Do you sometimes experience stomach discomfort or changes in bowel movements? We often forget about these things, thinking that they are normal. But sometimes these can be important signals that our body is giving us. Today we are talking about a topic that many people are reluctant to talk about, but it is important to talk about. That is colon cancer, or as many people know it, `(Colorectal Cancer)`. This is when cancer cells grow in our large intestine (colon) or rectum.
The most important thing is that this disease can develop without showing any symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this.
What are these types of colon cancer?
Simply put, colon cancers are not all the same. They vary depending on the type of cells they arise from. Let's look at the main types.
| Cancer type | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Adenocarcinoma | This is the most common type. It develops in the cells that line the inside of the large intestine. |
| Lymphoma | This is actually a cancer of the immune system. It usually starts in the lymph nodes, but can sometimes start in the colon. |
| Carcinoid tumors | These start with special cells in our intestines that produce hormones. |
| Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) | These are a type of soft tissue sarcoma. They are very rarely seen in the colon. |
In addition, this cancer can also be caused by genetic mutations that are passed down through generations. About 5%-10% of people who develop colon cancer inherit the disease in this way.
How symptoms change depending on the stage of cancer
This is where we need to understand it better. The symptoms of cancer depend on how far it has spread, that is, the stage of the cancer. Let's take a brief look at these stages and the symptoms associated with them.
Early stages (Stage 0, I, and II)
Imagine, this is the beginning of cancer.
- Stage 0: In this stage, the cancer is only in the innermost layer of the colon. It has not spread. Therefore , most of the time, there are no symptoms.
- Stage I: Here the cancer has grown through the lining of the colon and may have reached the muscle layer, but has not yet spread to the lymph nodes or other organs.
- Stage II: At this stage, the cancer has spread deeper through the colon wall and may even have spread to surrounding tissue, but it has not yet spread to the lymph nodes.
The common features seen in both of these early stages (I and II) are:
- Stomach ache or pain
- Bloating and excessive flatulence
- Change in the shape or color of stools (e.g., becoming thinner like a pencil)
- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in the stool (some may mistake this for hemorrhoids)
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
If you have one or more of these symptoms in a row, don't assume it's normal. It's definitely something you should see a doctor about.
Stages of disease progression (Stage III and IV)
At this stage, the cancer has begun to spread outside the colon.
- Stage III: This is when the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. This means that the cancer has started to spread throughout the body. In addition to the symptoms mentioned earlier, you may also experience:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constant fatigue
- Weakness in the body
- Long-term changes in bowel habits
- Feeling like the stool has not been completely passed
- Vomiting
- Stage IV: This is the most severe and final stage of cancer. Here, the cancer has spread to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, and brain. The symptoms seen at this stage are very severe:
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (Jaundice) - when it spreads to the liver
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Difficulty breathing - when it spreads to the lungs
- Persistent headache, blurred vision - when it spreads to the brain
- Fractures - when they spread to the bones
- Pelvic pain
- Anemia caused by intestinal bleeding and the resulting paleness and extreme fatigue.
I also have these symptoms... What to do?
If you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed above, please do not panic. Many of these symptoms can also be caused by other simple conditions, such as hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
However, you should never make these decisions on your own. The best thing to do is to see your family doctor (doctor) immediately.
The doctor will examine you and, if necessary, recommend a special test, such as a stool test or a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the anus to examine the entire large intestine. This is the only way to know for sure if there are any polyps that could be cancerous or have become cancerous.
Early detection is a life-saving factor!
This is the most important thing we all need to remember. If colon cancer is detected early, before it has spread to other organs, the chances of a complete cure are very high. Studies have shown that 90% of people who are diagnosed early can live a healthy life for more than 5 years.
Therefore, it is very important to undergo regular screenings as directed by your doctor, especially if you are over 45 years of age, or if someone in your family has had this cancer, even if you do not have any symptoms.
Take-Home Message
- Never ignore symptoms like stomach pain, changes in bowel habits, or blood in the stool. If they persist, be sure to see a doctor.
- The earlier colon cancer is detected, the higher the chance of successful treatment. So don't ignore the symptoms.
- After the age of 45, or if there is a family history of cancer, it is wise to undergo regular screenings as directed by a doctor, even if there are no symptoms.
- Do not self-diagnose based on the internet or hearsay. Seek the advice of a qualified medical professional for any health problem.
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