Colon cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the large intestine. It is one of the most common types of cancer, affecting both men and women. However, with early detection and treatment, it is highly curable.

In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, stages and risk factors of colon cancer.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

The symptoms of colon cancer can be subtle and may not appear until the cancer has advanced. Some of the common symptoms of colon cancer include:.

Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely
Abdominal pain, cramping or bloating
Unexplained weight loss

Stages of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is divided into stages based on how advanced it is. The stages of colon cancer are:.

Stage 0: This stage is also known as carcinoma in situ. It means that the cancer is in its earliest stage and hasn’t spread beyond the inner lining of the colon.
Stage I: The cancer has grown into the outermost layer of the colon.
Stage II: The cancer has grown into or through the wall of the colon but hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage III: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes but hasn’t spread to other parts of the body.
Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as the liver or lungs.

Risk Factors of Colon Cancer

There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing colon cancer. Some of the common risk factors include:.

Age: The risk of colon cancer increases as you age.
Family history: If you have a family history of colon cancer, you may be at a higher risk.
Polyps: If you have a history of polyps in your colon, you may be at a higher risk of developing colon cancer.
Unhealthy diet: A diet that is high in fat and low in fiber can increase your risk of colon cancer.
Smoking: Smoking can increase your risk of developing colon cancer.
Obesity: Being overweight can increase your risk of colon cancer.

Prevention of Colon Cancer

While there is no surefire way to prevent colon cancer, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:.

Eat a healthy diet that is high in fiber and low in fat.
Exercise regularly.
Quit smoking.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Know your family history and talk to your doctor about screening tests if you are at a higher risk.

Screening for Colon Cancer

Screening tests can help detect colon cancer in its early stages when it is more treatable. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. Some of the common screening tests include:.

Colonoscopy: This is the most common screening test for colon cancer. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the colon to look for any abnormalities.
Virtual colonoscopy: This is a non-invasive test that uses X-rays to create images of the colon.
Fecal occult blood test: This test checks for blood in the stool which can be a sign of colon cancer.
Stool DNA test: This test looks for DNA changes in your stool that may indicate the presence of colon cancer.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a serious disease, but it is highly treatable if detected early. If you experience any symptoms or have any risk factors for colon cancer, talk to your doctor about screening options.

Remember, prevention is key, so eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get screened.