Colon Cancer occurs when cells in the colon develop mutations in their DNA. These mutations cause cells to grow rapidly and uncontrollably. This accumulation of cells finally forms a tumor.

In most cases, Colon cancer begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called Adenomatous Polyps but over time some of these polyps become Colon cancer. If Colon cancer is not treated on time then it spreads to nearby organs. This is one of the most complex types of cancer.

Most of the patients do not experience any specific symptoms at the early stage. Common symptoms of Colon Cancer include:

• A change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of stool that lasts longer than four weeks
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• Persistent abdominal discomforts such as cramps, gas, or pain
• A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

Changes in the DNA of the cells or inherited gene mutations increase the risk of Colon cancer. The most common forms of inherited colon cancer syndromes are:

• Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC): HNPCC is also called Lynch syndrome. It increases the risk of Rectum and Colon cancer. People with HNPCC always have a higher risk of developing rectum and colon cancer before age 50.

• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): FAP is a rare disorder that causes the development of thousands of polyps in the lining of the colon and rectum. People with untreated FAP always have a higher risk of developing colon cancer before age 40.

An unhealthy lifestyle can increase the risk of Colon cancer. Major risk factors include:

• Older age
• Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Genetic syndromes such as FAP and HNPCC
• Dietary factors
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Diabetes
• Obesity

Colon cancer is preventable by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Important steps include:

• Eating healthy fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Performing daily physical exercises.

Early diagnosis of any cancer is always helpful to cure cancer completely. Various diagnosis methods include:

• Colonoscopy: This is the most accurate test used to view the colon.
• Biopsy: In the Biopsy test a small amount of tissue is removed to examine under the microscope.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test is done to analyze different types of cells in the blood.
• Molecular Testing of the Tumor: This test is used to identify specific genes, proteins, and other unique factors of the tumor. A doctor can decide the most effective treatment option based on the reports of this test.
• Imaging test: Major imaging tests include CT scans and MRI scans. These tests provide detailed images of organs and are also used to determine the extent of cancer infections in the body.