Signs of Colon Cancer in Women

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that attacks the large intestine or the last part of the human digestive system. Although this disease can occur at any age, 90 percent of sufferers are elderly people over 60 years.

Most cases of colon cancer begin with the formation of small cell clots called adenoma polyps. These clots then spread uncontrollably over time.

Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon cancer can be identified with symptoms. Some symptoms that can be felt by people with colon cancer include:

• There is blood in the stool (feces) or even bleeding in the anus.
• Changing the texture of the density of dirt, both hardened to eventually become constipation or increase liquid (diarrhea).
• Weight loss.
• The body feels tired.
• Pain or cramps in the abdomen.
• Bloated.
• Increased frequency of bowel movements or diarrhea.
• Constipation.
• Appetite decreases.

Not all of these symptoms will be felt by the sufferer. Some of them often defecate with blood in their feces, others are not accompanied by blood. But they both feel pain in the abdomen.

See a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of colon cancer, especially if you experience alternating diarrhea with constipation for more than three weeks. Also be aware if you have reached the age of 50 and above and feel these symptoms.

Colon Cancer Causes

Cancer occurs when a genetic mutation occurs, where DNA cells in certain areas of the body grow uncontrollably and are destructive. In colon cancer, abnormal growth of these cells begins in the lining of the inner intestine, then spreads and destroys other cells nearby, or even to several other areas of the body.

Genetic mutations in colon cancer are thought to be hereditary. That is, someone who has a family member with colon cancer will be more at risk for suffering from this disease. There are two types of hereditary colon cancer, namely:

• Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). This disorder is also known as Lynch syndrome. Someone with Lynch syndrome will be at high risk of developing colon cancer before the age of 50 years.
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). FAP is a rare disease that causes the appearance of thousands of small bumps (polyps) in the walls of the large intestine and rectum. Someone with FAP has a risk many times over for colon cancer before the age of 40 years.

Although the cause is unknown, the following factors can increase a person's risk of developing colon cancer:

• Eating too much red meat and
• Lack of fiber.
• Eating alcoholic beverages.
• Smoke.
• Overweight or obese.
• Aged over 50 years.
• Suffering from digestive disorders, one of which is ulcerative colitis or chronic inflammation in the large intestine.
• Has diabetes.
• Lack of exercise.
• Has a parent or sibling who has colon cancer.
• Suffers from familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a genetic disorder that causes the growth of cell clots or polyps in the large intestine.

Stages of Development of Colon Cancer

There are four stages that determine the severity of colon cancer, namely:

• Stage 1. At this stage the cancer has begun to grow in the large intestine, but has not spread because it is still blocked by the intestinal wall.
• Stage 2. At this stage the cancer has spread throughout the large intestinal wall, even through it.
• Stage 3. At this stage the lymph nodes located adjacent to the large intestine have been eaten away by cancer.
• Stage 4. This is the most severe level of the spread of colon cancer. At this stage the cancer has spread further and attacks other body organs, such as the lungs and liver.

Determination of the severity of colon cancer can be done through a diagnosis. This is useful in helping doctors to provide the right treatment.

Diagnosis of Colon Cancer

To find out if a patient has colon cancer, the doctor will first ask about the symptoms that are felt. In addition, the doctor will also ask if the patient is suffering from a certain condition that can increase the risk of developing colon cancer or whether the patient has a close relative with colon cancer.

After the explanation is obtained, the doctor will likely check the patient's anal condition to see if there is swelling. A device called sigmoidoscopy can be used by a doctor if needed. Sigmoidoscopy is a small hose-shaped device equipped with lights and a camera at the end to be inserted into the large intestine through the anus. Through the monitor, the doctor can see if there are signs of colon cancer.

In addition to sigmoidoscopy, there are several types of examinations that can be done to determine the presence of colon cancer, especially if the doctor's sigmoidoscopy is not enough. Some of these checks are:

• Colonoscopy. The concept of examination is actually the same as sigmoidoscopy. It's just that at the colonoscopy, the tool used is longer so it can reach deeper into the large intestine. The camera that is installed at the end of the colonoscopy is able to give pictures of parts of the large intestine that are abnormal due to cancer. Even if needed, a biopsy or sampling can be done with a special device included at the colonoscopy. The sample is then examined in the laboratory to detect cancer. Before conducting a colonoscopy, the patient will be given a laxative by the doctor so that his stomach is clean of dirt, so the results obtained from the observation process will be much better.
• Virtual colonoscopy. This examination is also called CT colonography. Usually this is done if the patient cannot undergo a regular colonoscopy for certain medical reasons. In a virtual colonoscopy, a special hose will be inserted into the anus. The gas will then be pumped through a hose, so that the patient's intestines will expand slightly. After that, the doctor will be able to observe the bowel condition from all angles with the help of a CT scan.

Treatment of Colon Cancer

The stage or severity of the cancer will determine what type of treatment the doctor will do. The following are the three main types of treatment in cases of colon cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a way to kill cancer cells through the administration of a number of drugs. These drugs can take the form of tablets taken, infused, or a combination of both. Some examples of colon cancer drugs are cetuximab and bevacizumab.

In the case of colon cancer, chemotherapy is usually done before surgery with the aim of shrinking the tumor, relieving the symptoms that the patient feels, or slowing the spread of cancer. Chemotherapy can also be given postoperatively to prevent cancer from reappearing.

The time for chemotherapy is usually divided into several cycles, depending on the severity of the cancer. Most colon cancer patients usually undergo chemotherapy infusion sessions for several hours or days in two to three weeks. Each cycle of chemotherapy is separated by a rest period of several weeks in order for the patient to recover from the effects of chemotherapy. Some of the side effects of chemotherapy are:

• Nausea
• Gag
• Tired
• Feet and hands feel itchy or hot
• Sprue
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss

Usually these side effects will disappear after the chemotherapy treatment ends.

Radiotherapy

The aim of radiotherapy is like chemotherapy, which is to kill cancer cells. But on radiotherapy, the method of treatment is done by using radiation beams.

Before surgery, radiotherapy can be done to reduce tumor size or relieve symptoms if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Whereas postoperative radiotherapy aims to prevent cancer from returning.

Some of the side effects of radiotherapy are:

• Becomes often small water
• Diarrhea
• Tired
• Nausea
• The skin around the anus or pelvis feels hot

There are two types of radiotherapy, including:

• External radiotherapy. In this method the cancer cells are destroyed by emitting high levels of radiation to the patient's cancer. Usually this therapy is done five days a week, for one to five weeks. Each treatment session will take around ten to fifteen minutes.
• Internal radiotherapy. In this method, intestinal cancer will be depreciated by using a radioactive hose placed next to the cancer. Internal radiotherapy is usually done in one session before surgery.

Operation

The type of surgery to treat colon cancer is done depending on the severity of the spread of the cancer itself. If the diagnosed cancer is still in its early stages, usually surgery can be done through a colonoscopy to eliminate cancer growth. If it can't go through a colonoscopy, it can be removed through 'keyhole' surgery or laparoscopy.

The second type of procedure is called colostomy surgery. This is done if the cancer has spread through the intestinal walls. Through a colostomy, the part of the large intestine that has been eaten away by the cancer will be removed. In addition, the surrounding lymph nodes will also be lifted.

If the patient's health condition has been very bad due to the spread of cancer that has been severe, then the purpose of the operation is only to relieve the patient's symptoms. Combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, this step is expected to improve the patient's life chances.

Prevention of Colon Cancer

We can prevent colon cancer by applying a healthy lifestyle to minimize the risk of getting the disease. Among them are:

• Exercise regularly. It is recommended to exercise regularly for two and a half hours a week. The types of sports you can do for example are brisk walking or cycling.
• Eat healthy food. To avoid the risk of colon cancer, consume foods that are rich in fiber, such as fruits, nuts, or cereals. Increase fish consumption and reduce meat consumption.
• Maintain weight.
• Quit smoking.
• Reduce or avoid alcoholic drinks. In general, the recommended recommendation is no more than 2 units of alcohol per day. These two units of alcohol are simply equal to about 1.5 beer cans or 1.5 glasses of wine. Keep in mind that each liquor has a different alcohol content, so the amount must be adjusted to not exceed the maximum limit per day.

In addition to living a healthy lifestyle, colon cancer can also be prevented or detected as early as possible by screening. This screening method is highly recommended especially for those who have a family with a history of colon cancer, as well as for people who are 50 years old.

Life Opportunities for People with Colon Cancer

The chance to recover from the sufferer will depend on how severe the cancer has spread at the time of diagnosis. It is estimated that about 80 percent of people with colon cancer still have the opportunity to live at least one year after being diagnosed. Even 40 percent of them still have the opportunity to live longer, at least for the next 10 years.

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