Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. It’s also the second most common type of cancer in women after breast cancer. Although colorectal cancer is most commonly found in men but can women have colon cancer? To Know the answer read the full article.
There are several risk factors for colorectal cancer, but not everyone who has the disease will develop it. In this blog post, we will discuss what colon cancer is and why it occurs. We will also explore the different types of colon cancer and how to screen for them. Finally, we will provide tips on how to reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is cancer that develops inside the colon (a part of the large intestine). The colon and rectum are connected with each other. The cause of colorectal cancer is still unknown, but it may be related to obesity, smoking, and a lack of exercise. Colonoscopies (a procedure used to look inside your colon) are very important for diagnosing and treating colorectal cancers.
If you have any questions about colon cancer or would like information on how to reduce your risk of developing this disease, please contact your doctor.
What are the causes of Colon cancer?
Colon cancer develops inside the Colon, the part of the large intestine. The exact cause is not clear but scientist believes that most of the time it is genetically transferred from the parents. There are other factors that are linked to colon cancer:
- Being African American or having African American family history
- Having a diet high in red meat or processed meat
- Smoking
- Having a personal history of polyps or colorectal cancer
- Having certain genes that raise your risk for colon cancer
Can Women have Colon Cancer?
It is believed that colon cancer only exists in males but can women have colon cancer, the answer is yes. Colon cancer is not specific to gender. Colon cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, accounting for almost one-third of all female cancers.
In 2012, it was estimated that over 218,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with colon cancer and over 50,000 women will die from the disease.
Unlike most other cancers, which are typically characterized by a single abnormal cell, colon cancer is composed of several abnormal cells that can spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).
The most common cause of colon cancer is polyposis coli (previously known as colon adenoma), a condition in which many small tumors develop on the lining of the large intestine. Other causes include genetic mutations and lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking.
While any woman can develop colon cancer, those who are at the highest risk include:
- Those who have two or more familial cases of the disease (i.e., a parent or sibling has been diagnosed with colon cancer),
- Have had abdominal surgery within the past year
- Have a history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
- Additionally, women who are African-American or Hispanic tend to be at greater risk for developing colon cancer than white women
The most common form of treatment is surgery to remove the tumor(s). However, depending on the extent and location of the tumor(s), some patients may also require chemotherapy or radiation therapy to treat it.
What are the Stages of Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer can vary greatly in how quickly it grows and how severe it is, but it almost always metastasizes (spreads) to other parts of the body.
The three main stages of colon cancer are faollowing.
The Pre-Cancerous Phase
This is when the abnormal cells may be small but have the ability to grow and spread. Symptoms during this stage include
- Weight loss,
- Bloating,
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
The Early-Stage Cancer
This is when cancer has started to grow but hasn’t spread yet. Symptoms during this stage may include
- Changes in bowel habits
- Blood in your stool,
- Fatigue
- Tourette’s syndrome-like symptoms (a condition that causes repeated tics)
The Advanced-Stage Cancer or Stage 4
This is when cancer has spread beyond where it started and may have become very large or not treatable. Symptoms during this stage may include:
- Painless changes in bowel habits (often described as watery or mushy stools)
- Fever
- Bleeding from the rectum or anus
- Weak pulse
- Bone pain
- Anemia (low levels of red blood cells)
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
Treatment of Colon Cancer
Treatment for colon cancer typically includes:
- Surgery to remove part or all of the affected section of the intestine,
- Followed by chemotherapy and
- Radiation therapy
Early detection is key to avoiding many complications from this type of cancer.
There is no known cause for colon cancer and it can be prevented with changes in lifestyle. Regular screening may help detect early signs of this disease and allow for treatment before it progresses too far.
Precautions for colon cancer
Colon cancer begins as a harmless polyp but can develop into a deadly tumor if not treated. There is no known risk factor for colon cancer, which is considered internal cancer. However, behaviors that increase your risk of other types of cancers may also increase your risk of colon cancer.
There may be the following major contributors to colon cancer:
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol excessively
- Eating a poor diet
There are many steps you can take to reduce your risk of colon cancer including
- Quitting smoking,
- Reducing your intake of sugary drinks and
- Eating a healthy diet
- Get regular physical activity
- Maintain a healthy weight
If you notice any signs or symptoms of colon cancer, consult with your doctor immediately.
The Prognosis (Outcome) of Colon Cancer
About 60% of all colon cancers are adenocarcinomas (the most common form), while about 30% are squamous cell carcinomas.
The outlook for people with colon cancer depends on a number of factors, including
- The type of tumor
- Stage at diagnosis
- Other health issues the person may have.
The American Cancer Society(ACS) estimates that:
- About 60% of people with adenocarcinoma survive five years after being diagnosed
- About 45% of those with squamous cell carcinoma survive five years
However, these figures vary depending on the location and size of the tumor.
Conclusion
- Colon cancer is the most common type of cancer in both men and women in the United States.
- While it can occur at any age, it primarily affects people over 50 years of age. In fact, approximately 75 percent of all colon cancer cases are diagnosed in people over 55 years old.
- Fortunately, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer, including getting regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
If you notice something unusual or worry about your health, don’t hesitate to visit your doctor for a checkup.
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