Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

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Bowel cancer is a serious disease that can be successfully treated if detected early. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment here.

It is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, but when detected early, it has a high cure rate.

The initial symptoms of this type of cancer can go unnoticed, highlighting the importance of awareness and regular check-ups.

To learn more, continue reading!

What is bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the colon and rectum, and can affect both men and women, especially those over 50 years of age. 

It develops, in most cases, from benign lesions called polyps, which can become cancerous over time. 

If not detected and treated early, this disease can spread to other parts of the body. 

It is essential to seek medical assistance if there is suspicion of cancer, for an adequate diagnosis and, thus, increase the patient’s chances of cure. 

Risk factors include a family history of colorectal cancer, advanced age, unhealthy lifestyle, and certain medical conditions. 

Prevention should be prioritized to avoid the onset of this condition and future complications. 

Awareness and early detection play a crucial role in improving survival rates and effective treatment of this disease.

Symptoms of bowel cancer

It is important to know the symptoms of this type of cancer, as early diagnosis increases the chances of treatment and cure.

The symptoms of bowel cancer can vary from person to person, but there are some common signs to watch out for. 

For example, one of the main symptoms is a change in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea, constipation or alternation between the two.

The presence of blood in the stool or rectal bleeding can also occur.

Other symptoms include persistent abdominal pain, feeling of bloating or abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, weakness and anemia due to chronic loss.

In more advanced stages, the condition of the disease can cause intestinal obstruction, resulting in vomiting, nausea and abdominal distension.

It is important to note that these symptoms can be caused by various conditions, not just this specific type of cancer. 

However, if you are feeling or going through any of these symptoms, especially if they are persistent, it is essential to seek a doctor for an adequate evaluation to be carried out.

Diagnosis of bowel cancer

The diagnosis of the disease usually involves a combination of clinical examinations, imaging tests and laboratory tests.

The initial symptoms, as we have seen, can vary and include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, to unexplained weight loss and fatigue.

To confirm the diagnosis, a colonoscopy is necessary, an examination that allows the doctor to view the inside of the colon and rectum. During the colonoscopy, biopsies of suspicious tissue can also be performed, which will be examined by a pathologist.

In addition to these, some imaging tests, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, may be requested to determine the extent of the cancer and whether there are metastases in other organs.

Early diagnosis is crucial for the effective treatment of bowel cancer. 

Therefore, seek a doctor as soon as possible if there is suspicion of the disease so that the diagnosis can be made as soon as possible.

Treatment of bowel cancer

The treatment depends on several factors, such as the stage of the disease, the location of the tumor and the patient’s overall health. 

The main treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy.

Surgery is often the first treatment option for the disease.

The goal is to remove the tumor and any affected surrounding tissues.

Depending on the stage of the cancer, a local resection may be performed, where only the tumor and a little normal tissue are removed, or a more extensive resection, where a part of the colon or rectum is removed. 

In some cases, it may be necessary to create a colostomy, ileostomy temporary or permanent.

Chemotherapy is another common treatment option. It involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells or prevent their growth. 

Chemotherapy can be administered before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor, after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells or as palliative treatment in advanced stages of the disease.

Radiotherapy is often combined with chemotherapy before surgery, especially in cases of rectal cancer. 

It involves the use of high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or prevent their growth. 

This treatment can also be used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence of the disease.

Immunotherapy is a relatively new form of treatment for cancer. It uses drugs that stimulate the patient’s immune system to fight cancer cells. 

Such treatment has shown promising results in patients with advanced or metastatic bowel cancer.

Besides the treatments mentioned, patients with this disease can also benefit from supportive therapies, such as nutritional therapy, which aims to ensure adequate nutrition during treatment, and psychological support, which can help patients cope with the emotional impact of the situation.

It is always worth remembering that the treatment for this cancer should be individualized and discussed with a specialized medical team. 

Each case is unique, and the therapeutic approach can vary according to the characteristics of the patient and the cancer. 

Access to adequate treatment is essential to improve the viability of cure and the quality of life of patients suffering from the condition.

Prevention of bowel cancer

The prevention of the disease is of utmost importance for the maintenance of health and well-being. 

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, but many cases could be avoided through adequate preventive measures.

One of the main prevention strategies is the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. 

This includes a balanced diet rich in fiber, with regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat foods.

Besides that, it is essential to limit the consumption of red and processed meat, such as bacon, sausage and ham, which are associated with a higher risk of developing cancer.

Regular physical activity also plays a key role in preventing the problem. 

Aerobic exercises, such as walking, running, swimming or cycling, help to keep the intestine healthy and regulate the digestive system.

Another important factor is the performance of screening tests, as previously discussed, such as colonoscopy, which allows the identification of pre-cancerous lesions or cancer in early stages, when the chances of cure are greater. 

The start of screening tests varies according to family history and other characteristics of each person, therefore, we reinforce that consulting a doctor to determine the best approach is very important.

Another point to be highlighted is to avoid smoking and moderate alcohol consumption to minimize the risks of developing cancer.

With these measures, it is possible to significantly reduce the chances of causing this type of disease and preserve the health of the intestine.

Therefore, bowel cancer is a serious disease that requires attention to symptoms and adequate medical care. 

It is essential that patients and health professionals are aware of the warning signs, promoting awareness and the search for early diagnosis and treatment, thus contributing to better outcomes and a greater survival of patients affected by the disease.

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