Colon cancer is a type of cancer that can develop in the colon or rectum section of the large intestine. The large intestine, one of the important organs of the digestive system, is the area where the final stages of digestion occur. Here, water from food is absorbed, and the remaining waste is expelled from the body as stool. Colon cancer is a type of cancer that is commonly seen worldwide and can affect both women and men. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for the patient. In advanced cases, it is a disease that poses a life-threatening risk.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a disease that arises from the development of cancerous cells in the rectum or colon, which make up the large intestine. In this area, which is the last part of the digestive system, the development of polyps increases, especially with age. While small clusters of cells may initially be harmless, they can turn into cancerous cells over time. Since polyps do not cause symptoms, they are usually detected during screenings for other diseases or routine colonoscopy examinations. By the time the disease starts to show symptoms, colon cancer may have progressed. Therefore, doctors may recommend colonoscopy screenings at certain intervals, especially for individuals in high-risk groups.
Colon cancer is divided into 4 stages. The stages are numbered from 0 to 4, with stage 4 being considered the most advanced level, where cancer cells have metastasized to different parts of the body.

What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer can cause various symptoms that affect daily life. Symptoms of colon cancer include:

Increased complaints of diarrhea or constipation,
Increased or decreased need to use the bathroom,
Presence of blood in the stool,
A feeling of a lump in the lower abdomen,
Bloating,
Abdominal pain,
Chronic fatigue,
Unintentional weight loss.

How Does Colon Cancer Occur?

The main cause of cancer cell development in the colon is still unknown today. Changes in the DNA of the cells in the colon can lead to cancerous changes. These changes in DNA can cause healthy cells to continue living despite having completed their natural life cycles. Uncontrolled increases in cell numbers can form tumor structures. As a result, cancer develops.
There are risk factors in the development of cancer. The first risk factor is genetic predisposition. Individuals with a family history of colon cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease. Additionally, lifestyle and environmental factors also play a significant role. Smoking and alcohol consumption can increase the development of cancer cells.
Colon cancer is closely related to age. The incidence is particularly higher in individuals over 50 years old.
Various digestive system diseases can negatively affect the tissue in this area and trigger the formation of cancerous cells. These diseases include ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Conditions like Lynch syndrome are also among the causes of colon cancer.
Diet can also be a risk factor for colon cancer. Individuals who consistently follow low-fiber but high-fat diet plans may trigger tissue differentiation. Additionally, those who lead a sedentary lifestyle may also see an increased risk.

How is Colon Cancer Diagnosed?

Although the types of colon cancer differ, the methods used for diagnosis are generally similar. Diagnostic methods can determine whether cancer is present and at what stage it is.

Colonoscopy: This is the most commonly used method in colon cancer screenings. Endoscopic devices with a camera at the end are advanced through the rectum into the lower digestive system. With the images obtained, the doctor can see if there are any changes in the colon and rectum. During the procedure, a tissue sample may be taken to confirm the cancer diagnosis, and if polyps are found, they can be removed.
Biopsy: The tissue sample taken during the colonoscopy is usually sent for biopsy screening. During laboratory examinations, it is assessed whether there are cancer cells in the taken tissue. The stage of the cancer, whether it is among the 4 stages, can also be determined during the procedure.

How is Colon Cancer Treated?

The most common method of treating colon cancer is usually surgery to remove the cancerous tissue from the intestines. However, the patient’s overall health status may change the treatment planning depending on whether the cancer is metastatic. Therefore, treatment planning is done according to the stage of cancer:

Removal of Polyps: In early-stage treatments, polyp formation is usually present, and polyps are cleaned from the intestine during the colonoscopy procedure. If the polyps are large, an endoscopic mucosal resection procedure is performed. Minimal surgical interventions are made to remove the polyps and the colon lining.
Minimally invasive surgery: For polyps that cannot be removed during colonoscopy, minimally invasive surgical methods are applied. During the surgery performed using laparoscopic methods, the intestines are cleaned with a small incision.
Partial colectomy: In cases where cancerous cells spread to the colon and grow, a partial colectomy is performed to remove the cancerous part of the intestine from the body. The remaining healthy parts are then reconnected. This procedure is performed using laparoscopic techniques, with small incisions made in the area, applying a closed surgery method.
Ostomy: If a significant portion of the intestines is removed after a colectomy, the remaining healthy sections may not be able to be connected. At this point, an ostomy comes into play. The healthy part of the intestine is attached to an opening in the abdominal wall through a small opening. Waste continues to be expelled through bags placed in the area, collecting stool. This procedure can be performed temporarily or permanently.
Chemotherapy: In cases where cancer is advanced and cancerous cells cannot be removed surgically, procedures are applied to alleviate the patient’s symptoms using methods such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These methods can also be applied to prevent any remaining cancer cells after surgery and to completely eliminate the cells. Additionally, they can be applied before surgical procedures to reduce the spread of cancer cells or limit their areas. In this method, strong drugs are administered to the patient through intravenous application.
Radiation therapy: Radiation obtained from X-rays or protons is administered to the patient through the skin to kill cancer cells. It can be used to relieve pain symptoms or shrink cancerous tissue.
Targeted therapy: This is a treatment developed to attack specific chemical structures in cancer cells. It is usually applied in conjunction with chemotherapy and is a method used in advanced cases.
Immunotherapy: The immune system is encouraged to fight cancer cells with the given drugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Colon Cancer Testing Done?

Colon cancer testing is usually performed through colonoscopy. During the procedure, a tissue sample is taken from the suspicious area and sent for biopsy. The presence of cancer cells is determined in the examined tissue sample in the laboratory, and a cancer diagnosis can be made.

How Long Does Colon Cancer Surgery Take?

The duration of colon cancer surgery can vary depending on the patient’s current health status and the amount of tissue to be removed during the surgery. The surgery duration can range from 2 to 8 hours.

How Does Bleeding Occur in Colon Cancer?

In colon cancer, individuals often notice blood in their stools. The stool may appear darker in color. In some cases, rectal bleeding may occur. A brighter red color of blood may be observed in the stool. This situation can be confused with hemorrhoid symptoms, but if the bleeding continues and worsens, it may be a sign of cancer.

What Should People with Colon Cancer Eat?

Nutrition is very important in cancer treatment. Foods that are good for colon cancer include fresh fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to consume seasonal fruits in portions of 2-3 servings per day. Additionally, consuming salads made from various colored vegetables that are cleaned can also be beneficial. High-fiber foods can be included in the diet. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt can also be part of the diet.

How Important is Early Diagnosis in Cancer?

Early diagnosis and treatment in cancer diseases are extremely important for overcoming the disease and continuing a healthy life. Therefore, if one or more of the symptoms included in the signs of colon cancer are observed, it is essential to seek support from a healthcare institution. If cancerous cells are detected, the treatment process should not be delayed.

You can apply to Hisar Hospital for more information about colon cancer or to have an evaluation regarding your symptoms. It is very important to have a consultation with our specialist doctors for early diagnosis and proper treatment. Do not neglect your health, take a step by making an appointment now!

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