Colon cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells lining the digestive tract. It begins in the cells that line the innermost layer of the colon (the mucosa). This type of cancer is called adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinomas can occur anywhere along the length of the large intestine, starting at the mouth and ending at the anus.
The causes of colon cancer may vary depending on where the tumor starts. If the cancer starts in the rectum, it is referred to as rectal cancer. In some cases, the cause of colon cancer can’t be determined.
A person who has colon cancer may not experience any symptoms until the disease has progressed. Most people don't realize they have colon cancer until after the cancer has spread throughout their body. Common symptoms of colon cancer include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and blood in the stool.
There's no way to prevent colon cancer if a person already has it. But there are ways to reduce your risk of developing it. A diet high in fiber helps keep the colon clean and free of harmful bacteria. Avoiding tobacco products reduces the amount of carcinogens in the air. Regular exercise keeps the immune system strong. And maintaining a healthy weight decreases the risk of obesity-related cancers.
If colon cancer is detected early enough, treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments. Surgery removes the affected area of the colon. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. All three types of treatment work together to help fight cancer. Each treatment option has its own risks and side effects. Talk to your doctor to determine what kind of treatment would be best for you. In India, treatment of colon cancer is very advanced now