What is Colon Cancer?

Colon and rectal cancer are more frequently observed and diagnosed among people aged 65 to 74 years (median age is 68 years), though lately, it is visible in the lower age groups also. In the Western world, colon cancer is observed more commonly than rectal cancer. In India, rectal cancer is more common with men being more commonly affected than women.

Best Colorectal Cancer Doctors say that Colorectal cancer usually starts in the innermost layer (mucosa) and will grow through some or all of the tissue layers that make up the colon and rectum (submucosa, muscularis and serosa ). The extent to which a cancer penetrates the various tissue layers determines the stage of the disease.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

• Changes in bowel patterns, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or more frequent bowel movements
• Dark maroon or bright red blood in stool
• Narrow stool
• A feeling that your gut doesn’t empty fully
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained or sudden Weight loss
• Weakness or fatigue
• Loss of appetite

Causes of Colon Cancer

Rectal cancer develops when the DNA of healthy cells in the rectum undergoes mutations. A cell's DNA includes the instructions that tell it what to do.

The alterations tell the cells to grow out of control and to live even when healthy cells would die. A tumour can arise as a result of the accumulated cells. Cancer cells can grow large enough to penetrate and destroy healthy tissue nearby over time. Cancerous cells can also break off and spread to other places of the body (metastasize).

It’s unclear what causes the mutations that cause rectal cancer to occur in most cases.

Inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of colon and rectal cancer

Gene mutations passed down from parents to children can raise the risk of colorectal cancer in some families. Only a small percentage of rectal tumours contain these mutations. Colorectal cancer genes raise the likelihood of developing the disease, but they do not make it inevitable.

Two well-defined genetic colorectal cancer syndromes are:

Lynch syndrome:

Two well-defined genetic colorectal cancer syndromes are: Lynch syndrome: Lynch syndrome is a condition that affects people. Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), often known as Lynch syndrome, raises the risk of colon cancer and other cancers. Lynch syndrome patients are more likely to get colon cancer before the age of 50.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP):

These and additional, less common inherited colorectal cancer syndromes can be detected by genetic testing. If you’re concerned about a family history of colon cancer, consult a proctologist to see if your family history shows you’re at risk for these diseases and get it checked from them

Risk Factors of Colon Cancer

The same factors that enhance the risk of colon cancer can also increase the chance of rectal cancer.

The following are some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer:

Older age:

Colorectal cancer can be diagnosed at any age, although the majority of people diagnosed with it are over the age of 50. Colorectal cancer rates in persons under the age of 50 have been rising, but physicians or doctors aren’t sure why.

Too little exercise:

Colorectal cancer is more likely to occur if you are physically inactive. Regular physical activity may help to lower your cancer risk.

Treatment for Colon Cancer

The method of Colon Cancer treatment depends on the stage of the disease i.e, the status of its growth, how large the tumour has grown, how deeply it has invaded the layers of the colon or rectum, and whether it has spread to other organs like liver, lungs or any other parts of the body.

Colon cancer treatment options include:

• Radiation therapy
• Local ablative therapy
• Chemotherapy
• A combination of all 3 approaches
• Hormonal and biological therapy

Chirag Global Hospital, renowned for its expertise in colon cancer treatment in Bangalore, stands out for its commitment to patient care and advanced medical solutions. With a focus on personalized treatment plans and cutting-edge technology, Chirag Global Hospital ensures that every patient receives comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs. Whether through state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures or compassionate support throughout the treatment journey, Chirag Global Hospital’s main motto remains clear: to empower patients with the best possible outcomes in their battle against colon cancer.

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