Understanding Colon Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer starts in the large intestine. Most cases begin as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called polyps (abnormal growth). While these polyps are usually harmless at first, some can slowly turn cancerous over time. That’s why routine screenings can be a lifesaver long before you can feel any symptoms. 

Causes of Colon Cancer

There’s no single cause of colon cancer, but several factors can increase your risk, including:

• Age: Most cases occur in people over 50, though cases in younger individuals are rising.
• Family History: An immediate family member with colon cancer or polyps raises your risk due to genetic disposition.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): These could be conditions like Chron’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Diet: Eating lots of red or processed meats and not enough fiber can increase your risk.
• Lifestyle Choices: Lack of exercise, smoking, and heavy alcohol use are associated with a higher risk for colon cancer.
• Obesity: Being overweight can make you more likely to develop colon cancer.
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Knowing the Symptoms

The tricky part here is that colon cancer often grows slowly in its early stages. Many people feel perfectly fine while undiagnosed. However, as the cancer progresses, you may notice these signs of colon issues:

• Blood in your stool or rectal bleeding
• Changes in bowel habits (ongoing diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
• A sensation where you feel as if your bowels haven’t fully emptied even after a bowel movement

Call your doctor immediately if you or a family member is experiencing any of these symptoms.

How Is Colon Cancer Detected?

The earlier we find it, the better our chances of beating it. Routine screenings help identify precancerous polyps or cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective. Here’s how doctors do it:

Common Screening Tests

Colonoscopy

This is the gold standard for detecting colon cancer. Your doctor will use a flexible tube equipped with a tiny camera to check for any cancerous growth in the colon.

• During this test, your doctor can detect and remove polyps in the same procedure.
• If you have risk factors, a colonoscopy is highly recommended every 10 years, starting at age 45 or earlier.

Stool-Based Tests

You can also opt for non-invasive tests that check for hidden blood or abnormal DNA in your stool.

• The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a simple, at-home test you can do annually.
• Abnormal results from stool tests require a follow-up colonoscopy.
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Why Get Screened Even Without Symptoms?

Colon cancer develops slowly, often without symptoms in its early stages. Many people don’t realize they have it until they get screened.

• 45 is the new 50—it’s recommended to start screening at age 45 due to rising cases.
• Ask your doctor about screening sooner if you have a family history or other risk factors.
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What Are My Treatment Options?

Once the cancer has been detected and confirmed, the next step is to create a colon treatment plan. The plan depends on the cancer’s stage, location, and overall health. Your doctor will work with you to find the best path forward.

Surgery

This is often the first step if the cancer is localized. The goal is to remove the part of the colon containing the tumor.

• Early-stage may only require a polypectomy to remove polyps.
• More advanced cases may need a colectomy for colon mass removal.

Chemotherapy

Chemo involves taking drugs to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors before surgery.

• It’s usually recommended if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or beyond.
• In some cases, it’s combined with other treatments to improve outcomes.

Radiation Therapy

This treatment is more common for rectal cancer but is sometimes used for colon cancer.

• High-energy rays destroy cancer cells during radiation therapy.
• Radiation therapy can be recommended before or after surgery to shrink tumors.

Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

A treatment plan for colon cancer may include advanced treatments that use your body’s immune system or specific drugs to fight cancer.

• Targeted therapy focuses on cancer cell abnormalities to stop their growth.
• Immunotherapy helps your immune system detect and destroy cancer cells.
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Lower Your Risk of Colon Cancer

The best defense against colon complications will always be prevention. Here are some practical steps you can take today to reduce your risk.

Get Screened Regularly

Don’t skip this one—regular screening is your best strategy against colon cancer. Effective screening can spot polyps early before they become cancerous. Have a chat with your doctor to find the right screening schedule for you.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides fiber and nutrients that support colon health. Try to limit red and processed meats, as studies show they can increase your risk of developing colon cancer.

Stay Physically Active

Exercise helps support weight management, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.

Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol

Smoking and excessive alcohol intake have both been linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. If you smoke, consider seeking support to quit, and try to limit alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two for men (or less).

Preventing colon cancer doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire lifestyle overnight. Small, consistent steps—adding an extra serving of vegetables to your plate, taking daily walks, or scheduling your first screening—can add up over time and reduce the chances of developing colon cancer.

Access to Colon Cancer Care in Rural Communities

Many high-risk individuals do not have access to services for preventing and treating colon cancer. In rural communities, the path to prevention and treatment means surpassing several obstacles, such as:

Rural communities deserve the same quality healthcare as urban areas. At Rural Health Network, we work every day to make that a reality.

Let Rural Health Network Support Your Health Journey

At Rural Health Network, we believe that where you live shouldn't determine the quality of care you receive. When it comes to colon cancer prevention and treatment, we’re here to help you with our:

Comprehensive Health Assessment

We examine your health thoroughly, identifying risk factors to help you understand your risk for colon cancer and other conditions.

Screening and Diagnostics

From colonoscopies to stool-based tests, we connect you with local clinics and hospitals to ensure you can access life-saving screenings nearby.

Personalized Wellness Plans

We create tailored wellness plans focused on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes to support colon cancer prevention and overall health.

Don’t wait for symptoms; get screened and take charge of your well-being today. Contact Rural Health Network to know your screening options, learn about preventive care, or speak with a healthcare advocate.

Let’s Build a Healthier Future Together