Colon cancer is one of the most fatal cancers around the world. It is the second most fatal cancer in men and the third in women. The estimation of deaths caused by colon cancer reached 935,000 deaths worldwide in 2020.

It is projected to be the third most common cancer in the United States in 2021. Although colon cancer is a highly dangerous disease, there is hope. A well-known medication has shown the ability to shrink colon cancer.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer begins in the colon, also known as the large intestine. It usually starts as a noncancerous growth called a polyp in the lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, the polyp can become a cancerous tumor.

The colon is the last part of the digestive system responsible for removing water, salt, and nutrients from the solid waste and storing it until it is eliminated from the body. Colon cancer is generally curable when detected early. Hence, it is essential to understand the symptoms and get screened periodically.

What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

The symptoms of colon cancer are as follows:.

Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation for a prolonged time
Blood in your stool or rectal bleeding
Abdominal pain and cramping
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Weakness and fatigue

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to see your doctor to determine the cause. Detecting colon cancer early on provides a more significant chance of successful treatment.

How is Colon Cancer Treated?

The management of colon cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer, age, health status, and patient preferences. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

What is Metformin?

Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is taken orally and administered in the form of tablets. It works to lower blood sugar levels by decreasing glucose production in the liver and increasing insulin sensitivity.

Metformin is the most commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes. It is also used to treat other conditions such as metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and obesity.

Metformin and Cancer

There is emerging evidence suggesting metformin may have anticancer properties. Research shows that metformin may reduce the risk of cancer, slow cancer growth, and improve cancer prognosis.

Many studies have been conducted on metformin’s effect on colon cancer.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2009 found that patients with type 2 diabetes who were treated with metformin had a lower incidence of colon cancer than those who did not. The study concluded that metformin may have a protective effect against colon cancer.

Another study conducted in 2010 showed that metformin inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The study concluded that metformin might be a useful therapy for colon cancer.

A systemic review and meta-analysis published in the BMC Cancer journal in 2018 showed that metformin use was associated with a decreased risk of colon cancer.

The study analyzed twenty-one articles, including thirteen cohort studies and eight case-control studies.

How does Metformin Shrink Colon Cancer?

Metformin works by reducing glucose levels in the blood. Cancer cells require glucose to grow and multiply. When glucose levels decrease, cancer cells starve, causing them to shrink in size or slow their growth.

In addition, metformin also works to inhibit cancer cell growth, reduce inflammation, and improve the immune response against cancer cells.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a life-threatening disease that affects many individuals worldwide. It is vital to understand the symptoms and get screened periodically for early detection.

There are several treatment options available for colon cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Recently, it has been discovered that metformin, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, has anticancer properties. Many studies have been conducted on its effects on colon cancer.

Metformin has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer and inhibit cancer growth. It works by reducing glucose levels, which causes cancer cells to shrink, and inhibiting cancer cell growth, reducing inflammation and improving the immune response against cancer cells.

These properties of metformin make it a possible future treatment option for colon cancer.