While the colon is responsible for food and water absorption and waste storage; the rectum is responsible for removing the waste from the body. Cancer that starts in the colon is called colon cancer. This cancer develops when there is an abnormal tissue growth—called a polyp—in the colon or rectum lining. These polyps are usually benign; however, some can develop into malignant tumors leading to colon cancer. It is one of the most common cancers that affect both men and women. Read on to find out more about the different causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention methods of colon cancer.

How is colon cancer caused?

• In some people, a family history of colon polyps and bowel diseases can lead to the development of colon cancer.
• Inflammatory intestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may lead to colon cancer.
• Some people have a genetic syndrome that has been passed through generations can have the risk of getting diagnosed with colon cancer. Examples of such genetic syndromes include familial adenomatous polyposis and nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, also known as Lynch syndrome.

What are the warning signs of colon cancer?

• Rectal bleeding is one of the serious warning signs of colon cancer that should not be ignored.
• Other warning signs of colon cancer include changes in the usual bowel movements that include diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools.
• Abdominal cramps or belly pain can indicate several diseases or disorders; however, when they are experienced along with other warning signs and symptoms, one should visit a doctor and consider getting a diagnosis.
• Other common signs of colon cancer include anemia, shortness of breath, and bloating.

How is colon cancer diagnosed?

• Blood testing – Doctors take multiple blood tests to get a better understanding of the causes of patient’s symptoms. Since there is no blood test that checks colon cancer specifically, other tests like liver function tests and complete blood count tests are taken to help rule out other diseases and disorders.
• Colonoscopy – Colonoscopy is a procedure where doctors look inside the colon and the rectum with the help of a long tube that has a camera attached to it. This procedure helps the doctors remove some tissues from areas that seem abnormal. A lab analysis is then done on the tissue samples for confirming colon cancer.
• Barium enema – In this process, the colon and rectum are filled with a barium using a catheter that is inserted through the anus. Afterwards, images of colon are obtained using an X-ray. The barium coating on the colon helps the X-ray give clear images of the colon that helps the doctor find abnormal tissue growth.
• CT scan – Doctors take a CT scan, that helps them with a detailed image of the colon.

What are some ways to prevent colon cancer?

• Screening – People who have may have the risk of developing colon cancer should get screened, especially after they cross 45 for an early cancer diagnosis.
• Healthy diet – Following a low-fat, high-fiber diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fruits helps stay healthy.
• Healthy lifestyle – Regular exercise can help prevent several diseases such as colon cancer. People, especially those who may have the risk of developing colon cancer, should avoid smoking and consuming alcohol to prevent the development of this cancer.