Colon cancer

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Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a result of uncontrolled cell growth in the colon or rectum. Colon cancer can be indicated by a variety of symptoms, although any single symptom or combination of symptoms does not necessarily indicate the presence of colon cancer. This is why it is so important to see your physician regularly and to have a colonoscopy at age 50.

SYMPTOMS

• Changes in bowel habits or frequency
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Rectal Bleeding
• Blood in stool
• Smaller or thinner stools than normal

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose colon cancer your physician will perform a colonoscopy. If abnormalities in the colon are discovered your physician will perform a biopsy of the tissue and have it sent to the lab for testing.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLONOSCOPY

TREATMENT

Treatment for colon cancer will depend on how advanced it is. When caught early, colorectal cancer is treatable however it can become very dangerous when detected at later stages. Once diagnosed you and your physician will decide on a treatment plan based on individual circumstances.

ARE YOU AT RISK?

Colorectal cancer is the number two cancer killer in the U.S., with more than 55,000 deaths annually. While it is highly preventable and curable if detected early, the disease often produces no symptoms, making it a “silent killer.” More than 90% of those diagnosed with colorectal cancer are over the age of 50. In addition, research shows that up to 2.3% of people with bleeding hemorrhoids also have colorectal cancer