Colon Cancer: A Guide to Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Colon cancer is a big problem in today's world. However, it is quite challenging to contend with as it’s characterised by various types, stages, and symptoms ranging from passing blood in stools and constipation to weight loss.

Today’s article seeks to unpack some of the characteristics of this disease and available treatment options.

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer is a malignant tumour that grows in the lining of one’s colon or rectum. Also known as colorectal cancer, it usually begins as a small growth, which may develop into cancer over time.

Unfortunately, colon cancer can spread to other body parts, like the liver, lungs, or bones, and can be life-threatening.

Colon cancer symptoms

Early detection is critical for the successful treatment of colon cancer. However, colon cancer symptoms may be undetectable in the early stages, so regular screening is critical. Some common symptoms of colon cancer that you should be aware of include the following:

• Blood in the stool

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Changes in bowel habits

• Diarrhoea or constipation

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

 

Early symptoms of colon cancer

Unfortunately, there may be no noticeable symptoms in the early stages of colon cancer. However, some people may experience the following:

• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool

• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding

• Abdominal pain, cramping, or discomfort

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue or weakness

• Iron deficiency anaemia

 

If you're experiencing symptoms, it is crucial to speak to your doctor, especially if you have a family history of this disease.

Causes of colon cancer

For the most part, the exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, but several risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing it.

Colon cancer risk factors

• Age – the risk of developing colon cancer increases as you get older

• Family history – if a close family member has had colon cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis, Lynch Syndrome, or Peutz-Jegher Syndrome, your risk is increased.

• Inherited genetic mutations, such as the APC, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM genes.

• Personal history of polyps or colorectal cancer

• Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• Smoking

• Heavy alcohol consumption

 

Colon cancer diagnosis

Colon cancer can be detected through various tests, such as a colonoscopy or a faecal occult blood test. If cancer is found, additional tests like a sigmoidoscopy may be recommended to determine the stage of the tumour.

Colon cancer stages

There are four stages of colon cancer:

• Stage 1 – Here, the cancer is small and has not spread beyond the colon.

• Stage 2 – In this stage, cancer has grown through the wall of the colon. However, it has not yet spread to nearby lymph nodes.

• Stage 3 – During this stage, cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes

• Stage 4 – In this stage, cancer has spread to other body parts, like the liver or lungs.

 

Colon cancer treatment

The treatment options for colon cancer depend on its stage as well as the patient's overall health. Surgery is the most common treatment recommendation for colon cancer and may be the only treatment needed for early-stage cancer.

Other treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy. In Malaysia, precision medicine is quickly becoming the therapy of choice in treating cancer. This method is specific to the patient and often yields better outcomes.

For more on how precision medicine can help, read ‘Precision Medicine:The Upcoming Approach to Disease Treatment and Prevention’.

If you are diagnosed with colon cancer, you must speak with your healthcare team about your treatment options. They can help you understand the benefits and risks of each treatment and work with you to develop a tailored treatment plan that is right for you.

Colon cancer treatment cost

The cost of colon cancer treatment varies depending on several factors. For example, the type of treatment needed, the cancer stage. It is imperative to speak with your healthcare provider about the cost of treatment and to explore all available options for financial assistance.

One potential option for financial assistance is through Prudential. Prudential offers a cancer care insurance policy that can help cover the cost of cancer treatment. The policy pays a cash benefit directly to the policyholder, which can be used to cover medical expenses, transportation, or other costs associated with cancer treatment. If you’re looking for a customisable plan that covers Precision Medicine and comes with flexible & affordable options, check out PRUMy Medical Plus.

For more on insurance for cancer, read ‘Cancer Insurance: Protect Yourself from the Most Common Cancers in Malaysia’. 

Colon cancer prevention

While there is no standard way to prevent colon cancer, there are steps to reduce your risk. Some of these steps include:

• Eating a healthy diet that's high in fibre and low in red and processed meats

• Exercising regularly

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Not smoking

• Limiting alcohol consumption

• Getting regular colon cancer screenings

 

Colon cancer screening Malaysia

In Malaysia, colon cancer is the second most common cancer among both men and women.

Therefore, individuals aged 50 and older should undergo regular colon cancer screenings to detect it early for better treatment outcomes. Individuals with family history of this disease should consult their healthcare provider regarding colon cancer screening as they may be recommended to undergo screening at an earlier age.

Malaysia's most common screening methods include colonoscopy, faecal occult blood test, and flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a serious disease that affects thousands each year, and early detection and treatment are vital to improving outcomes and increasing survival rates.

Armed with the above knowledge, you can take steps to protect your health and reduce your risk of developing this disease.

Speak with your healthcare provider about your options for screening and prevention if you are worried about colon cancer.