Colon cancer is one of the common forms of cancer and is responsible for a large number of deaths worldwide. The majority of cases of colon cancer are caused by the growth of abnormal cells in the colon or rectum.

While several factors contribute to the formation of these abnormal cells, including poor diet, age, genetics, and environmental factors, the disease can be treated and prevented with the help of early diagnosis and medication.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the colon or the rectum. It is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States.

It is often asymptomatic, which means it may not show any signs or symptoms until it is in its advanced stages. Symptoms include a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and abdominal pain.

Prevalence of Colon Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, there are an estimated 104,270 new cases of colon cancer and 45,230 new cases of rectal cancer in the United States in 2021.

It is estimated that 52,980 people will die from colon and rectal cancer combined this year. It is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women combined.

How to Reduce Colon Cancer Mortality

The best way to reduce the mortality rate associated with colon cancer is through screening and early detection. Screening tests can help detect colon cancer in its early stages before it has had a chance to spread.

Various tests are used for diagnosing colon cancer, including colonoscopy, fecal occult blood test, and stool DNA test.

Colonoscopy is the most commonly used screening test for colon cancer. A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the entire colon and rectum using a long, thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera.

During a colonoscopy, the doctor can locate and remove any polyps that may be present, which can help prevent the development of colon cancer.

In addition to screening, there are several lifestyle modifications that can help reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. These include:.

maintaining a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
exercising regularly
quitting smoking
limiting alcohol consumption

Medications for Treating Colon Cancer

There are several medications used in the treatment of colon cancer. These include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is the most commonly used treatment for colon cancer. It uses drugs to kill cancer cells.

Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific proteins in cancer cells to inhibit their growth and spread. Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.

A New Pill That Can Reduce Colon Cancer Mortality

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that taking a daily pill containing aspirin and an anti-acid medication can help reduce the risk of colon cancer mortality.

The study included over 600,000 people and found that those who took the pill had a 19% lower risk of dying from colon cancer than those who did not take the pill.

The pill is commonly known as aspirin, and it is a common over-the-counter medication used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

The anti-acid medication in the pill helps reduce the risk of stomach bleeding, which is a potential side effect of aspirin use.

The study found that the pill was most effective in reducing colon cancer mortality in people who were at a higher risk of developing the disease.

This includes people who had a family history of colon cancer, a history of colon polyps, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a serious disease that affects a large number of people worldwide. While there are several factors that contribute to the development of colon cancer, screening and early detection can help reduce mortality rates.

Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking can help prevent the development of colon cancer. Finally, the recent study on the aspirin and anti-acid pill offers hope for reducing colon cancer mortality rates in high-risk individuals.