Colon or colorectal cancer begins in the colon or the rectum – organs located in the lower side of the digestive system. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that around 1 in 23 males and 1 in 25 females will develop this cancer in their lifetime.

Let’s have a look at the signs and treatment options of colon cancer.

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer
Learning about the signs and treatment options of colon cancer can prove extremely helpful in controlling the disease. This type of cancer might not show any symptoms, especially when it is in its initial stages. But in cases where symptoms do show up, they may include the following:

• Pain in the abdomen
• Constipation
• Change in stool color
• Change in the shape of stool
• Bleeding with stool
• Blood coming out from the rectum
• Production of gas in excess
• Cramping in the abdomen

As soon as these symptoms start to show up, see a doctor and talk about getting a colon cancer screening done.

Once cancer has reached its advanced stages, stage 3 or 4, the symptoms become more prominent. Other than the aforementioned symptoms, the patient might also experience the following symptoms.

• Tiredness or fatigue in excess
• Weakness which cannot be linked to anything
• Weight loss does not have a reason
• Changes in the stool which stay longer than a month
• Even after a bowel movement, feeling that your bowels are not empty
• Vomiting

In case cancer reaches its advanced stages and spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause symptoms such as the following.

• Eyes and skin turning yellow or jaundice
• Swollen feet or hands
• Problems with breathing
• Headaches that can become chronic
• Blurriness in the vision
• The fracturing of the bones

Treatment options for colon cancer
How colon cancer is treated depends on the stage at which the condition is.

• Treatment for stage 0 colon cancer
  At this stage, using surgery is the most commonly recommended treatment option. During the surgery, either the polyp or the area that has been affected by cancer is removed.

• Treatment for stage I colon cancer
  A colonoscopy is recommended at this stage to remove the polyp. If the polyp is removed successfully, and no cancer cells are left behind, no more treatment may be required.

• Treatment for stage II colon cancer
  Surgery may be needed to remove a part of the colon and the affected lymph nodes at this stage. If there is a high risk of cancer coming back, the doctor might recommend chemotherapy also.

• Treatment for stage III colon cancer
  The standard treatment at this stage includes surgery to remove part of the colon and lymph nodes, followed by chemotherapy.

• Treatment for stage IV colon cancer
  At this stage, since the cancer is spread to other parts of the body, it might not be cured. If cancer has not affected a large area, surgery might help the patient live longer.