The long tube that assists in moving digested food to your rectum and out of your body, the colon (large intestine), is where colon (colorectal) cancer first appears.

Some polyps or growths in the inner lining of your colon can turn into colon cancer. Precancerous polyps can be found by screening tests used by healthcare professionals before they develop into cancerous tumor’s. Undiagnosed or untreated colon cancer increases the risk of it spreading to other parts of your body.

SYMPTOMS                                                                                                   A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool

• Rectal 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

Early on in the disease, colon cancer is often symptomless in many patients. Depending on the size and location of the cancer in your large intestine, symptoms may differ when they do.

 Causes 

Colon cancer develops when cells grow and divide uncontrolled, just like all other types of cancer. Your body’s cells are all constantly dividing, growing, and dying. Your body maintains its health and functionality in this manner. When you have colon cancer, the cells that line your colon and rectum continue to grow and divide even though they should be dying. These malignant cells could have originated from colon polyps.

Why some people develop precancerous colon polyps that progress into colon cancer is a mystery to medical researchers. They are aware that a number of risk factors raise a person’s risk of acquiring colon cancer and precancerous polyps.

Some medical disorders, including genetic illnesses and way of life decisions are among these risk factors. It’s not a guarantee that you’ll get colon cancer just because you have one or more risk factors. It just indicates that your risk is higher.

PREVENTION

You can reduce your risk of developing the condition by managing risk factors:

• Avoid tobacco
• Use moderation when you drink beverages containing alcohol.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Add fruit and vegetables to your diet and cut back on red meat processed foods, and high-fat and high-calorie foods. Drinking coffee may lower your risk of developing colon cancer.