Unravel the complexities of colon cancer: early detection, advanced treatments, and personalized care. Take control of your health, and empower your wellbeing with knowledge.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum. It is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with an estimated 147,950 new cases and 53,200 deaths in 2020. Colon cancer typically begins as small, non-cancerous polyps that can develop into cancer over time. These polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy, a procedure in which a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end to examine the colon and rectum.
Risk factors for colon cancer include age (most cases occur in people over the age of 50), a personal or family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), a diet high in red and processed meats, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use. However, it is important to note that many people with these risk factors do not develop colon cancer, and many people who develop colon cancer do not have any of these risk factors.1
Colon cancer is often curable if it is found and treated early. Regular colon cancer screenings are recommended for people starting at age 45, or earlier for those with certain risk factors. Screening tests can include a colonoscopy, a sigmoidoscopy, or a stool test. These tests can help find polyps or cancer at an early stage, when they are easier to treat.
Colon Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives
Early detection of colon cancer is crucial for successful treatment and improved survival rates. When colon cancer is found and treated at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is nearly 90%. However, if the cancer is not detected until it has spread to other parts of the body, the five-year survival rate drops to less than 14%.
Regular colon cancer screenings are the most effective way to detect colon cancer early. The American Cancer Society recommends that people with an average risk of colon cancer begin screening at age 45. However, people with certain risk factors, such as a personal or family history of colon cancer, may need to start screening earlier.
There are several different types of colon cancer screening tests available, including colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and stool tests. Colonoscopy is the most comprehensive screening test and can detect both polyps and cancer. Sigmoidoscopy is a less invasive test that can detect polyps and cancer in the lower part of the colon. Stool tests can detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colon cancer.
Colon Cancer: Prevention and Treatment
There are several things people can do to help prevent colon cancer, including:
- Eating a healthy diet, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Limiting red and processed meats
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting regular exercise
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
In addition to prevention, there are several treatment options available for colon cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.2 The type of treatment that is best for a particular patient will depend on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health.
Learn More About Colon Cancer
For more information about colon cancer, please visit the following resources:
- The American Cancer Society
- The National Cancer Institute
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention