Colon Cancer: Risk Factors And Diagnosis

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death (behind lung cancer) in the U. S., responsible for roughly 50,000 deaths per year. However, it seems to be discussed and worried about much less than other cancers, such as breast cancer. This is unfortunate, as screening tests have been shown to reduce the chance of dying from colon cancer by detecting it early, when cure is possible.

Early colon cancer causes no symptoms. The progression from early pre-cancer changes to late-stage colon cancer has been fairly well defined. Colon cancer almost always starts out as a tiny bump on the inside lining of the colon, called a polyp. After several years, the polyp may grow and eventually turn into a cancer.

In at least 90 percent of cases, colon cancer occurs in people older than 50 years. The following conditions are thought to increase the risk of colon cancer:
Age greater than 50 years; A diet high in fat and low in fiber, fruits and vegetables; Cigarette smoking; Excessive alcohol use; Lack of exercise or sedentary lifestyle; A family history of colon cancer; A history of colon polyps or previous colon cancer; Inflammatory bowel disease, a condition that causes irritation of the bowels and other areas of the body for unknown reasons; Certain inherited conditions, such as a group of disorders known as familial polyposis syndromes.
As mentioned above, early colon cancer fails to cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
Symptoms of anemia or low blood counts, due to chronic blood loss in the stool. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and lightheadedness; A change in bowel habits, such as constipation or a narrower width of the stool; Abdominal swelling or cramps; Blood in the stool.

If colon cancer is suspected, several tests may be done. A physical exam will include a rectal exam, which can sometimes detect a low-lying cancer. The stool can also be tested for tiny amounts of blood that cannot be seen. Blood tests may be done to check for anemia or low blood counts. An X-ray test called a barium enema may also be done. This involves squirting dye through the anus and up into the colon so that the inside of the colon can be seen. The test usually used to confirm or check for cancer in suspected cases is called Endoscopy. It's also called Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy. It uses a special thin tube with a light and camera at the end of it. The tube can be inserted into the anus and advanced up through the colon. The inside of the colon can be seen with the light and camera as the tube moves through the colon. If any polyps or suspicious areas are seen, the tube can also be used to take a sample of the area in question, which is called as a biopsy.

If cancer is detected, further X-ray tests may be done to figure out if the cancer has spread into other areas of the body. This often involves a CAT scan, which is a special type of imaging test, of the abdomen and pelvis. Generally, the only hope for cure is surgery to remove the cancer, which is often successful. In some cases, radiation and/ or chemotherapy may be used in addition to the surgery.

Colon cancer can often be caught at an early, curable stage with recommended screening tests. In those without any risk factors for colon cancer, an annual rectal exam is advised every year, starting at the age of 50 at the latest. Endoscopy or barium enema is also advised every five years starting at the age of 50 as well. Those who have risk factors for colon cancer may be advised to start screening at an earlier age and have the screening done more often. Though these screening tests can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing, they can be life saving!

Anyone older than 50 years or with any of the above mentioned risk factors for colon cancer is advised to speak with his or her doctor, about colon cancer screening. Early detection has been shown to reduce the risk of death from this common cancer.

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