The gastrointestinal tract in the body starts with the esophagus and ends with the anus. Any cancer that begins in any part of the GI tract is gastrointestinal. The colon is about five long, and the cancer can affect any part of the organ. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the country and is primarily associated with food and lifestyle choices. Though adults are at higher risk, it can affect children too.
Main causes of colon cancer
Colon cancer typically begins in the intestinal lining or the rectum, the end of the colon. Small tumors or polyps begin in the colon, which lump together to form cancer. Doctors have yet to identify any specific cause of cancer but have isolated many risk factors that led to DNA mutations, making the cells cancerous. The main risk factors associated with colon cancer are:
Lack of fiber-rich diet, which hinders proper digestion
Excessive consumption of red meat, which releases N-nitroso compounds that damage colon cells
Obesity and high sugar levels, which cause irregular and abnormal cell growth
A sedentary lifestyle that increases antioxidants leads to weak immunity affecting cell growth
Tobacco use that increases the presence of free radicals that alter DNA and damage good cells
Underlying GI tract diseases like Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or ulcerative colitis
Family history of colon cancer or polyps
Genetic syndromes like Lynch Syndrome or Familiar Adenomatous Polyposis
Symptoms and early warning signs of cancer
Colon cancer develops very slowly; you may not notice any symptoms initially. Many symptoms mimic the symptoms of other GI-related diseases, making diagnosing early difficult. Note that the presence of the following symptoms may not indicate the possibility of cancer; periodic screening can help you confirm the cause of such symptoms. If doctors identify any pre-cancer cells, they may suggest additional blood and image tests and biopsy to check the stage of cancer and see if it has spread from the colon to other organs nearby.
Constipation or diarrhea for many days
Frequent urge to pass stools
Rectal bleeding
Stools with blood
Pain and cramps in the abdomen
Unexplained fatigue and weakness
Unexplained weight loss
Since colon cancer is difficult to diagnose, anyone with one or more risk factors should go for periodic screenings. Doctors conduct a detailed physical examination to understand any enlargement or changes in the internal organs in the abdominal area. They also prescribe imaging tests, colonoscopes, and biopsies to confirm or rule out cancer.
Remedies for colon cancer
Doctors use four stages to identify the severity and spread of cancer and decide on treatment type. The seven common treatment methods for colon cancer include:
Surgical procedures like local excision, colon resection, cryosurgery, radiofrequency ablation
Oral or intravenous chemotherapy, along with surgery, if the cancer has spread from the colon to nearby organs and tissues, particularly the liver
Radiation therapy with high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells
Targeted therapy targets specific cancer cells without harming normal and healthy cells
Immunotherapy uses the patient’s immune system to fight against the cancer cells.
Alternate, natural and home remedies for colon cancer may not help fight cancer but help manage the many side effects of these treatments. For example, herbal teas can help manage symptoms like diarrhea and nausea that are common after chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Please do not use any remedy for colon cancer without consulting your doctor, as they can worsen your symptoms or interfere with ongoing treatment.
