Quick Facts about Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths here in the United States–yet, when discovered early enough, it is also one of the most treatable forms of cancer. This sad paradox underscores the importance of learning about this disease. Taking a few minutes to understand the basic facts about colon cancer could one day save your life or the life of a loved one!
Symptoms.
In many cases, colon cancer does not begin to demonstrate symptoms until it has already progressed to a fairly advanced stage. This is why regular screening, (which will be discussed more in-depth later in this article) is very important. However, it is also important to understand which symptoms are potentially related to colon cancer. They include sudden changes in bowel habits, diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding, dark stool, cramping, weakness, fatigue, and/or unexplained weight loss. A perceived necessity to make a bowel movement that cannot be relieved by even after doing so is another potential sign of bowel cancer.
It is important to realize that most people who experience these symptoms do not, in fact, have bowel cancer. However, they can potentially be a sign of cancer, and other times they are signs of other conditions. (Not to mention the fact that they can be troublesome in their own right!) Therefore, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is probably a good idea to seek out medical care.
Risk Factors.
Men, African American’s, and people over the age of 50 are all at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, it is important to understand that these are just generalizations–colon cancer can (and routinely does) affect many people regardless of age gender, and ethnicity. Here are a few more important risk factors.
- Family or personal history of colon or rectal cancer.
- A personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial, and/or breast cancer.
- A history of polyps in the colon or rectum
- A history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Obesity and/or a sedentary lifestyle
- Certain dietary factors and lifestyle choices, such as high intake of red meat, processed meat, and/or alcoholic beverages.
The Importance of Regular Screenings
Most doctors recommend that patients begin receiving regular screening for colorectal cancer beginning at age 50. If you have a high risk factor for developing colon cancer, however, your doctor may advise that you begin screening earlier, or that you receive screening at an extra frequency.
So why exactly is screening so important? To begin, when colon cancer is found early, before it has spread, the 5-year survival rate is 90%. The later colon cancer is identified, the lower those numbers drop. Moreover, as mentioned before colon cancer is often quite advanced by the time it actually begins producing symptoms. This means that being proactive about identifying colon cancer could very well save your life. For most people, screenings will mean a colonoscopy.
Treatment
The most common treatment for colon cancer of all stages is surgery. This surgery known as a colectomy, consists in the removal of part of or all of the colon. Depending on individual factors, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may also be necessary.
Surgical Specialist of Long Island
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms associated with colon cancer, (or if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with any stage of colon cancer) please consider Surgical Specialist of Long Island. Dr. Tara Martinez and our experienced staff specialize in the minimally invasive colorectal surgery–and we treat a number of other anorectal conditions as well. Visit us online today to learn more.