Colon cancer is caused at the large intestine i.e. colon
(lower part of the digestive system) and rectal cancer is the cancer caused at
the end of the colon. Together they are denoted as colorectal cancers. It is
also known as bowel cancer. It is caused due to uncontrolled cell growth in the
colon or rectum or in appendix. This cancer can show prominent symptoms of
anemia and rectal bleeding.
The cancer begins with a small, non-cancerous benign of cell
called as polyps. With time, these polyps become colon cancer. Doctors
recommend regular screening tests to avoid colon cancer by early identification
of polyps before they cause colon cancer. Bowel cancer is diagnosed through
colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
The research shows that colorectal cancer is the third most
commonly diagnosed cancer all over the world. But it is observed that mostly
people of the developed countries are affected by colorectal cancer. This type
of cancer is caused to lifestyle and increasing age. Minority cases show
underlying genetic disorders as the cause of this cancer.
Colorectal cancer starts in the lining of the bowel and
grows into the muscles layers underneath and then through the bowel wall, if
not treated on time. At the age of 50 till 75 years of age, screening is
recommended to decrease the chances of death due to colorectal cancer. If
diagnosed and treated on time, colorectal cancer is curable. If not, then
chemotherapy, surgery are advised to colorectal cancer patients.
Usually bowel cancer shows no early symptoms.
The warning signs may include the following:
- Pelvic Pain
- Abdominal discomfort
- Dark patches of blood in stool
- Unexplained fatigue
- Loss appetite and/or weight loss
- Changes in bowel movements, which includes diarrhea or consistent constipation, difficulty in constipation, rectal cramping or rectal bleeding
