What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer, also sometimes called colorectal cancer, refers to cancer that starts in your colon, which is the last segment of your digestive tract.
Your colon is responsible for processing and eliminating the food material your body can’t absorb. It also reabsorbs water and electrolytes from indigestible food and creates and absorbs some vitamins.
Without including skin cancer, colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women and the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
What are colon cancer symptoms?
During the early stages of colon cancer, you may not experience any symptoms. As the cancer progresses, your symptoms may include:
- Unexpected weight loss
- Change in bowel habits
- Rectal bleeding
- Bloody stool
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness or fatigue
- Feeling as though you can’t fully empty your bowel
The types of symptoms you experience with colon cancer may also vary depending on the portion of your large intestines affected by the cancer and the size of the cancerous tissue.
When should I start colon cancer screenings?
Because colon cancer is prevalent and potentially deadly when not detected early, it’s recommended that both men and women start colon cancer screenings at age 50. However, you may benefit from earlier screening if you have:
- A family history of colon or rectal cancer
- A personal history of colon cancer or polyps
- An inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
You have many options for your colon cancer screenings, including colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, stool tests, and CT colonography.
In addition to looking for signs of colon cancer, these screening tests also look for polyps, which are growths that develop on the lining of your colon and rectum.
Though most polyps are benign, they can become cancerous. Finding and removing polyps may decrease your risk of developing colon cancer.
How is colon cancer treated?
Dr. Ambe at Texas Surgical Care works closely with your gastroenterologist, radiologist, and oncologist to help you get the care you need. The specifics of your colon cancer treatment plan depend on the location of the cancer, stage of your cancer, and your overall health.
However, surgery is the standard treatment for colon cancer. Dr. Ambe specializes in colon cancer surgery and uses minimally invasive techniques that result in a faster recovery and less pain, including robotic surgery using the da Vinci® surgical system.
To schedule a consultation at Texas Surgical Care to discuss your colon cancer surgical options, call the office or request an appointment online today.
