Colon Cancer Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Colon or colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, especially in people aged 50 and over. This cancer is ranked as the third most common cancer in both men and women.
The large intestine is part of the digestive tract which functions to absorb water and nutrients from food that has been digested in the stomach and small intestine. Colon cancer occurs when colon cells multiply uncontrollably and cause a progressively enlarged lump in the large intestine.
Symptom
Colon cancer is often detected late because its symptoms are similar to other diseases in the intestine, including:
- Changes in bowel patterns can be diarrhea or even constipation
- Abdominal pain comes and goes
- Flatulence or bloating
- Repeated vomiting
- Fatigue
- Drastic weight loss
- Anemia of unknown cause
- There is a lump in the lower abdominal area
Reason
Until now the cause of colon cancer is not known with certainty. However, there are several conditions that make a person more susceptible to colon cancer, namely:
Age over 50 years
- Frequent consumption of fatty meats
- Rarely consume fiber
- Have a habit of consuming alcoholic beverages
- Obesity
- Smoke
- Rarely exercise
- The presence of polyps in the large intestine
- Have a history of Crohn’s disease
Diagnosis
In the process of determining the diagnosis, if there is a suspicion of colon cancer, the doctor will suggest a colonoscopy examination. The examination is carried out by inserting a kind of camera through the anus, into the large intestine.
If the examination finds a tumor lump, the examination is continued with a biopsy. This method is done by taking a small sample of tumor tissue to be examined in the laboratory.
In addition, a barium enema examination can also be performed. In this examination, the patient will undergo an examination method by inserting a contrast substance into the patient’s intestine through the anus. Next, a radiological photo of the colon will be taken to see if there is a tumor.
What if the sufferer doesn’t have any complaints, but has risk factors for colon cancer? So sufferers can do an early detection of colon cancer with occult blood tests.
This examination is done by taking a sample of the stool and seeing if there is bleeding in the stool. The presence of blood in the stool can be a sign of digestive problems or possibly colon cancer.
Treatment
Colon cancer treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. In general, treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Colon excision surgery is performed to remove cancerous tissue. Not infrequently, after surgery, the patient must have a colostomy installed, which is an opening from the large intestine to the outside of the body to remove feces.
If a patient with colon cancer has to be fitted with a colostomy, henceforth the stool will not be excreted through the anus again. The dirt will be removed directly through the colostomy hole. In addition, to remove residual tumors, chemotherapy and radiation methods can be used.
If colon cancer is already in an advanced stage, treatment is done to reduce the size of the tumor, but cannot completely eliminate the cancer. Attempts to reduce the size of the tumor are carried out with radiation and chemotherapy.
Prevention
Unlike other types of cancer, colon cancer is a preventable cancer. Prevention efforts that can be done are:
- Conduct regular screening or check-ups, especially for those aged 50 years and over. You can also do a test for occult blood from the stool.
- Consume lots of fiber and reduce consumption of fatty meats.
- Exercise regularly, at least 3-4 times a week.
- Avoid overweight and obesity.