Colon Cancer Symptoms

The colon is part of the large intestine and the final part of the digestive system. It plays an important role in absorbing fluids, salts and other waste products from our body and preparing for its elimination.

Colon cancer also referred to as colorectal cancer mainly affects the large intestine and it usually starts with polyps in the walls of the large intestine varying in their size. According to the records, this cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death. This can be easily preventable and highly curable if detected in the early stages.

It begins as small clumps of cells formed inside the colon. Over time, these clumps become cancerous. There are several treatments that help to control colon cancer, such as radiation, drug treatment, chemotherapy, surgery, etc.

The exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown. There are certain genetic causes, other histories of breast, uterine or ovarian cancer, lifestyle changes, age-related, etc.

Colon Cancer Causes

Colon cancer develops when healthy cells in the colon mutate their DNA structure. These cells continue to divide and form the tumour. Although there is no specific cause of colon cancer.

Colon Cancer Symptoms

There are no such symptoms experienced by an individual in the early stages of the disease. The symptoms likely vary, depending on the cancer’s size and its location in the large intestine. The symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Lower abdominal pain
• Change in bowel habits
• Loose and narrow stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling tired all the time
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Pain during bowel movements
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool

Colon cancer is a highly curable cancer if it is treated in its beginning stage. If it is left untreated, the cancer cells may also spread to other parts of the body, including the bones, liver, and lungs.

Stay tuned with BYJU’s to learn more in detail about cancer, and its types.