Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States. Each year, more than 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with cancer, and more than 50,000 die from it.
Colorectal cancer is a serious disease that can be deadly if not treated early. But what exactly is Colorectal cancer? And how does it spread?
What is colon cancer?
First, let's take a look at what it is. It is a type of cancer that starts in the large intestine or colon. The large intestine is the part of the digestive system that absorbs water and nutrients from food before it passes out of the body as waste. Colon cancer can occur in any part of the colon, but it most often starts in the lower part of the intestine, near the rectum.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Symptoms can vary depending on where the tumor is located but may include bloody stools, constipation, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. The cause of colorectal cancer is not yet known, but there are several risk factors that may increase your chances of developing the disease. These include age, obesity, smoking, and a family history of colon cancer.
Can colon cancer spread?
So far, we've learned about what colon cancer is and the symptoms that may indicate that you have it. But can colon cancer spread? Yes, it can.
It can spread to other parts of the body, including the liver, lungs, and brain. When it spreads, it becomes much more difficult to treat.
The danger of colorectal cancer spreading is one of the reasons why it's important to get screened for the disease regularly. Screening tests can detect early signs of cancer before it has a chance to spread. If caught early, colon cancer can often be treated successfully.
How does colon cancer spread?
It can spread through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to other parts of the body. It can also spread to nearby tissues and organs. When colon cancer spreads, it becomes much more difficult to treat.
Where does colon cancer spread?
The most common places for colorectal cancer to spread are the liver, lungs, and brain. But the disease can also spread to other parts of the body, including the bones and kidneys.
What are the dangers of colon cancer spreading?
The dangers of cancer spreading include:
- increased chance of death
- difficulty treating the disease
- can spread to other parts of the body
- can cause serious health problems in other parts of the body
If you are worried that you may have colorectal cancer, it is important to see a doctor right away. Screening tests can detect early signs of the disease and increase your chances of successful treatment.
Screening tests, such as colonoscopy, can detect early signs of cancer before it has a chance to spread. If caught early, colon cancer can often be treated successfully. Colonoscopy is an exam that allows your doctor to see inside your colon and rectum. It is the best way to detect colon cancer early when it is most treatable.
If you are over the age of 50, or have a family history of colon cancer, you should get a colonoscopy every 10 years. Talk to your doctor about whether a colonoscopy is right for you.
Colon cancer is a serious disease that can be deadly if not treated early. But thanks to screening tests, it can often be detected and treated before it has a chance to spread. If you are worried that you may have colon cancer, it is important to see a doctor right away for diagnosis and treatment.