According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), colon cancer is the third-most common cancer among men, worldwide. 

Dr. Rahul Talele is a renowned Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist in Aurangabad and currently practicing in Oriion Citicare Superspeciality Hospital, Aurangabad. For the past 12 years, he has worked as a Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist.

All you need to know about colon cancer

Dr. Rahul Talele states, “There are parts of the digestive system which are as follows- 

• Food pipe or esophagus
• Stomach 
• Small intestine
• Large intestine

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine and comprises many parts: caecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid and rectum. 

Cancer is uncontrollable and unorganized growth of the tissue. There are genetic mutations that cause unregulated growth of tissues which further grows disproportionately. This causes obstruction and blockage of the colon which leads to - 

• Bleeding 
• Toxicity 
• Lack of nutrition from the body

When cancer occurs in the bowel, it is called colon cancer.”

Causes of colon cancer

Dr. Rahul Talele informs, “The causes of the colon are multifactorial like- 

• Genetics mutations 
• Smoking and alcohol 
• Dietary factors such as irritants 
• Lifestyle changes 

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer

Dr. Rahul Talele states, “The symptoms of colon cancer are as follows- 

• Major weight loss of more than 10% of body weight in 3 months 
• Abdominal pain 
• Blood in motions
• Constipation and diarrhea for long duration of time
• Vague abdominal symptoms
• Low-grade fever

The signs of colon cancer are as follows-

• Chronic blood loss causing anemia through stools 
• Obstructive symptoms with recurrent vomiting 
• Lump feeling in the bowel 
• Difficulty in passing motions.”

Stages of colon cancer

Dr. Rahul Talele says, “Like all cancers, colon cancer has 4 stages which are as follows-

• Stage 1- Cancer limited to the wall of the organ i.e colon mucosa 
• Stage 2- Colon cancer beyond the mucosal layer 
• Stage 3- Colon cancer growing beyond the boundary of the colon
• Stage 4a- Colon cancer has grown beyond the colon and can be managed by surgery 
• Stage 4b- Colon cancer grows beyond the colon and attacks the bones, blood, and liver.”

Cure for colon cancer

Dr. Rahul Talele informs, “There have been recent and interesting advancements in colon cancer. Of all the GI malignancies, there has been remarkable advancement in the field of colon cancer. There are new treatments, surgeries, and radiation therapies with which treatment of colon cancer is advanced where stage 4 cancers are likely to be cured fully. All you need is a very good oncologist and gastroenterologist to deal with colon cancer. Colon cancer is treatable with newer medicines, biologics, chemotherapy-related drugs, and radiotherapy. It can extend life and symptoms can be reduced significantly.”

Treatment of colon cancer

Dr. Rahul Talele says, “There is one thing which is called the rule of a gastroenterologist in the field of colon cancer. A few years back, colon cancer was a major cause of mortality in the USA. The government of the USA started with the universal screening of colon cancer. They screened everyone above the age of 40+ years and made colonoscopy mandatory. This helps pick up early cancers and prevent them from spreading in the initial stages. Patients with cancer are generally detected quite late. We advise that patients above the age of 40 years should get screening and colonoscopy done to prevent and identify high-risk lesions. This is a major rule of gastroenterologists in colon cancer. Timely diagnosis with biopsy and treatment is important for colon cancer.”

Rapid Fire

1. Is Colon cancer hereditary? Dr. Rahul Talele informs, “ Yes, colon cancer is hereditary. There are plenty of known genes that predispose a person to colon cancer. A person should get screened if he has those genes.”
2. Does colon cancer only affect men? Dr. Rahul Talele states, “Colon cancer predominantly affects men. The ratio is 60:40; 60% men and 40% women.”
3. Are people above the age of 50 more prone to Colon cancer? Dr. Rahul Talele informs,” Yes, people above 45 are more likely to develop colon cancer.”