Although colorectal cancer is more common in the elderly and men, But women can get cancer at some point in their lives.
It is usually thought that this type of colon cancer or colon cancer primarily affects the elderly and men. But young people and women are increasingly affected by this diagnosis. Colorectal cancer This means colon or rectal cancer. It is the third most common type of cancer. and although it is found in men more than a little But it also occurs in women. In fact, 1 in 24 women will be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer at some point in their lives.
In addition to being one of the most common cancers overall, Young adults are also more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer. While in the past it was considered a disease that mainly affected the elderly, Today this has changed. Colon cancer can be prevented and cured if detected in its early stages.
Signs of colon cancer
Here are some signs or symptoms that should alert you if you have this disease. Because it may mean you may have this type of cancer:
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or regular stools)
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, or discomfort.
- unexplained weight loss
- unexplained anemia (iron deficiency)
Many of these symptoms can be caused by causes other than cancer, such as poor diet. Viral infection Hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome Therefore, it is important to know your body well so that you can report any significant changes. Let your doctor know, This is especially true if these symptoms have been present for more than 2 weeks.
Colon cancer screening
Colorectal cancer is one of the most curable types of cancer. But the only way to detect it is through screening. People at average risk for colon cancer should start at age 50, and sooner if they have a family history. Early screening is recommended. For anyone with a family history of colon cancer Polyposis syndrome or Lynch syndrome as well as people with diseases that affect the digestive system, such as irritable bowel syndrome Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
Colonoscopy remains the most effective method for diagnosing colon cancer. It is a safe, comfortable, simple, and widely available procedure that saves lives. A camera or colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and Used for examining the entire colon and rectum. It is also used in biopsy examinations.
Colon cancer diagnosis
A colon cancer diagnosis can be scary. And the first question that patients often ask is: “What will happen next?” Determining the best course of treatment depends on the stage of your cancer.
Cancer staging is performed after the initial diagnosis. and may involve a series of tests. Each test helps your doctor determine which parts of the body are affected by the cancer. After setting the distance Your doctor will recommend one treatment.
Stage of color cancer
Stage 0 Colon Cancer When abnormal cells are found in the wall or mucus of the colon, it is considered stage 0 colon cancer. Treatment involves removing the tissue to remove all cancer cells. If the cell affects a large area It may have an excision, which is a minor surgery. It is minimally invasive. This is usually done during a colonoscopy.
A colon cancer diagnosis can be scary.- Colon cancer stage 1 Cancer that has spread to the mucous membrane and subcutaneous tissue is considered stage 1 colon cancer. Stage 1 colon cancer Cancer cells may also affect the deeper muscle layers of the colon wall. But it hasn’t spread yet. There is no space outside the large intestine. Treatment requires surgery to remove the affected area. This is called a partial colon resection.
- Colon cancer stage 2 When cancer has spread beyond the colon wall But it does not affect the lymph nodes. It is considered to be stage 2 colon cancer. Treatment involves surgery to remove the affected area. And generally, it’s chemotherapy. If the surgeon is unable to remove all the cancer cells Radiation may also be recommended.
- Colon cancer stage 3 Cancer that has spread beyond the lining of the colon and affects the lymph nodes. It is considered stage 3 colon cancer. At this stage, even lymph nodes are affected. But the cancer has not yet affected other organs in the body. Operations include surgery to remove the affected area and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy may be recommended for patients who are not well enough for surgery or for patients who may still have cancer cells in their body after surgery.
- Colon cancer stage 4 In stage 4 colon cancer, the cancer has spread to other organs in the body through the blood and lymph nodes. Patients with stage 4 colon cancer may undergo surgery to remove a small area. or spread in the affected organ. However, in many cases, the area is too large to be removed. Chemotherapy can help shrink tumors to make surgery more effective or extend life.
Early detection of colon cancer very important So if you have symptoms Whether you are a man or a woman It is very important that you see your doctor as soon as possible to undergo relevant tests.Even though you might think that this cancer might be more common in older people and men, Don’t trust it and see a doctor if you suspect it might happen to you. Treatment success rates are higher when this type of cancer is detected early.