Colon cancer: What are features and risk factors?

Colon cancer

Colon cancer, often termed colorectal cancer, is one of the most common cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. It is the third leading cause of death among cancer patients in the USA.

What are the features of colon cancer?

Before the appearance of the features specific to colon cancer, some non-specific features may be found. Fatigue or lethargy, generalized weakness, low haemoglobin (due to iron deficiency anaemia), unintentional or unexplained weight loss etc. are the features that may precede years before identifiable cancer. If an above-40 person presents with these features, we should evaluate him/her.

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With or without the above-mentioned features, if a middle-aged person starts experiencing a change in his/her bowel habit and it persists over a longer period, he or she needs to be evaluated. The change may go either way; diarrhoea or constipation.

Incomplete evacuation of the faeces along with persistent bloating or abdominal pain in such a person shouldn't be overlooked.

Passage of blood in the stool should be evaluated promptly. If the source of the blood is not the anal canal (e.g. due to haemorrhoids or piles), the search for the source should be started without any delay.

Any mass in the abdomen or tenderness or generalized swelling of the abdomen (due to ascites: a collection of excess fluid in the abdomen) indicates advanced stages!

Who is at risk of having colon cancer?

First and foremost, if there is a history of colon cancer in a family, other family members are at risk. It has a strong genetic influence, i.e. it runs in the family. If someone’s first degree or second-degree relatives has or had colon cancer, the person should go for the screening test when applicable.

Those who are mostly habituated with a diet rich in red and processed meat are at higher risk. Diets with low fibres, low fruits and vegetables, low folate, low calcium are found to be associated with increased colon cancer.

Increased body weight, smoking, lack of exercise and high alcohol intake are also connected with increased risk of colon cancer. Surprisingly, lean women are at increased risk of having colon cancer.