Below, you’ll find must-know information about colon cancer.
Colon cancer is a condition where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the colon, which is the longest part of the large intestine. It is the third most common cancer in men and women in the United States.
If left untreated, the cancerous cells can also invade and damage nearby healthy tissue, which can cause complications such as obstruction of the colon, bleeding, infection, and perforation.
There are several types of colon cancer, which are classified based on the location of cancer, the type of cells involved, and the stage of cancer.
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of colon cancer and it begins in the cells that line the colon and rectum.
Carcinoid tumors are a type of neuroendocrine tumor that can develop in the colon and rectum. They tend to grow slowly and may not cause symptoms until they are advanced.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a type of soft tissue sarcoma that can develop in the wall of the colon and rectum.
Lymphomas are a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and nodes throughout the body. They can also develop in the colon and rectum.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that begins in the flat cells that line the colon and rectum.
Risk factors for colon cancer include a family history of the disease, being over the age of 50, and certain lifestyle factors such as smoking and a diet high in red and processed meats.
Recognizing the symptoms of colon cancer can lead to early detection. Below are the various symptoms of colon cancer worth knowing.
10. Blood In The Stool Or Rectal Bleeding
Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding can be a possible symptom of colon cancer when it is persistent and accompanied by other symptoms such as the following:
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation that lasts for more than a few days
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Weakness and fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
9. Depression And Anxiety
These are common psychological responses to a diagnosis of colon cancer. It can be caused by fear and anxiety about cancer, treatment options, and potential outcomes, as well as physical symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment.
Changes in body image and self-esteem, social isolation and loss of independence, financial concerns and stress, and changes in daily routine and lifestyle can also lead to depression.
8. Abdominal Pain Or Cramping
Abdominal pain or cramping may be caused by the tumor growing and blocking the passage of stool through the colon. In the advanced stages of the disease, the tumor may also invade nearby organs and cause pain.
Additionally, as cancer progresses, it may cause inflammation, ulceration, and bleeding, which can also lead to abdominal pain or cramping.
7. Fatigue Or Weakness
Fatigue or weakness in colon cancer can be caused by a variety of factors such as anemia, inflammation and infection, metabolic changes, and psychological factors. Anemia can occur from bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract due to the tumor.
Inflammation and infection caused by cancer can lead to weakness and fatigue. Cancer can cause changes in the body’s metabolism, which can result in fatigue and weakness. The emotional and mental burden of having colon cancer can also contribute to fatigue and weakness.
6. Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss in colon cancer can be caused by cancer cells using up energy and nutrients. It can also be caused by cancer-related anorexia, malabsorption, and cancer-related diarrhea.
Cancer-related anorexia is a condition where the patient loses interest in food and experiences a loss of appetite, malabsorption is where the body is not able to absorb enough nutrients from food due to cancer or its treatment, and cancer-related diarrhea leads to loss of fluids and nutrients. Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and stress can also lead to weight loss.
(continued next page)