Jul 27, 2023 · Many people with colon cancer don't have symptoms at first. When symptoms appear, they'll likely depend on the cancer's size and where it is in the large intestine. Symptoms of colon cancer can include: A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
Colon cancer is a growth of cells that begins in a part of the large intestine called the colon. The colon is the first and longest part of the large intestine. The large intestine is the last part of the digestive system. The digestive system breaks down food for the body to use.
Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Polyps generally aren't cancerous, but some can turn into colon cancers over...
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Many people with colon cancer don't have symptoms at first. When symptoms appear, they'll likely depend on the cancer's size and where it is in the large intestine.
Symptoms of colon cancer can include:
Doctors aren't certain what causes most colon cancers.
Colon cancer happens when cells in the colon develop changes in their DNA. A cells' DNA holds the instructions that tell the cell what to do. The changes tell the cells to multiply quickly. The changes let the cells continue living when healthy cells die as part of their natural lifecycle.
This causes too many cells. The cells might form a mass called a tumor. The cells can invade and destroy healthy body tissue. In time, the cells can break away and spread to other...
Colon cancer treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cancer. Your health care team might recommend other treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Your treatment options depend on the cancer's location and its stage. Your health care team also considers your overall health and your preferences when creating a treatment plan.
Treatment for a very small colon cancer might be a minimally invasive approach to surgery, such as:...
Doctors recommend that people with an average risk of colon cancer consider starting colon cancer screening around age 45. But people with an increased risk should think about starting screening sooner. People with an increased risk include those with a family history of colon cancer.
There are several different tests that are used for colon cancer screening. Talk about your options with your health care team....
For informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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