Colon Cancer Information

Colon cancer is a “silent killer”, because its symptoms can go largely undetected for a long time. The symptoms can vary from person to person, and can also vary depending on the stage of the cancer’s development, and its location within the colon.

Some of the symptoms include:

- Changes in the stool’s consistency that last more than two weeks.
- Blood in the stool.
- Pain in the abdomen (cramps and gas), or during bowel movements.
- A feeling that you aren’t “done” after a bowel movement.
- Tiredness or weakness without an explanation.
- Rapid, unexplained weight loss.

There are other symptoms that we haven’t listed, and if there is blood in the stool it can mean that you have hemorrhoids (if the blood is bright red). Any change in stool color should be diagnosed by a doctor.

If you know that you have colon cancer, treatment can vary widely. Earlier-stage cancers can be removed in-office during a colonoscopy. Other treatments include surgery, and bowel re-sectioning. The treatment choice depends on the cancer’s stage, whether the cancer is new or recurring, and the state of the patient’s health.

As we said, it is possible to remove small cancers during a colonoscopy, but more often surgery is needed.

For more advanced cancers, chemotherapy and radiation treatments are the only option. If a colon cancer has progressed to this point, it’s more about pain management and extending lifespan. Survival rates are about 93% for Stage 1 cancers, to about 60% for cancer of the descending colon- however, each patient’s outcome will be different.

If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer, you should keep the lines of communication open with friends and loved ones. The more honest you are with those who care about you, the more emotionally and physically healthy you will be. Any lifestyle changes made must include the whole family, and you should let them know what they can do to help you.

You may also consider joining a support group for those with colon cancer.

Any cancer diagnosis can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to ruin your life. Eat well, remain active, and keep your spirits up. Surround yourself with those who care about you, and follow your doctor’s orders. Colon cancer is usually highly aggressive, but it is treatable and many with colon cancer go on to live healthy, long, and productive lives.