While health organizations and NGOs have tried to raise awareness, colon cancer remains the second most dangerous form of cancer as it can lead to death. It is important to learn essential information about such dire consequences that can be avoided.
How does it form?
The disease begins in the colon or larger intestine and shares many traits with rectal cancer, with both being present in rare cases of colorectal cancer. During the initial stage, cells found in the colon or large intestine will begin to mutate and multiply at an accelerated rate.
Causes
In most cases, polyps will surface in the form of unusual growths on the lining of the colon. Most polyps tend to be benign and harmless, but adenomatous polyps are deemed to be precancerous, and doctors recommend their removal if they are found early. There are several potential risk factors, including family history, inflammatory bowel disease, and unhealthy lifestyles.
Symptoms and sings
The main symptoms are represented recurrent bowel issues, among which we can count diarrhea, rectal bleeding, constipation, or stools with traces of blood. Other suspicious symptoms are chronic fatigue and unexpected weight loss. It is worth noting that more than 50% of diagnosed people are asymptomatic.
Treatments
During the early stages, surgeons can remove dangerous polyps or a small portion of the colon or large intestine to prevent the cancer from spreading. In more severe cases, colectomy and chemotherapy are also used.
Survival rates and other statistics
Early diagnostics during stage I result in a 92% survival rate. The rate falls dramatically if the case is discovered during later cases, reaching 11% in the case of individuals who were diagnosed during stage IV or the metastatic stage.
Recent research suggests that death rates among young people have been rising in the last fifteen years, with scientists trying to trace the causes.