Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, originates from the colon (large intestine) or the rectum. It is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide.

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 21 men and 1 in 23 women in the United States will develop colon cancer during their lifetime.

The risk of colon cancer increases with age, so people aged 50 and above are advised to undergo screenings regularly. Early detection and treatment can help prevent the spread of cancer and increase the chances of survival.

There are various treatments for colon cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. In this article, we will focus on medications that reduce the chance of death from colon cancer.

1. Aspirin

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It has also been found to be effective in reducing the risk of colon cancer.

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, people who took aspirin regularly had a lower risk of developing colon cancer and dying from the disease.

The study also found that aspirin was more effective in reducing the risk of colon cancer in people with a high risk of developing the disease due to family history or other factors.

However, regular use of aspirin can have side effects, such as stomach bleeding, so it is important to consult a doctor before taking aspirin as a preventive measure.

2. Celecoxib

Celecoxib is another NSAID that is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause inflammation and pain.

Celecoxib has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of colon cancer in people with a high risk of developing the disease.

A study conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that people who took celecoxib had a significantly lower risk of developing adenomas (precancerous growths) in the colon and rectum.

The study also found that celecoxib reduced the risk of colon cancer by 33% in people with a high risk of developing the disease.

3. Capecitabine

Capecitabine is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat various types of cancer, including colon cancer. It works by interfering with the DNA in cancer cells and preventing them from growing and dividing.

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Capecitabine is usually prescribed after surgery to prevent the recurrence of colon cancer.

A study conducted by the European Society for Medical Oncology found that capecitabine reduced the risk of recurrence of colon cancer by 30% in people who had undergone surgery.

The study also found that capecitabine was well-tolerated and had fewer side effects compared to other chemotherapy drugs.

4. Fluorouracil

Fluorouracil is another chemotherapy drug that is used to treat colon cancer. It works by interfering with the DNA in cancer cells and preventing them from dividing.

Fluorouracil is usually given in combination with other chemotherapy drugs, such as leucovorin and oxaliplatin.

A study conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that people with stage III colon cancer who received chemotherapy with fluorouracil had a significantly lower risk of cancer recurrence and death.

The study also found that the combination of fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin was more effective in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and death compared to fluorouracil alone.

5. Bevacizumab

Bevacizumab is a targeted therapy drug that is used to treat various types of cancer, including colon cancer. It works by blocking the growth of blood vessels that supply nutrients to cancer cells.

Bevacizumab is usually given in combination with chemotherapy drugs such as fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin.

A study conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that people with stage IV colon cancer who received chemotherapy with bevacizumab had a significantly better chance of survival compared to those who received chemotherapy alone.

The study also found that bevacizumab was well-tolerated and had fewer side effects compared to other targeted therapy drugs.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a serious disease that requires prompt treatment. Medications such as aspirin, celecoxib, capecitabine, fluorouracil, and bevacizumab have been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of death from colon cancer.

However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication and to undergo regular screenings to detect the disease early.