Colon cancer is a malignant tumor in the colon that is characterized by persistent changes in bowel movements. This disease often starts from a benign tumor called a polyp. Until now, the cause of colon cancer is not clearly known. However, there are several things that are thought to increase a person’s risk of developing colon cancer, including rarely eating fiber, rarely exercising, and having a smoking habit.
Colon cancer often does not cause symptoms in the early stages. However, if you often experience symptoms of digestive disorders, such as diarrhea or constipation, and have a family history of colon cancer, it is advisable to consult a doctor. The earlier it is detected, the greater the chance of colon cancer being cured.
Causes of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is caused by changes or mutations in genes in the colon tissue. However, the cause of these gene mutations is not yet known for sure. Although the cause is unknown, there are several lifestyles that are thought to increase a person’s risk of developing colon cancer, including:
- Low-fiber diet.
- Consuming too much red meat and fat.
- Smoking habits.
- Consuming alcoholic beverages.
- Rarely exercising.
In addition, there are several conditions or diseases that also increase a person’s risk of developing colon cancer, namely:
- Having a parent or sibling with colon cancer.
- Having colon polyps.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Having diabetes.
- Having inflammatory bowel disease.
- Having had radiotherapy to the abdomen.
- Having a genetic disorder called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome.
- Being over 50 years old.
Colon Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of colon cancer in the early stages are sometimes not felt or even do not appear at all. However, there are several symptoms that can appear in early-stage colon cancer, namely:
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Bloating.
- Abdominal cramps or pain.
- Changes in stool shape or color.
- Bloody stools.
If it has entered an advanced stage, colon cancer sufferers can experience symptoms such as:
- Fatigue.
- Often feel like you have an incomplete bowel movement.
- Changes in stool shape that last more than a month.
- Drastic weight loss.
If colon cancer has spread to other parts of the body, symptoms may appear in the form of:
- Jaundice (icterus).
- Blurred vision.
- Swelling in the arms and legs.
- Headache.
- Broken bones.
- Shortness of breath.
As previously stated, colon cancer sufferers may not initially experience any symptoms at all. Therefore, see a doctor if you experience symptoms that could be symptoms of colon cancer, such as:
- Recurrent diarrhea or constipation.
- Changes in stool shape and color.
- Incomplete bowel movements.
- Bloody stools.
A medical examination is also highly recommended if you have a family member who suffers from colon cancer.
Colon Cancer Diagnosis
To find out if a patient has colon cancer, the doctor will ask about the symptoms they are experiencing. The doctor will also ask if the patient has any diseases that can increase the risk of colon cancer, as well as tracing the patient’s family medical history.
After that, the doctor will perform a physical examination and supporting examinations, such as:
- Endoscopy
Endoscopy is performed by a gastroenterologist to see the condition of the large intestine by inserting a flexible tube with a camera on the end through the anus. Examination with this tool is called colonoscopy. In addition to using a flexible tube, endoscopy can be performed using a camera capsule that must be swallowed by the patient. - Intestinal biopsy
A biopsy is done by taking a sample of intestinal tissue to be examined under a microscope. The goal is to see if there are any malignant (cancer) cells. A biopsy can be done during a colonoscopy or during surgery to remove part of the large intestine. To find out how far the cancer has spread, as well as to assess the function of other organs and the success of treatment, the doctor will perform the following examinations:
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- X-ray
X-rays are used to see the condition of the large intestine. To get clearer results, the patient will be asked to drink a special dye solution (contrast) first. - CT scan
A CT scan is performed to see the condition of the colon and surrounding tissue in more detail. - Blood tests
Blood tests can provide information about the function of various organs before the oncologist begins treatment, such as blood cell counts, liver function, and kidney function. The doctor may also perform a CEA test to assess response to treatment.
- X-ray
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People at high risk for colon cancer are advised to undergo regular colon cancer screening. The goal is to catch cancer early if it appears. Colon cancer screening is recommended for men and women aged 45 and older. Some of the recommended tests are:
- Stool examination, every 1 year.
- Colonoscopy, every 10 years.
- Abdominal CT scan, every 5 years.
The test can detect blood in the stool, or polyps in the intestine that can develop into colon cancer. Discuss the benefits and risks of each test with your doctor.
Colon Cancer Stages
Based on its severity, colon cancer is divided into several stages, namely:
- Stage 1
At this stage, the cancer is only growing in the colon. - Stage 2
At this stage, the cancer has penetrated the wall of the colon. - Stage 3
At this stage, the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes located close to the large intestine. - Stage 4
This is the most severe stage of colon cancer. At this stage, the cancer has spread far and invaded other organs of the body, such as the lungs or liver.
The stage of colon cancer will be determined after the doctor examines the patient. Determining the stage helps the doctor to plan the right treatment method.
Colon Cancer Treatment
Colon cancer treatment is carried out according to the stage or severity of the cancer. Some treatment methods for dealing with colon cancer are:
- Surgery
Surgery is performed to remove cancerous tissue in the colon. The type of surgery performed depends on the severity and spread of the cancer. Surgery is performed by cutting and removing the part of the colon affected by cancer along with a small amount of healthy tissue around it. After that, the end of the colon will be connected to the rest of the colon leading to the anus, or directly connected to an artificial hole in the abdominal wall as a place for stool to exit. This hole is called a stoma and is created through colostomy surgery. In addition to cutting the colon, surgery can also be performed to remove lymph nodes that have been affected by the spread of cancer cells. - Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the administration of drugs to kill cancer cells. Types of chemotherapy drugs for colon cancer include fluorouracil and leucovorin, oxaliplatin and irinotecan. - Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is the use of radiation beams to kill cancer cells. These beams can be emitted from a device outside the body (external radiotherapy), or from a device placed near the cancer site (internal radiotherapy). - Targeted therapy
Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks cancer cells as well as healthy cells, drugs in targeted therapy work by killing cancer cells specifically. Targeted therapy drugs can be given as a single drug or in combination with other drugs. Some of the drugs used are:
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- Regorafenib.
- Cetuximab.
- Bevacizumab.
- Ramucirumab.
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In general, colon cancer patients diagnosed at an early stage have a higher chance of recovery than patients diagnosed at a late stage. Patients who have been declared cured of colon cancer still have a risk of developing cancer again. To ensure that colon cancer does not recur, the doctor will schedule regular patient check-ups.
Colon Cancer Prevention
Colon cancer can be prevented by implementing a healthy lifestyle, especially with a diet to prevent colon cancer. Ways that can be done to reduce the risk of getting this disease are:
- Exercise regularly.
- Increase fiber intake from vegetables, fruits, and grains.
- Maintain ideal body weight.
- Quit smoking.
- Reduce or avoid alcohol consumption.
In addition, in order for colon cancer to be detected as early as possible, screening examinations are also needed. This examination method is highly recommended, especially for people who have a family history of colon cancer and people aged 50 years and over.
