Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of the digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last 12 centimeters of the colon. Together, they’re often referred to as colorectal cancers.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of the digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last 12 centimeters of the colon. Together, they’re often referred to as colorectal cancers.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy worldwide, as well as in the Philippines. Two-thirds of colorectal cancer are located somewhere in the colon. This type of cancer is a leading cause of cancer death, although it is curable when detected and treated early.
Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps become colon cancers. Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. Regular screening tests can help prevent colon cancer by identifying polyps before they become cancerous.
How does one know if one has colon cancer?
Many cases of colon cancer have no symptoms. The following symptoms, however, may indicate colon cancer:
- Recent changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
- Blood in the stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
- Abdominal pain with a bowel movement
- A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
- Unexplained anemia
- Weakness of fatigue
- Weight loss with no known reason
- Narrow or thin stools
With proper screening, colon cancer can be detected BEFORE the development of symptoms, when it is most curable.
Who are at risk/what are the risk factors?
Factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include:
- Age. About 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50. Colon cancer can occur in younger people, but it occurs much less frequently.
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps. If you’ve already had colon cancer or adenomatous polyps, you have a greater risk of colon cancer in the future.
- Inflammatory bowel disease which, fortunately, are not common in the Philippines
- Family history of colon cancer and colon polyps
- Diet. Colon cancer and rectal cancer may be associated with a diet low in fiber and high in fat, calories, red meat and processed foods
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Alcohol
What happens when you have colon cancer?
Colon cancer first begins as a small tumor in the lining of the colon. Early symptoms may be bleeding, abnormal fecal discharge, or unexplained anemia. As the tumor grows it may begin to obstruct the flow of feces, causing abdominal colic and changes in bowel habits. If the obstruction is left to progress, eventually the flow of feces and gas will be completely blocked, resulting in abdominal enlargement, pain and vomiting. Perforation of the large intestines with intra-abdominal infection is another complication of advanced tumors.
Aside from its effect on the intestines, colon cancer also spreads through the lymph nodes and affects other organs away from the colon. The most sites of metastasis are the liver, lung, and peritoneum (inner lining of the abdomen).
Colon cancer is staged according to severity:
Stage I – cancer does not go beyond the wall of the colon
Stage II – cancer goes beyond the wall of the colon
Stage III – cancer has spread to the lymph nodes around the colon
Stage IV – cancer has metastasized to other organs
How is colon cancer diagnosed? When / who do you consult?
Colon cancer is best detected early, when there are still no symptoms. This is achieved through screening tests such as colonoscopy, fecal occult blood with flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema and CT virtual colonoscopy. Please inquire from the The Medical City Wellness Center, or the Cancer Center, about the hospital’s various options for colorectal cancer screening.
On the other hand, if you are experiencing the typical symptoms of colon cancer or polyps, a colonoscopy would be the most appropriate test for you. If a polyp is found, it can be completely removed and sent to the laboratory to check for early malignancy. Removal of a benign adenomatous polyp prevents its progression to cancer. However, if a tumor is found instead under colonoscopy, a biopsy can be done quickly and safely to determine if it is malignant.
What are the available treatment options?
The main treatment for curing colon cancer is surgery. This entails removing the segment of colon involved by the cancer, as well as the lymph nodes draining via the mesentery. If the cancer is small and early, minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery can be done, with smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
In cases of Stage III and IV colon cancer, where the malignancy has spread to the lymph nodes and/or other organs such as the liver and lungs, chemotherapy is usually given either after surgery, or alone if surgery is not considered for cure anymore. In some cases of Stage IV colon cancer, cure is still possible with the use of surgery for both the colon and the other involved organ (such as the liver or lungs), as well as with chemotherapy.
In The Medical City, what are the related services available?
• Screening
1. Fecal occult blood yearly with flexible sigmoidoscopy every 3 years, or
2. Colonoscopy every 5 to 10 years, or
3. Virtual CT Colonography every 3 to 5 years
• Prevention
1. Colonoscopic Polypectomy
• Treatment
1. Minimally Invasive Procedures for early cancers, including laparoscopic surgery
2. Minimally Invasive Procedures for palliation, including
• Colonic stenting
• Laparoscopic surgery
3. Multidisciplinary Treatment Planning
Sources: Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates 2005
The Medical City, Cancer Center
Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.
The Medical City offers a roster of competent physician who may assess and treat people with colon cancer. For any inquiries please call:
CANCER CENTER
Tel. No.: (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6214
COLORECTAL CLINIC
Tel. No.: (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 7789
CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP
Tel. No.: (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6444
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