Colon Cancer
Caused by growths that turn malignant, colon cancer develops slowly over several years.
The cancer begins when precancerous growths called adenomatous polyps form in the tissues of the colon, which makes up the lower part of our digestive system.
Polyps can be detected through colon screenings. A colonoscopy uses a thin, lighted tube to search for polyps, cancer and abnormal areas in the colon and rectum. A colonoscopy is recommended at least every 10 years, starting at the age of 45 for African-Americans who are at greater risk for the cancer and at 50 for other races.
Your risk for colon cancer increases if you have had previous cancers, a family history of colon or rectal cancers, or have ulcerative colitis. See your doctor if you have rectal bleeding, notice changes in your bowel movements or have unexplained weight loss.
To prevent colon cancer, get screened as recommended by your doctor, maintain a healthy diet, exercise often and quit smoking if you currently do.
Recently Answered
- Q How does metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer affect my body?
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Cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the body. These extra cells grow together and form masses, lumps or tumors. In colorectal cancer, these growths usually start as harmless (benign) polyps in the large intestine (colon or rectum). Colon polyps are... Full Answer
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- Q How does a family history of colon cancer affect routine screening?
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People who have no identified risk factors (other than age) should begin regular screening at age 50. Those who have a family history or other risk factors for colorectal polyps or cancer, such as inflammatory bowel disease, should talk with their doctor... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer?
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Even after treatment that seems successful, colorectal cancer may come back (recur). But this depends on the stage of the cancer before treatment. Your risk for recurrent or metastatic cancer depends on how aggressive your cancer is and how well... Full Answer
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- Q If I have a family history of colon cancer, when should I begin screening?
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If you have a family history of adenomatous polyps or colorectal cancer, you should talk with your doctor about the possible need to begin screening before age 50. You might start at age 40, or 10 years before the youngest case in your immediate family,... Full Answer
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- Q What are my options for colon cancer screening?
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There are several different kinds of cancer screening. Fecal occult blood testing is an annual test that looks for microscopic blood in the feces. Virtual colonoscopies (through CT scans), barium dyes with x-rays, or flexible sigmoidoscopies (a tubal... Full Answer
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- Q What are the signs of colon cancer?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyIf caught early, colon cancer is one of the most curable cancers, which is why it’s important to know the warning signs. While polyps detected during colonoscopies are a risk factor, bloating can be a symptom. Bloating related to colon... Full Answer
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- Q How common is colorectal cancer?
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Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The American Cancer Society's most recent estimates for the number of colorectal cancer cases in the United States are for... Full Answer
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- Q What screening tests are used to detect colorectal cancer?
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If symptoms or the results of the physical exam or blood tests suggest that colorectal cancer might be present, your doctor may recommend more tests. This might include endoscopic tests such as sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, or imaging tests such as a... Full Answer
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- Q How should I decide which colorectal cancer screening test to use?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyFor a screening test to be effective it should be able to predict with some degree of confidence that a person has cancer long before a sign or symptom appears. In the case of colorectal cancer there are a few types of screening tests that can be used... Full Answer
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- Q What are the benefits of genetic testing once I have colon cancer?
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If you have had colon cancer, the benefits of genetic testing could help determine whether you face an increased risk of developing a second colon cancer or whether your chance of developing other types of cancers is higher. Further, genetic testing can... Full Answer
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