When my father was diagnosed with colon cancer, he had no symptoms. It was luck that led him to the doctor’s office for the scan that saved his life. Colon cancer can be aggressive, but it can also be caught early or prevented altogether.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women worldwide. According to Cancer Research UK, more than 41,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year. But most importantly, more than half of these cases are preventable and one in two people diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK survive the disease for 10 years or more.
Although colorectal cancers have historically affected people over the age of 50, a 2017 study shows an alarming increase in colorectal cancer cases among millennials, who are twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer compared to those born in 1950. Consultant gastroenterologist at The Alfred, Dr. Zaid Ardalan Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, says “this change can be attributed to lifestyle changes such as diet, physical activity and obesity rates.”
What is the difference between bowel, colorectal and colon cancer?
There is a lot of confusion around the terms “bowel cancer,” “colorectal cancer,” and “colon cancer”; Types of cancer that occur in various parts of the digestive system. Clinical oncologist Dr. Katherine Aitkens explains what they mean: “We normally use the term ‘bowel cancer’ to talk about cancer of the colon or rectum, which is sometimes also called ‘colorectal cancer’. “There are other parts of the intestine that can develop into cancer, such as the small intestine or anus, and these are less common.”
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What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer specifically refers to cancer that begins in a part of the large intestine known as the colon. About 1.5 meters long, the colon is a long tube that is responsible for transporting digested food into the rectum and eventually out of the body. Colon cancer develops when certain polyps or abnormal cells multiply in the inner lining of the colon and gradually transform from a non-cancerous state to a cancerous state.
Typically, colon cancer develops slowly and progresses through various stages over several years. But thanks to advances in screening tests and treatment options, early detection can prevent polyps from turning into cancer, and even if cancer does develop, there are many treatments that can help control it.
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When to see a doctor
Colon cancer can also occur without symptoms. Due to its slow progression, regular scans are necessary to detect problems early (more on this below). However, if you notice any of the following common signs or symptoms for more than two weeks, do not hesitate to contact your doctor for further evaluation.
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Change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels
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Blood in stool or on toilet paper after wiping
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Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that won’t go away
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Persistent bloating. Stomach bloating can have a variety of causes, but persistent bloating that lasts longer than two weeks or is accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting or blood in the stool requires evaluation.
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unintended weight loss
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Fatigue and shortness of breath
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Vomiting
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What causes colon cancer?
Colon cancer, like many cancers, is caused by a mixture of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. In particular, it affects men proportionately more than women and affects individuals of Black ethnicity more than other racial groups. Although it usually affects people aged 50 and over, there has been a steady increase in cases among those aged 20 to 49, with an annual increase of about 1.5 percent.
What lifestyle choices might increase risk?
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Red and processed meat: Eating too much red meat and processed meats like ham and bacon has been proven to increase the risk of colon cancer. In fact, according to Cancer Research UK, 13 per cent of bowel cancer cases in the UK are linked to consuming these meats. The government recommends people eat no more than 70g of red and processed meat a day; That’s about two sausages.
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Lack of fiber: In the UK, 30 per cent of bowel cancer cases are caused by a diet with too little fibre. Gastroenterologist Dr. “A simple way to add more fiber to your diet is to consume two servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables a day,” says Zaid Ardalan. A few of the best examples are kiwi (with skin), raspberries, blackberries, avocados, broccoli and brussels sprouts.
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To smoke: Smoking increases your risk of developing colon cancer. More research is needed before a similar direct association with vaping can be established.
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Excessive alcohol consumption: When asked to define it, Mr. Christopher Chan, a colorectal surgeon, pointed to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans., recommendation for men to limit themselves to two or fewer drinks per day and for women to one drink or less per day
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Obesity: Cancer Research UK estimates that 11 per cent of bowel cancers in the UK are linked to being overweight or obese. Keeping a lower BMI reduces risk
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Lack of exercise: Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer
What medical conditions may increase risk?
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Family history of colon cancer: If someone in your first-degree family has had bowel cancer, your risk increases and you should talk to your doctor about early screening.
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Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions such as chronic ulcerative colitis, which is characterized by persistent inflammation and ulceration in the colon and rectum, and Crohn’s colitis, which causes inflammation in the colon as part of Crohn’s disease, increase the risk of developing colon cancer.
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Hereditary conditions: Conditions such as Lynch syndrome, a genetic predisposition, are associated with increased risks of colorectal and endometrial cancer in particular. Familial adenomatous polyposis, an inherited disease that causes the formation of large numbers of colon and rectal polyps, may also predispose an individual to developing colon cancer.
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A family history of polyps or having many polyps: These are detected during scanning
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Can you prevent colon cancer?
The good news is that lifestyle changes can play an important role in preventing more than half of bowel cancers. Mr. Chan emphasizes that we can reduce the chances of this condition developing by minimizing risk factors. To reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, it is recommended that you:
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Drink alcohol only in moderation
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Maintain a healthy weight
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quit smoking
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Adopt a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables and reduces consumption of red meat and processed foods. Some research suggests drinking coffee may also help reduce the risk of colon cancer.
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Reduce stress and adopt an “anti-inflammatory lifestyle.” “Although it may not receive a lot of attention in mainstream discussions, there is growing evidence to support reducing stress as a way to reduce inflammation in the body,” says Mr Chan.
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Keep track of your family medical history, as genetics may play a role in predisposing individuals to certain types of cancer.
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Why is screening important?
Screening tests can detect precancerous polyps before they develop into cancerous tumors. If left undetected, the cancer grows, spreads to the lymph nodes, and in advanced stages, spreads to other organs such as the liver or lungs.
Screening age and overview
A home bowel cancer screening test kit is offered to everyone aged 60 to 74 in England every two years, but this is being expanded to include people aged 50 to 59. In Scotland screening starts from age 50 and in Wales it is 51. The screening test is a FIT (fecal immunochemical test), which looks for small traces of blood in a stool sample that may be a sign of polyps. If the test finds anything unusual, you may be asked to go to hospital for further tests, such as a colonoscopy, to rule out or confirm cancer.
“The gold standard for screening is still colonoscopy,” says Dr Ardalan. Although sometimes viewed with fear, a colonoscopy is a painless medical procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera is used to examine the inside of the colon and rectum for abnormalities such as polyps or signs of cancer. Colonoscopies are crucial for colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis of gastrointestinal conditions, and you should request them if you have symptoms or concerns.
In recent years the NHS has expanded its screening program, encouraging people to start colorectal cancer screening at age 50. However, Dr. Ardalan observes a significant shift towards earlier screening, starting at age 45. Incidence of colorectal cancer in young demographic groups.
For those with a family history of the disease, Mr. Chan recommends screening “five years before the age at which your family member was diagnosed with the disease.”
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What treatment options are available?
Treatment varies depending on the size of the cancer, whether it has spread to other organs, its genetic code, your age, and your general health.
“Treatment should always be discussed by a multidisciplinary panel of cancer experts. The final treatment plan may include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy used selectively or in combination. Immunotherapy, a newer targeted therapy, is appropriate for certain tumors with specific genetic profiles,” he said. explains Mr. Chan.
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Managing a colon cancer diagnosis
“I tell patients that the success and tolerance of cancer treatment is supported by patients remaining physically active, eating a healthy diet and being mentally tough,” Dr Ardalan says. Recent research shows that meditating, as well as participating in movement-based activities such as yoga, tai chi and dance therapy, can have profound effects on the well-being of cancer patients. These activities have been shown to reduce hospitalizations and alleviate common side effects of cancer treatment, such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
The most important takeaway advice is that colon cancer can be caught early and even prevented. Despite undergoing multiple life-threatening surgeries, my father now lives cancer-free. I hope this advice encourages others to prioritize their own health, get tested, and talk openly about symptoms if they occur.
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