What is colon cancer?
Many of you may be learning of this type of cancer for the first time, while others may have been aware of it as caregivers, relatives of patients, or patients themselves.
Regardless of which category you fall into, it is critical to understand that this type of cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, usually occurs at the lower end of the digestive tract. It frequently spreads to the liver, lungs, and peritoneum, and it can even reach the bones. There is a high chance of survival if diagnosed early.
We will not all live forever, and as a result, most people would prefer a painless death. Meanwhile, dying from colon cancer is a death fraught with agony and anguish, especially if the cancer has spread. That means the cancer in their colon has spread to other parts of their body.
Cases of metastatic colon cancer
Clarance Hannon
Clarance Hannon worked as a sport photographer for Virginia Motorsports Park until his death in 2021. He had only 37 days between the time he informed his sister, Sharon Rivera Sanchez, of his illness and the time he died. He was screened late, and his demise was painful.
Chadwick Boseman
Another young man who died from colon cancer at a young age was Chadwick Boseman, an American actor. At the age of 39, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer, which progressed to Stage 4 and ultimately led to his death at the age of 43.
Dame Deborah James
Dame Deborah James, a cancer campaigner, blogger, and BBC broadcaster, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016. She received end-of-life care for bowel cancer at home and raised millions of dollars for cancer research before succumbing to the disease at the age of 40.
This are just few of thousands of cases that occur each year.
Risk of colon cancer
According to Cancer.Net, the risk of colorectal cancer rises with age. Although it can occur in young adults and teenagers, the majority of colorectal cancers occur in people over the age of 50. It is also believed that adults aged 65 and up who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer face unique challenges, particularly in terms of cancer treatment.
In other words, colon cancer affects both men and women. Men, on the other hand, have a 50% higher risk of developing the disease than women. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, men have a 23.6 per 100,000 person-year incidence rate, while women have a 16.3 per 100,000 person-year incidence rate.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) put the estimated deaths from colon and rectal cancer in the United States at 52, 580 in 2022.
You may be wondering what factors contribute to colon cancer. Here are a few of the factors that contribute to this disease. Anyone in the following range requires regular screening and abstinence.
Factors that contribute to colon cancer
1. A personal or family history of colorectal cancer2. A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) external icon or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
3. Lack of regular physical exercise
4. A diet low in fruit and vegetables.
5. A diet high in processed meats.
6. Overweight and obesity.
7. Alcohol consumption.
8. Tobacco use.
Also, there may be tendency that you maintain a good lifestyle, not defaulting in the above listings and still have the following colon cancer symptoms:
1. Changes in bowel habits
2. Changes in stool consistency
3. Blood in the stool
4. Abdominal discomfort.
If you are experiencing the above symptoms, you need to consult a doctor and get screened.