Colon cancer is a kind of cancer that begins in the colon or the large intestine. The colon is the digestive tract’s largest part. This cancer is most prevalent in older adults but can happen to people of all ages. It typically begins as a small, benign cell clump called a polyp, which forms on the colon’s inside. With time, the polyps become malignant. Typically, the polyps are tiny and do not produce any symptoms. Hence, doctors advise regular screening tests to keep colon cancer at bay and identify polyps before they turn cancerous.

Causes
Medical experts are still studying what causes colon cancer. Typically, the cancer may stem from genetic mutations that may be acquired or inherited. However, these mutations do not necessarily develop into colon cancer but heighten the susceptibility. Some mutations may result in abnormal cells accumulating in the colon lining and forming polyps. These are benign, tiny growths that may become cancerous if left untreated. Removing it via surgery can be a good preventive measure.

Risk factors
Some risk factors amplify the risk of developing colon cancer. One of these factors does not necessarily mean one will get colon cancer, but it makes one more susceptible.

• Risk factors that cannot be changed
  One cannot change some risk factors that exacerbate the risk of developing colon cancer. For instance, ethnicity, age, and family health history can also aggravate the risk of colon cancer. A few risk factors that cannot be controlled include being over 50, having colorectal cancer, colon polyps, or a history of bowel disease, being of Ashkenazi Jewish or African descent, and having genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis.
• Risk factors that can be changed
  Some risk factors are preventable. Some avoidable risk factors include not leading a sedentary lifestyle and not being a type 2 diabetes patient.

Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of colon cancer include constipation or diarrhea, blood in the stool, which may make it look dark brown or black, bloating, abdominal pain, gas, cramping, changes in stool consistency, like narrow or loose stools, fatigue or weakness, anemia, rectal bleeding, decrease in weight when not meaning to, sharp pain in the abdomen, nausea, and the constant urge to defecate despite passing stools.

Abdominal pain and weight are later-stage symptoms, but if the colon cancer advances to a new location, it might trigger additional symptoms like jaundice.

It is essential to visit a gastroenterologist if any of these symptoms persist, as they could point toward cancer. Colorectal or colon cancer, if caught early, is highly treatable and, in most cases.

Diagnosis
A healthcare professional may recommend several tests for a colon cancer diagnosis. These include a complete blood count, a biopsy, an ultrasound, a PET (positron emission tomography) scan, X-rays, a comprehensive metabolic panel, a CT scan, an MRI scan, and a carcinoembryonic antigen assay.

Treatment options
Colon cancer treatment options depend on different factors. A doctor will study the patient’s signs and consider their overall health and cancer stage to devise the best treatment plan. Here are some treatment options that usually help:

• Surgery
  The doctor may remove the cancerous polyps via surgery during the early stages. However, if the polyps have not stuck to the bowel wall, the patient will probably have an excellent outlook. The surgeon will remove a part of the rectum or colon and the surrounding lymph nodes if the cancer has advanced to the bowel walls. Next, the surgeon will reattach the leftover healthy portion to the colon. But if this is not feasible, they may recommend a colostomy. It forms an opening in the abdominal wall to remove the waste. It may be permanent or temporary.
• Chemotherapy
  It involves using certain treatment methods to kill the cancer cells. Typically, chemotherapy happens after surgery and is employed to combat lingering cancerous cells. It also inhibits further tumor growth. However, it has side effects that must be monitored with additional treatment methods.
• Radiation
  In this method, a powerful energy beam is used to combat and kill malignant cells. The doctor may conduct radiation pre- and post-surgery. In some cases, the patient may undergo both radiation and chemotherapy.
• Other treatment options
  A healthcare professional may also recommend immunotherapies and targeted therapies. Quite a few options are available in the market now. They are beneficial in late-stage or metastatic colon cancer or one that has spread to the other body parts and does not respond to other treatment methods.