Colon cancer affects the large intestine. It usually affects adults and begins as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called polyps. These polyps are formed on the inside of the colon and over time they become colon cancer. There are different stages of colon cancer and with each progressive stage, the risk factors increase.

Like every other cancer, there are many stages of colon cancer. With each stage, the tumor spreads and the disease gets fatal, and this is why it’s important to catch it early on to receive treatments and medications. For example, your doctor may prescribe you with medications like the stelara shot; however, like any new medication, you should look into the side effects of the stelara shot before you begin taking it.

1. Stage 1
In this stage, cancer invades the mucosa and submucosa. The latter is an underlining of the large intestine and is beneath the mucosa. In this stage, the malignant cells can affect the deeper muscles of the colon. However, it does not invade the areas outside the colon. A surgery called partial colectomy is done to remove the affected area.

2. Stage 2
In this stage, cancer spreads beyond the colon wall but not to the lymph nodes. In this stage, surgery is recommended along with chemotherapy. If all the cancer cells are not removed through surgery, radiation may be recommended. This reduces the risks of recurrence.

3. Stage 3
One of the progressive stages of colon cancer, here, the tumor has spread beyond the walls of the colon and also to the lymph nodes. The course of action is the removal of the affected area along with chemotherapy. Some patients might need radiation too.

4. Stage 4
This is the advanced stage of colon cancer; it affects the colon and other organs in the body through the blood and lymph nodes. The affected people need to undergo surgery to remove small areas or metastases in the affected organs. However, most often, the areas are too large to remove. As a result, chemotherapy is recommended to shrink the tumors.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the country. However, the death rates are not as many, as medical science has improved and there has been considerable progress in the treatment methods.

There are some known facts about the disease that you should know so that you can prevent it.

• Regular screenings can help prevent colon cancer and also detect the different stages at the earliest. Studies have shown that with regular screening one-third of the cases of colon cancer have been prevented. Also, if detected in time the survival rate is 90%.
• Most often, it occurs in men and women above the age of 50. So, regular tests and screenings should be done post the age of 50.
• It is considerably easier to detect this cancer in the early stage if one pays heed to the symptoms like bloating, pain in the abdomen, cramps, and frequent gas pains.
• Colon cancer can be inherited. So those who have a family history of colon cancer, have more chances of developing this condition. Hence, genetic testing should be done.
• Colonoscopy is an effective screening test in which the entire colon can be seen and pre-cancerous polyps can be removed.
• A healthy lifestyle helps prevent colon cancer. Eat nutritious and fibrous foods and indulge in regular physical activity.