Colon cancer
Index:
2. What are some early warning signs of colon cancer?
4. What are the main symptoms?
6. What does a colonoscopy involve?
7. How is it typically treated?
8. What specialist should I see?
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is the proliferation of malignant cells in the colon, which, along with the rectum, is in charge of storing faeces which are then expelled through the anus. This type of bowel-affecting cancer can develop due to polyps being being present and manifesting themelves in the bowel.
There are four main stages of colon cancer, and, of course, the earliest possible diagnosis in the early stage of the condition is key for a patient's recovery and survival.
What are some early warning signs of colon cancer?
The main early warning sign of colon cancer is a change in bowel habit that does not improve after a couple of weeks even after the patient has been given various different standard treatments by their GP.
What causes colon cancer?
Its causes are determined by genetics, sedentary lifestyle and previous illnesses such as polyps, ulcerative colitis and other cancers.
What are the main symptoms?
The most obvious symptoms of the disease become visible when the disease is at an advanced stage. The main symptoms of colon cancer include:
- diarrhoea and constipation
- blood in the stool
- abdominal pain
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- fatigue
How is it diagnosed?
An effective and very common assessment typically used to diagnose colon cancer is a colonoscopy, a thorough endoscopic examination that enables the bowel specialist to identify the cancer and hereafter extract biopsies. After these biopsies are taken, they can then be analysed by a pathologist who will confirm the diagnosis.
What does a colonoscopy involve?
A colonoscopy rigorously examines the entire colon area through the use of a lighted flexible instrument that has a microchip. This allows for an extremely detailed, high-quality definition image to be shown on screen for the gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon to analyse.
How is it typically treated?
If colon cancer is detected and diagnosed early enough, then there is a good chance of cure, with the most common treatments being radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy (to strengthen the body's defences), and finally, surgery.
What specialist should I see?
It is generally recommended that patients suffering from colon cancer see a colorectal surgeon.
Treatment for colorectal cancer and how to avoid it!
By Dr John Martin
2021-09-23
Colon cancer is one of the more avoidable cancers. Dr John Martin explains what happens if you're diagnosed with colon cancer, but also highlights how the need for treatment can be eliminated through screening. See more
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
By Mr Nicholas Reay-Jones
2021-09-22
A colonoscopy is a procedure to examine the rectum and colon (large bowel) with a flexible video telescope. One of London’s leading consultant colorectal surgeons Mr Nicholas Reay-Jones guides us through a colonoscopy and what we can expect. See more
Robots and colorectal surgery
By Mr Charles Evans
2021-09-21
Sometimes people experience worrying changes in their bowels, like a change in bowel movements, diarrhoea or even blood in their stools. They may also feel that they have a huge mass within their tummy and experience unusual cramps and pains. All of these symptoms will require further investigating. Mr Charles Evans, colorectal cancer specialist talks to us about detecting colorectal cancer and the use of robotics in colorectal surgery. See more
Colon cancer: how to spot it early and avoid it
By Mr Atif Alvi
2021-09-21
Over 93% of people diagnosed with bowel cancer at an early stage survive for at least five years compared to less than 7% of those diagnosed at a later stage. Fortunately, five-year survival rates for bowel cancer have doubled over the last 40 years. Mr Atif Alvi talks about the early warning signs of colon cancer, the different stages and how it is currently treated. See more
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Precision Surgery Group
King Edward VII's Hospital, 5-10 Beaumont Street, W1G 6AA, Central LondonExpert in:
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