Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer or CRC, starts in the colon, which is the large intestine. Colorectal cancer can be treated successfully if it is caught early. However, if it is not seen early enough, it can spread to other body parts and become difficult to treat. This article will discuss the stages of CRC and what symptoms to watch for.
Stages of Colon Cancer
The stages of colorectal cancer are as follows:
- Stage 1: The earliest stage of colon cancer that has spread beyond the innermost layer of the intestine. Cancer has not yet spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms may include bloody stool, constipation, and abdominal pain. CRC can be cured with surgery at this state.
- Stage 2: . Cancer has spread to the outer layer of the intestine. Colon cancer can be treated with surgery at this stage, but it is more difficult to cure.
- Stage 3: Cancer has spread to the outer layer of the intestine. Colon cancer can be treated with surgery, but it is more difficult to cure than in stage 1 or 2. Symptoms may include bloody stool, constipation, and abdominal pain.
- Stage 4: The most advanced state of colon cancer. Cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment options are limited, and the tumor is difficult to cure. Symptoms may include bloody stool, constipation, and abdominal pain. If left untreated, Stage 4 colon cancer can be deadly.
Treatment for Colon Cancer
- Surgery: The type of surgery depends on the tumor's location, the person's health, and other factors.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a treatment for cancer that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is a treatment for cancer that uses energy from radiation to kill cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to attack cancer cells. These drugs are called targeted therapies because they attack only the cancer cells, not the normal cells.
- Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses hormones to kill cancer cells.
Conclusion
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer or CRC, starts in the colon, which is the large intestine. Colon cancer can be treated successfully if it is caught early. However, if it is not seen early enough, it can spread to other body parts and become difficult to treat.
Colon Cancer Stages 1-3 can be cured with surgery, while Colon Cancer Stage 4 can be treated with surgery and chemotherapy—symptoms to watch for include bloody stool, constipation, and abdominal pain. Please see your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.