you experience varied bowel movements for long periods.