Colon Cancer

Colon cancer: A malignancy that arises from the inner lining of the colon. Most, if not all, of these cancers develop from colonic polyps. Removal of these precancerous polyps can prevent colon cancer, according to experts from Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou.

The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. Together, they form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also known as the large bowel). Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps. Malignant tumors of the large intestine are called cancers.

Oncology experts from Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou stated that colon polyps and early colon cancers cause no signs or symptoms. Full-blown colon cancer can cause occult (a microscopic amount of) blood in the stool, overt rectal bleeding, bowel obstruction, and weight loss.

Risk factors for colon cancer include a family history of it or of colonic polyps, and long standing ulcerative colitis. The overall risk can be reduced by following a diet low in fat and high in fiber.

Colon cancer is preventable and curable. It is preventable by removing the precancerous colon polyps. It is curable if detected early when it can be surgically removed before it has spread to other parts of the body. If screening and surveillance programs were practiced universally, there would be a tremendous reduction in the incidence and mortality of colon cancer.

Globally, cancer of the colon and rectum is the third leading cause of cancer in males and the fourth leading cause of cancer in females. The frequency of colorectal cancer varies around the world. It is common in the Western world and is rare in Asia and Africa. In countries where the people have adopted western diets, the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing.