Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the country. In fact, one in twenty people can be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. These statistics seem scary, but there is good news. 60% of complications and deaths related to colon cancer is preventable by regular screening. There are also different treatment options that can be prescribed by a doctor, such as Opdivo, Yervoy , Clonoseq, and Qinlock. This article talks about the causes and symptoms of the condition at various stages.

What is cancer?

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. Normal cells stop dividing when they encounter neighboring cells while these multiply despite contact. The abnormal cells then form tumors, which can be benign or malign. It gives rise to masses called tumors. Malignant tumors travel to other organs through the blood or lymphatic system and affect the functioning of healthy cells, crowding them out. Colon cancer is commonly linked to rectal cancer due to the proximity of the organs. The rectum is an extension of the large intestine or colon, and they are studied together as colorectal cancer.

Symptoms of colon cancer

When you know and understand the signs of the condition, you can keep an eye out for them and avail of treatment at the earliest possible chance. Here are some of the common symptoms of colon cancer to know of, alongside the stages they appear in.

Stages of colon cancer 

Like most cancers, colorectal cancer presents itself in stages. In stages zero, one, and two, only the different layers of the intestine are affected; neighboring organs and lymph nodes remain unaffected. The symptoms can often be confused for those of other conditions in earlier stages, making it difficult to diagnose the disease.

1. Early symptoms

The common early symptoms of colon cancer can be largely mild and are quite easy to ignore. Diarrhea and constipation are indicators of changes in the colon and rectum. But these are also seen due to different food sensitivities or changes in diet or lifestyle. Change in shape of stools, for example, when they become ribbon-like, can indicate a blocked colon or rectum. Change in color of stools due to rectal bleeding is the most worrying early symptom. Excessive gas and bloating are observed too. Sometimes you also experience abdominal discomfort in the form of cramps or aches. When these symptoms increase in frequency, occur in combinations or when you are unable to find a logical explanation connecting it to any other medical condition, consider consulting a medical practitioner immediately.

2. Symptoms in stages 3 and 4

In stages three and four, the symptoms are more clear and pronounced. In addition to the increased magnitude of the early symptoms, excessive fatigue, and unexplained weakness may also be seen. Chronic rectal bleeding can also cause iron deficiency and anemia. Changes in bowel movements that last more than a month are also worrisome. Abdominal discomfort can worsen too. You might always feel bloated, full even after using the bathroom, or feel the persistent need to use the bathroom. These common symptoms of colon cancer can be extremely unpleasant over extended periods.

3. Symptoms after metastasis

When colorectal cancer metastasizes to other parts of the body, new symptoms arise. If the liver is affected, you can observe jaundice, i.e., yellowing of the eyes and skin. When the lungs are affected, breathing troubles manifest. If it affects the brain, the prognosis is rarely favorable. Chronic headaches are an indicator of this. Bone fractures and blurry vision also occur when secondary tumors form.

The key to treating colon cancer, like most cancers, is early detection. Be aware of the inevitable risk factors, including advanced age (above 50 years), history of colon polyps and bowel problems, family history, or being of Eastern European Jewish or African descent. Meanwhile, lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive drinking, consuming a lot of processed meats, being overweight, or having type 2 diabetes are avoidable risk factors. If you think any of these are applicable, it is better to schedule a screening immediately.