What is Colon Cancer? What are Colon Cancer Symptoms and Treatment Methods?

The large intestine, which is the last part of the digestive system that connects to the anus, varies between 1.5 and 2 meters. The large intestine consists of the colon and rectum. Rectum: It is the part of the large intestine where 12 cm of stool is stored from the anus. The colon is the part of the large intestine after the rectum.

Most of the digested foods in the small intestine come to the large intestine, and finally, they are decomposed again in the region called the colon, separated from the water and minerals in it, and sent to the rectum to expel the remaining part through the anus.

Cancer that occurs in the colon region of the large intestine is called colon cancer. In cases where colon cancer is detected early, treatment is possible. However, in cases where it is not noticed: It can also be found in thick lymph nodes, stomach, spleen or other organs through blood.

Colon cancer causes and risk factors

• Grief factor
• Generally, people aged 50-60 years are more likely to develop the disease.
• Genetic factors
• If there are a person or people who have colon cancer among family members, a colonoscopy should be performed at a time close to this age.

What is a polyp? 

It is called the layer that covers the inside of the large intestine to grow outside the normal and protrude into the intestinal canal. These protrusions, also known as tumors, are divided into two as benign and malignant. However, even if it is benign, it should be taken because there is a risk of it turning into a malignant tumor in the future.

Diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease Crohn's and ulcerative colitis increase the risk of developing colon cancer.

Unhealthy lifestyle

People who consume foods low in fiber, smoke and drink alcohol, have diabetes, are overweight or have a sedentary lifestyle are at higher risk of developing this disease.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer? The most important symptom of bowel cancer

Constant diarrhea or constipation, thinning of the stool, blood coming from the stool or anus, and the presence of an egg white-like epidemic in the stool are the most important symptoms. In addition, in cases where the disease progresses, conditions such as swelling and pain occur. Difficulty in defecation, pain, anemia due to iron deficiency, weight loss and formation of a mass in the abdomen are the findings related to colon cancer.

How is colon cancer diagnosed?

With the advancement of technology, it has become easier to diagnose diseases such as colon and intestinal cancer. Early diagnosis of the disease is possible with the colonoscopy method. Polyps that are at risk of turning into cancer can be removed by colonoscopy. For definitive diagnosis, a sample is taken from the patient during colonoscopy and sent for pathological examination.

What are the treatment methods for colon cancer?

The most important step in the treatment of colon cancer is the removal of polyps by colonoscopy method. However, chemotherapy is used to prevent the disease from progressing and damaging other organs.

Ways to prevent colon cancer

The first condition for protection from colon cancer is to eat fibrous foods. In addition, taking calcium, vitamin D, doing sports and drinking enough water are the first conditions for protection. In addition, people who are at risk of developing colon cancer should be on a regular basis.