The causes, diagnosis, and treatment of colon cancer

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, begins in the large intestine and can develop slowly over several years. Although it’s one of the most common forms of cancer, it’s also among the most treatable—when caught early. That’s why increasing colon cancer awareness is critical. Knowing the early signs of colon cancer, getting routine colon cancer screening, and seeking treatment promptly can save lives.

Causes and Risk Factors

How Colon Cancer Develops

Colon cancer usually starts as a small growth (polyp) on the lining of the colon or rectum. While not all polyps become cancerous, some can turn malignant over time. The exact cause is not always known, but genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors often play a role. It is called Adenoma → Carcinoma sequence

Key Colon Cancer Risk Factors

Here are some of the most common colon cancer risk factors:

• Age over 50
• Family or personal history of colon cancer or polyps
• Chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Poor diet high in processed foods and red meat
• Lack of exercise
• Obesity
• Smoking and excessive alcohol
• Cancer Syndromes
• HNPCC
• FAP
• Polyposis Coli
• Others

Understanding and minimizing these risks, where possible, can help reduce your chances of developing colon cancer.

Recognizing the Symptoms and Importance of Early Detection

Common Colon Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms may not appear until the cancer has advanced. However, keep an eye out for:

• Blood in your stool
• Ongoing constipation or diarrhea
• Persistent bloating or cramps
• Weakness or constant fatigue
• Colon cancer pain, especially in the lower abdomen (Usually Late, Advanced)
• Sudden weight loss
• A feeling of incomplete bowel movement
• Unexplained Anemia
• Acute Colon Obstruction Causing Distention & Cramps
• Rarely, Acute Abdomen

Early Stage Colon Cancer Symptoms

In Early stage colon cancer, symptoms are often mild or mistaken for common digestive issues:

• Occasional rectal bleeding
• Slight changes in bowel habits
• Mild abdominal discomfort

Even if symptoms seem minor, recognizing the early signs of colon cancer can lead to timely diagnosis and much better treatment outcomes.

The Role of Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer screening helps detect abnormal changes in the colon before cancer develops or in its earliest stages. Recommended tests include:

• Colonoscopy – Allows doctors to view the colon and remove polyps
• Fecal tests – Detect hidden blood or DNA changes in stool
• CT colonography – A scan that provides detailed images of the colon
• CECT / MRI     Abdomen/Pelvis

Screening is especially important for individuals with high-risk factors or those over 45.

How Colon Cancer Is Diagnosed

If signs point to potential cancer, doctors may recommend:

• Colonoscopy – enables doctors to see the intestines and remove polyps.
• Imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to check if cancer has spread
• Biopsy of colon tissue to confirm diagnosis
• PET CT W/B
• Blood For CEA

Early and accurate diagnosis helps determine the best treatment plan based on the cancer’s stage.

Colon Cancer Treatment Options

Treating colon cancer depends on how far the disease has progressed. Most cases involve a combination of therapies aimed at removing the cancer and preventing it from returning.

Main Treatment Approaches

• Colon cancer surgery – The most common treatment, used to remove tumors and nearby tissue.
• Chemotherapy for colon cancer – Uses drugs to kill cancer cells, especially if cancer has spread beyond the colon.
• Colon cancer immunotherapy – Helps the immune system target and destroy cancer cells, usually for advanced cases or those with specific genetic markers.

Treatment by Stage (Depend On TNM – Tumor/Node/Metastasis)

• Early stages (1 and 2): Surgery is often sufficient.
• Stage 3: Surgery plus chemotherapy is commonly used.
• Stage 4 colon cancer: This advanced stage may require a mix of surgery, chemotherapy, and colon cancer immunotherapy to manage the disease and relieve symptoms.

Managing Colon Cancer Pain

Pain from colon cancer can be managed through:

• Prescription medications
• Palliative care to improve quality of life
• Non-drug therapies like relaxation or nerve blocks in some cases

Effective pain management is an essential part of the overall treatment plan.

Survival Rate and Awareness

Colon Cancer Survival Rate

The colon cancer survival rate depends largely on when it’s diagnosed:

• Stage 1: Over 90% survive 5 years or more
• Stage 2-3: About 70–85%
• Stage 4: Around 10–15%, though newer therapies are improving outcomes

These numbers highlight how colon cancer screening and early detection can be life-saving.

Why Colon Cancer Awareness Matters

Spreading colon cancer awareness can help:

• Encourage people to talk about symptoms
• Promote routine screenings
• Reduce stigma around digestive health issues
• Empower patients and families with knowledge

The more people know, the more likely they are to act early—and early action saves lives.

Conclusion

Colon cancer may sound scary, but it’s often preventable and treatable when caught early. If you or a loved one experiences colon cancer symptoms, especially persistent changes in bowel habits or unexplained pain, don’t delay seeking medical advice.

For expert diagnosis and care, we recommend visiting Best GI Cancer Surgeon—a trusted resource for comprehensive colon cancer treatment and consultation.

Take care of your colon. Stay informed. And encourage others to do the same.