Colon cancer is a type that does not cause symptoms in its early stages.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Colon or colon cancer is one of the deadliest diseases with symptoms that are often difficult to realize. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance estimates that 52,580 people will die from colon cancer by 2022. What’s even scarier is that this type of cancer may not cause symptoms at first, so people may not even realize they have it.
Symptoms include nausea and vomiting, rectal bleeding, indigestion, and various types of pain. Internal medicine doctor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Eva Shelton, explains that constipation and diarrhea can signal a number of problems, but because the symptoms are so common, they are often overlooked.
Shelton explains that if cancer affects colon function, it can cause diarrhea. Constipation can also be a sign of cancer. “The large intestine is also the outlet for feces from the body, and when there is an obstructing (cancerous) mass, the patient can experience constipation,” Shelton said. BestLife, Tuesday (19/7/2022).
Since problems like diarrhea and constipation are common, it is important to know when to consult a doctor. In general, it is a good idea to see a doctor if you experience these symptoms repeatedly or persistently.
“There are several diagnostic tests they can perform to determine the cause of their symptoms. Or as a precaution, routine screening such as colonoscopy or stool tests from the age of 45 is highly recommended,” explains Shelton.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) explains that most colorectal cancers begin with the growth of polyps on the inner lining of the rectum or colon. However, not all polyps will develop into cancer.
Polyps can be adenomatous (adenomas are considered pre-cancerous, as they sometimes become cancerous); hyperplastic and inflammatory (this is common but generally not precancerous); sessile serrated polyps (CNS) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA), which are often treated as adenomas, because they have a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) notes that not only older people are at high risk of developing this cancer, but young people too. Since the 1990s, the number of colorectal cases has steadily increased among adults younger than 50 years.
“This rapid increase is particularly puzzling because colorectal cancer rates have been declining among older adults, largely due to regular colonoscopy and lower smoking rates,” the NCI wrote.
Other risk factors for the disease include certain lifestyle factors such as a low-fiber diet, a high-fat diet, and conditions such as inflammatory disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
