Colon cancer: Colon (large intestine) cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, because we can find it early with simple tests. Caught soon, cure rates are high. Caught late, treatment is harder.
This short guide explains symptoms, risks, screening, and treatment in clear terms.
What exactly is colon cancer?
Colon cancer starts as tiny growths called polyps on the inner lining of the large intestine. Most polyps are harmless at first, but some slowly turn cancerous over 5–10 years. Removing polyps early prevents cancer from forming.
Who is at risk of colon cancer?
- Age: risk rises after 45.
- Family history: a parent/sibling with colon/rectal cancer or advanced polyps.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis/Crohn’s).
- Lifestyle factors: low-fibre diet, red/processed meats, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol, sedentary routine.
- Diabetes and certain genetic syndromes also increase risk.
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Colon cancer symptoms you shouldn’t ignore:
- Early colon cancer may cause no symptoms. See a doctor if you notice:
- Blood in stool (red or black), or persistent change in bowel habits (constipation/diarrhoea).
- Narrow stools, abdominal cramps, or a feeling of incomplete emptying.
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, iron-deficiency anaemia.
These signs don’t always mean cancer, but they do deserve evaluation.
Screening for colon cancer:
Screening looks for cancer before you feel unwell. From age 45 (earlier if high-risk), talk to your doctor about:
- FIT stool test (annual): checks for hidden blood; easy and non-invasive.
- Colonoscopy (every 10 years if normal): a camera exam that can remove polyps on the spot.
Your doctor will tailor the schedule based on risk and test results.
How doctors confirm and stage colon cancer:
If a test is abnormal, you’ll need a colonoscopy and biopsy. Once cancer is confirmed, staging may include CT scans and blood tests to plan treatment precisely.
How to treat colon cancer:
Surgery is the mainstay for most early and many locally advanced cases. Where appropriate, many centres now use laparoscopic (keyhole) colon surgery: the diseased segment of bowel and nearby lymph nodes are removed through 4–5 small incisions using a camera and long instruments.
In experienced hands, cancer control is comparable to open surgery, with added benefits of less pain, smaller scars, faster bowel recovery, shorter hospital stay, and a quicker return to normal activities (often 2–4 weeks). Not everyone is a candidate (very bulky tumours, prior major abdominal surgery, or emergencies like blockage/perforation may need an open approach), and surgeons may convert to open for safety. Some centres also offer robot-assisted techniques.
Enhanced-recovery pathways like early walking, early feeding, and good pain control further speed recovery and reduce complications.
Chemotherapy may be advised after surgery (or before, in select cases) to reduce recurrence risk.
Targeted therapies and immunotherapy help in specific advanced cancers, guided by tumour genetic testing.
Multidisciplinary care with a surgeon, medical oncologist, gastroenterologist, radiologist, and dietitian gives the best outcomes.
Can colon cancer be prevented?
You can lower risk with daily choices:
- Eat fibre-rich foods: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses.
- Limit red/processed meats; choose fish, dals, lean poultry.
- Move 150+ minutes/week; maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid tobacco; moderate alcohol.
- Do your screening on time.
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Quick FAQs
Is a colonoscopy painful?
It’s usually done with sedation; most patients sleep through it.
If my FIT test is negative, am I safe?
Negative doesn’t rule out future risk. Repeat as scheduled.
I have bleeding piles. Should I still test?
Yes. Piles and cancer can coexist; don’t self-diagnose.
Colon cancer is often preventable and highly treatable when found early. If you’re 45+ or have risk factors, or any warning signs, speak to your doctor about screening today.
Health disclaimer: This article is for education only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. For symptoms, medications, or screening decisions, consult your doctor.