Nearly 107,000 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2023.1
While colon cancer may occur at any age, the disease typically affects older adults.2 Colon cancer usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) cell clusters called polyps that form on the inside of the colon.3
As the cancer progresses, patients may experience abdominal pain, blood in the stool, weight loss, diarrhea or constipation and fatigue.4
Colon cancer vs. colorectal cancer
Colon cancer is a subset of colorectal cancer. The terms colon cancer and colorectal cancer are closely linked because they both involve the colon, also called the large intestines.
The colon is a muscular tube that’s approximately 5 feet long and absorbs water and nutrients from food. The remaining 6 inches of the large intestine is the rectum, which stores waste material that’s eliminated through the anus during a bowel movement.5
While colon cancer is cancer that starts in the colon only, colorectal cancer starts in the colon or in the rectum.6
Colon cancer screening
The American Cancer Society (ACS) says the rate of people being diagnosed with colon cancer each year has decreased since the mid-1980s thanks to cancer screenings. 7 ACS also credits the fact that people are making meaningful changes to lifestyle risk factors.8
A colon cancer screening is recommended beginning at age 45, then continuing until age 75. Adults 76 and older are advised to speak with their physician about colon cancer screenings.9
Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, which may be removed before they turn into cancer. Catching colon cancer early also allows treatments to begin immediately, when the protocols may be more effective.10
These are some common colon cancer screening tests:11
- Colonoscopy: A tiny video camera at the tip of a long, flexible tube allows the doctor to view the entire colon. Polyps and abnormal tissue samples or biopsies can be removed during the exam. The exam requires sedation and a thorough cleansing of the colon before the test. Repeated every 10 years.
- Stool DNA test: A stool sample is collected at home and sent to a laboratory for testing. While this type of screening is very convenient, the test is less sensitive than a colonoscopy at detecting precancerous polyps. In addition, a false-positive result may suggest an abnormality when none is present. Typically repeated every 3 years.
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT): These lab tests are used to check stool samples for hidden (occult) blood. FOBT and FIT offer the convenience of an at-home stool sample collection. Both tests may provide a false-positive result. Usually repeated annually.
- Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonoscopy): A CT colonoscopy produces cross-sectional images of the abdominal organs, allowing the doctor to detect changes or abnormalities in the colon and rectum. Although the patient must cleanse the bowel before the exam, the test doesn’t require sedation nor the insertion of a scope into the colon. Generally repeated every 5 years.
Colon cancer prevention tips
While there are no guaranteed protocols to prevent colon cancer, there are lifestyle changes and steps to take that may lower risks, including:12
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Increasing the amount and intensity of physical activity
- Eating more vegetables, fruits and whole grains, while minimizing red and processed meat
- Quitting smoking, since tobacco is linked to increased risk of colon cancer and other cancers, as well as overall health problems
- Taking multivitamins containing folic acid and vitamin D, calcium and magnesium
- Taking small doses of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen
In addition to minimizing the risks of colon cancer, establishing these habits may help with overall health.
Colon cancer signs and symptoms
In the early stages of the disease, patients may not experience any symptoms.
Patients who experience 1 or more of these early warning signs and symptoms of colon cancer are advised to schedule a doctor visit and screening:13
- Persistent diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of the stool
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Frequent abdominal discomfort and pain, such as gas or cramps
- Fatigue or weakness
- Sudden, unexplained weight loss
Treatments for colon cancer
Cancer of the colon is a highly treatable and often curable disease when localized to the bowel. Surgery is the primary form of treatment and results in a cure in approximately 50% of patients, according to the National Cancer Institute.14
During surgery, the part of the colon with cancer is removed. The location of the cancer, the progression of the disease and the patient’s overall health will determine the treatment protocol, which may include radiation and chemotherapy.15
- Surgery for early-stage colon cancer16
When colon cancer is caught early, doctors can perform minimally invasive surgery:
- Polypectomy removes cancer located in a small, localized polyp during a colonoscopy.
- Endoscopic mucosal resection removes larger polyps during a colonoscopy using special tools.
- Laparoscopic surgery is performed when polyps can’t be removed during a colonoscopy. The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdominal wall inserting instruments with cameras attached to display the colon on a video monitor and assist with removing polyps.
- Surgery for mid-stage colon cancer17
When the cancer has grown in the colon, a surgeon could perform any of the following:
- Partial colectomy, which removes the part of the colon containing cancer, along with a margin of normal tissue on either side of the cancer. The surgeon may be able to perform minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery and is often able to reconnect the healthy portions of the colon or rectum.
- Ostomy, which is performed when it’s not possible to reconnect the healthy portions of the colon or rectum to create a way for waste to leave the body. An ostomy is sometimes only temporary to allow healing after surgery. In some cases, the colostomy, the type of ostomy that allows the body to pass stool, may be permanent.
- Lymph node removal, which is usually performed during colon cancer surgery so that the lymph nodes can be tested for cancer.
- Surgery for advanced colon cancer18
If there is later-stage colon cancer and the patient’s overall health is compromised, the surgeon may remove a blockage of the colon to improve symptoms. At this stage, the surgery is performed to relieve pain, bleeding and blockage, not necessarily to cure cancer.
If the cancer has spread only to the liver or lung and the patient remains in good health, the doctor may recommend surgery or other localized treatment to remove the cancer. Chemotherapy may be used before or after the procedure and may allow the patient to become cancer free.
- Other treatments for colon cancer19
Nonsurgical treatments for colon cancer include:
- Chemotherapy: Usually given after surgery if the cancer is large or has reached the lymph nodes.
- Radiation therapy: Used to shrink a large cancer before an operation. If surgery isn’t an option, radiation therapy may be used to relieve cancer symptoms and pain.
- Targeted drug therapy: Typically reserved for patients with advanced colon cancer, targeted drug treatments focus on specific abnormalities to cause cancer cells to die.
- Immunotherapy: Uses the patient’s immune system to fight cancer.
- Supportive (palliative) care: Specialized medical care focused on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness.
Adults are encouraged to take advantage of colon cancer screening for early detection and treatment.
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Sources:
1“Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer,” American Cancer Society, last accessed July 12, 2023,
2“Colon cancer,” Mayo Clinic, last accessed July 12, 2023,
3“Colon cancer.”
4“Can Colorectal Cancer Be Prevented?” American Cancer Society, last accessed July 12, 2023,
5“What Is Colon or Colorectal Cancer?” American Cancer Fund, last accessed July 12, 2023,
6“What’s the Difference Between Colorectal Cancer and Colon Cancer?” Healthline, last accessed July 12, 2023,
7“Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer.”
8“Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer.”
9“What Should I Know About Screening?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed July 12, 2023,
10“What Should I Know About Screening?”
11“Colon cancer screening: Weighing the options,” Mayo Clinic, last accessed July 12, 2023,
12“Can Colorectal Cancer Be Prevented?”
13“Colon cancer.”
14“Colon Cancer Treatment,” National Cancer Institute, last accessed July 12, 2023,
15“Colon cancer.”
16“Colon cancer.”
17“Colon cancer.”
18“Colon cancer.”
19“Colon cancer.”
This information is provided for educational purposes only. It is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.
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