Cancer: the dreaded diagnosis that takes the lives of nearly 10 million patients across the globe every year. This silent enemy knows no boundaries and impacts both children and adults alike. The type and progression of cancer vary per patient. Colon cancer, otherwise known as colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis in the United States. It is estimated that almost 148,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year.
Understanding the early detection and symptoms of colon cancer is crucial, but equally important is being aware of the current treatments available. Advances in medical science have led to a range of effective therapies that significantly improve the chances of recovery and quality of life for patients.
Recent years have seen significant progress in the development of pharmaceutical treatments for colon cancer. Drugs like Fluorouracil and Capecitabine have been at the forefront, often used in chemotherapy regimens. These medications work by inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells. Other notable drugs, Encorafenib and Bevacizumab, is used in targeted therapy. It works by preventing the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow.
Braftovi (encorafenib) is a targeted cancer therapy used in combination with other medications to treat certain types of cancers, such as colorectal cancer, that have a specific genetic mutation known as BRAF V600E or V600K mutation. Braftovi is a BRAF inhibitor, which works by blocking the abnormal BRAF protein produced by this mutation, thereby slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. It is usually used in combination with other targeted therapies like cetuximab for colorectal cancer to enhance the effectiveness of treatment. Braftovi is taken orally and is part of a personalized treatment approach based on the patient's genetic makeup and cancer type.
Immunotherapy has emerged as a groundbreaking approach in treating various cancers, including colon cancer. This treatment harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer cells more effectively. Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab are two immunotherapy drugs that have shown promising results in treating certain types of colon cancer, especially in cases where the cancer has progressed or hasn't responded to other treatments.
Alongside pharmaceutical interventions, surgery and radiation therapy play a pivotal role in treating colon cancer. Surgery is often the first line of treatment, particularly when the cancer is localized. In more advanced cases, radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors, either before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor or post-surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
The future of colon cancer treatment lies in personalized medicine. This approach involves tailoring treatment based on the genetic makeup of the individual and the specific characteristics of their cancer. By analyzing these factors, oncologists can determine the most effective treatment plan, whether it involves chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these.
While early detection and recognizing symptoms are critical in fighting colon cancer, understanding the available treatments is equally important. With advancements in pharmaceuticals, immunotherapy, and personalized medicine, patients now have more options and hope than ever before. As research continues to evolve, the future holds the promise of even more effective and targeted treatments for colon cancer.
Cancer: the dreaded diagnosis that takes the lives of nearly 10 million patients across the globe every year. This silent enemy knows no boundaries and impacts both children and adults alike. The type and progression of cancer vary per patient. Colon cancer, otherwise known as colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis in the United States. It is estimated that almost 148,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year.
You may not believe that the number is this large, considering that it is uncommon to meet an individual with colon cancer in your everyday life. The sole reason for this is because there is an extremely low risk of being diagnosed with this disease. Men and women both have a mere 4% chance of developing colon cancer, with the risk being slightly lower in women.
What many patients do not realize is that they could have identified the symptoms of cancer and caught it in the early stages before its progression. Early detection is in fact, the key to successfully treating colon cancer.
Colon cancer, as said in its name, is a type of cancer localized in the colon, the last segment of the large intestine. Colon and rectal cancer are often grouped into one word because they share many of the same symptoms and are localized around the same area of the body.
Cancer begins when your cells begin to replicate at an unusually fast rate. They are prone to becoming cancerous and can spread to any region of the body. Colon cancer follows the same basis. A majority of colon cancer cases have reported the emergence of polyps (growths) on the inner lining of the colon.
Polyps have the ability to become cancerous over time, however, not all polyps will result in cancer. There are two types of polyps: adenomatous and hyperplastic. Adenomatous polyps are more predisposed to becoming cancerous while hyperplastic polyps do not. Hyperplastic polyps are more common, as most polyps do not result in cancer.
The type of the polyp is not the only contributing factor. Here are a few others:
Dysplasia is a condition in which after the removal of the polyp, the area where it has been now contains abnormal cells. This condition is usually pre-cancerous.
To understand how colon cancer spreads, one must first have a basic understanding of what the gastrointestinal system looks like. The colon and rectum are both major components of this system.
The colon composes a majority of the large intestine, being nearly 5 feet long. There are four parts of the colon: the ascending colon, descending colon, transverse, and sigmoid. The first segment is the ascending colon where the undigested food is received from the small intestine. The second part is the transverse colon, which can be called the middle.
The descending colon comes after the transverse colon and goes down the left side of your body. The sigmoid colon is the connection between the colon and anus. The two first parts of the colon are called the proximal colon and the last two parts are called the distal colon.
The colon is responsible for absorbing necessary nutrients such as water and salt from undigested food particles. The remaining food matter is sent to the rectum where it waits to be expelled by the anus.
There are multiple layers of the colon. Polyps begin growth in the most inner layer (the mucosa) and typically grow outwards. They can grow through the outer layers of the colon.
Cancer cells can grow into blood vessels or lymph vessels once they are in the wall of your colon. From there, they can interact with nearby lymph nodes or other regions of the body. The spread of cancer depends upon how deep these vessels grow into the wall and if it has reached another region of the body.
Like with cancer itself, colon cancer can also be broken down into subdivisions. There are 5 main types of colon cancer: adenocarcinomas, carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, leiomyosarcoma, and primary lymphomas.
Adenocarcinomas account for 95% of all colon cancer cases. This type of colon cancer is the basic description mentioned previously. It develops with the growth of a polyp on the inner lining of the colon. The type of polyp that causes colon cancer is an adenoma. These polyps are usually identified during colonoscopies and removed before they become cancerous. There are two types of adenocarcinomas: mucinous and signet ring cells.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma accounts for about 10 to 15% of all adenocarcinoma cases. Approximately 60% of the adenocarcinoma is mucus, meaning that the cancer cells will be able to spread unusually quickly. Signet ring cell adenocarcinoma is very rare, accounting for less than 1% of all adenocarcinomas. It is usually more difficult to treat than typical adenocarcinomas and more fatal.
Carcinoid tumors typically develop in neuroendocrine cells, specialized cells responsible for regulating the production of hormones. These tumors grow slowly and can develop in the lungs or GI tract. These tumors account for a mere 1% of all colon cancers.
This type of colon cancer is rare because it only develops within the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), special cells found in the lining of the GI tract. This type of cancer may develop in the stomach, intestines, or rectum. GI Stromal tumors are classified as sarcomas because they initially develop in the connective tissues.
Leiomyosarcoma is another form of sarcoma. This cancer usually impacts the smooth muscle in the GI tract. There are plenty of muscles within the GI tract because food has to be passed through. This type of colon cancer only accounts for 0.1% of all cases.
This type of colon cancer develops within the lymphatic system in cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that work as a part of the body's natural immune system response. Lymphomas may develop anywhere in the body and account for 0.5% of all colon cancer cases. This condition is typically more common in men than women.
Diagnosing cancer during its early stages allows your doctor to prescribe more effective treatment. Often, people will not show symptoms of the condition or will be perfectly healthy before the sudden onset of cancer. For this reason, it is advised by the American Cancer Society to begin regular colon cancer screenings at the age of 45.
Cancer screenings at age 45 can be done in two ways: stool-based or visual. A stool-based test involves examining a person's stool for the initial signs of cancer. The visual test, otherwise known as a colonoscopy involves using a tube with a camera attached to view the inside of your colon.
Screening should typically take place until age 85 based on the person's medical history and preferences. Here are some factors that you should consider when deciding to get screened:
If you have answered 'yes' to any of the above questions, you may be at risk for colon cancer and it is best to consult your physician for screening.
Most experts recommend getting a colonoscopy as it is often more conclusive than a stool-based test. During this test, your doctor will check the lining of your colon for the presence of any polyps. You will be given medications to help your body relax and most people fall asleep.
A thin, long tube will then be inserted into the rectum and enter the colon. This tube has a tiny camera attached to it and the process is similar to an ultrasound. The physician will give instructions for the proper preparation for this procedure.
If the doctor views the presence of polyps, you will be given treatment options to remove them.
Of course, there are less invasive procedures available, however, they are not as conclusive. Here is a list of tests you may undergo if you cannot have a colonoscopy:
Note that if the presence of polyps is suspected during any of these procedures, you will have to undergo a colonoscopy for more conclusive evidence.
It is common to not notice symptoms until cancer has already progressed. However, early detection can prevent this progression. Here are a few symptoms you should look out for if you are at risk for colon cancer:
If you notice that any of these symptoms have been persistent, it is best to consult your doctor for a screening.
Treatments for colon cancer have a higher success rate than any other type of cancer. The most common form of treatment for this cancer is surgery during the earliest stages. Upon detecting the presence of polyps, your physician will recommend surgery to remove these polyps and lessen your risk for cancer. Patients in the early stage have a 95% survival rate, which is why it is important to detect cancer during its early stages.
In the late stages of colon cancer, surgery might not be as effective. Patients at this stage are recommended to undergo chemotherapy and clinical trials. In more severe cases, the physician may recommend organ removal.
To avoid going through the stress and financial burden of chemotherapy and drastic surgeries, it is highly recommended to undergo regular screening. The screening will not only save you time and money but may even save your life. If you are not comfortable undergoing a colonoscopy, there are other forms of screening available to you.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.