Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancer types in Turkey and the world. Every year, millions of people are infected with this disease and many of them die. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital in the fight against colon cancer. In this article, you can find detailed information about colon cancer.

Colon cancer is a disease that occurs as a result of uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the colon and rectum. Over time, these cells form a mass called a tumor. As the tumor grows and spreads, it disrupts bowel function and can damage other organs.

Colorectal cancers may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, bleeding from the anus, constipation, and occult blood in the stool.

Various methods are used to diagnose colon cancer. The main diagnostic methods are:
 

• Stool occult blood test: This test checks for invisible blood in the stool.
• Colonoscopy: In this procedure, the inside of the colon and rectum is examined with a tube with a camera at the end.
• Sigmoidoscopy: In this procedure, the rectum and lower part of the colon are examined with a tube with a camera at the end.
• Virtual colonoscopy: In this procedure, a virtual image of the colon is created with a computed tomography (CT) scan.
• Blood tests: Some blood tests, such as CEA and CA 19-9, may be used for colon cancer.

After a diagnosis of colorectal cancer is made, the stage of the disease is determined. Staging is important to determine how far the cancer has spread and treatment options. There are four phases:
 

• Stage 1: Cancer is only on the inner surface of the colon.
• Stage 2: Cancer has spread to the wall of the colon.
• Stage 3: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 4: Cancer has spread to other organs such as the liver or lungs.

Colon cancer treatment is determined depending on the stage of the disease, the patient's general health and other factors. The main treatment options are:
 

• Surgery: Surgical removal of the cancerous tumor is the most common treatment method.
• Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Radiotherapy: It is the process of killing cancer cells using high-energy rays.
• Immunotherapy: It is the use of drugs to strengthen the body's own immune system against cancer.
• Targeted therapy: It is the use of specific drugs that prevent the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.

It is important to have regular medical check-ups and screening tests after treatment. In this way, relapse of the disease can be detected at an early stage.

Various measures can be taken to reduce the risk of colon cancer. These include:
 

• Healthy diet: Adopt a diet rich in fiber and rich in fruits and vegetables. Reduce red meat and processed meat products.
• Regular exercise: Get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
• Healthy weight: Maintain your ideal weight.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol use: Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Screening tests: After the age of 50, have the screening tests recommended by your doctor.
• Genetic counseling for those with a family history: People with a family history of colon cancer can receive genetic counseling services.

Colon cancer is a disease that can be successfully treated with early diagnosis and treatment. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits and seeing a doctor regularly are the most effective ways to reduce the risk of colon cancer. This article is for informational purposes only. If you experience any health problems, be sure to consult your doctor.