07/10/2024
*Colon cancer* is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine *(colon)* The colon is the final part of the digestive tract.
Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called *polyps* that form on the inside of the colon. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers.Colon cancer is sometimes called *colore**al cancer,* which is a term that combines colon cancer and re**al cancer, which begins in the re**um.
*Signs and symptoms of colon cancer includes👇👇*
*A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool*
*Re**al bleeding or blood in your stool*
*Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain*
*A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely*
*Weakness or fatigue*
*Unexplained weight loss*
Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they'll likely vary, depending on the cancer's size and location in your large intestine.
*CAUSES OF COLON CANCER*
Doctors aren't certain what causes most colon cancers.
In general, colon cancer begins when healthy cells in the colon develop changes *(mutations)* in their *DNA*. A cell's DNA contains a set of instructions that tell a cell what to do.
Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep your body functioning normally. But when a cell's *DNA* is damaged and becomes cancerous, cells continue to divide — even when new cells aren't needed. As the cells accumulate, they form a tumor.
With time, the cancer cells can grow to invade and destroy normal tissue nearby. And cancerous cells can travel to other parts of the body to form deposits there *(metastasis)*
*Treatments of Colon cancer*
Some medications have been found to reduce the risk of precancerous polyps or colon cancer. For instance, some evidence links a reduced risk of polyps and colon cancer to regular use of aspirin or aspirin-like drugs.
However, taking aspirin daily has some risks, including *Gastrointestinal bleeding and Ulcers.*
Lifestyle changes plays an important role in the fight against *Colon Cancer* Eat fruits and vegetables,quit smoking, and abuse of alcohol, maintain a healthy weight,eat whole grain,etcc.