According to the World Health Organization, colon cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, representing about 10% of all cancer cases. The good news is when caught early, colon cancer is highly treatable.
Understanding Colon Cancer
Colon cancer develops when polyps, which are growths in the colon, turn cancerous. These polyps usually grow slowly over time, allowing for potential detection and removal before they become cancerous. Early detection is key because colon cancer has a high mortality rate if caught in the later stages.
Warning Signs and Risk Factors
While colon cancer can be asymptomatic, there are common warning signs, including changes in bowel habits, persistent abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding and unexplained weight loss. Talk to your doctor if you notice blood in your stool or any of these other changes.
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing colon cancer, including:
- Age: Most colon cancers occur in people over 45.
- Family history: Having a close relative with colon cancer increases your risk.
- Lifestyle: Obesity, lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol use can contribute to colon cancer risk.
- Underlying medical conditions: Inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis and diabetes can increase risk.
Importance of Screening
Regular screening is extremely important for early detection of colon cancer. Average-risk adults should begin screening at the age of 45. If a close relative has been diagnosed with colon cancer, it is recommended that screening begin at age 40 or 10 years before your family member was diagnosed.
There are different screenings available for colon cancer, including colonoscopy and stool-based tests. Colonoscopy is the gold standard, where screening is performed by direct endoscopic visualization. If someone is hesitant to undergo a colonoscopy, stool-based testing is an available and effective first step. If abnormal results come back, then the patient would proceed with a colonoscopy. Rescreening is recommended every 3-10 years based on findings during a colonoscopy or every year if stool-based testing is chosen.
When it comes to options for screening and re-screening for colon cancer, talk with your primary care physician to determine which one is best for you and at what frequency.
Treatment Options
The course of treatment for colon cancer depends on the stage of the cancer when it's detected. Surgery is the primary treatment for localized colon cancer. Called a hemicolectomy, this surgery aims to remove the cancerous portion of the colon and then reattach the healthy portions. In some cases, chemotherapy may be recommended after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. For advanced stages, various treatment options are available, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Follow-Up Plan
Following successful colon cancer treatment, surveillance visits are essential to monitor for recurrence and ensure your long-term health. The specific details of your follow-up will depend on the stage of your cancer and overall health. Typically, patients are seen every three to six months for the first couple of years to monitor their status. These check-ups can include blood tests, imaging tests (CT scans) and colonoscopies to check for reoccurrence.
New Treatments
Emerging research is exploring the use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) blood tests. These tests can detect tiny amounts of cancer DNA shed by residual cancer cells, potentially indicating earlier signs of recurrence compared with traditional methods. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine how ctDNA testing can be used to guide treatment decisions after surgery and determine who may benefit from chemotherapy.
At Endeavor Health, we provide comprehensive care for individuals with colon cancer. Our team of gastroenterologists, pathologists, surgeons and oncologists works together to deliver personalized treatment plans. To learn more, visit us online or call 630-646-2273.
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