How long does it take for colon cancer to affect you?

How long does it take for colon cancer to affect you?

Colon cancer, or cancer that begins in the lower part of the digestive tract, usually forms from a collection of benign (noncancerous) cells called an adenomatous polyp. Most of these polyps will not become malignant (cancerous), but some can slowly turn into cancer over the course of about 10-15 years.

How are organs affected by colon cancer?

Colon cancer most often spreads to the liver, lungs, and peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen). This cancer can also reach the bones and other organs.

Can colon cancer cause digestive problems?

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include: A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool. Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool. Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain.

Who does colon cancer affect?

The risk of colorectal cancer increases as people get older. Colorectal cancer can occur in young adults and teenagers, but the majority of colorectal cancers occur in people older than 50. For colon cancer, the average age at the time of diagnosis for men is 68 and for women is 72.

What does abdominal pain feel like with colon cancer?

Colon cancer pain is generally felt as vague abdominal pain or cramps. The exact site of the pain may vary depending upon the part of the colon involved, the size of the tumor and the extent to which it has spread in the body (metastasis).

Where is the Cancer located in the digestive system?

A cancer of the colon or rectum is located at the digestive tract’s lower end. The colon and rectum form the large intestines. Therefore, large intestine cancer is often referred to as “colorectal cancer.” Early causes can begin in noncancerous polyps, which may cause symptoms, but can be better detected by screenings.

What makes up the large intestine in colorectal cancer?

To understand colorectal cancer, it helps to understand the parts that make up the colon and rectum. The colon and rectum make up the large intestine (or large bowel), which is part of the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal (GI) system (see illustration below).

Where does colorectal cancer start in the body?

Almost all cancers of the large intestine and rectum (colorectal) are adenocarcinomas, which develop from the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Colorectal cancer usually begins as a buttonlike growth on the surface of the intestinal or rectal lining called a polyp.

What are the symptoms of colon and bowel cancer?

Symptoms depend on the size and location of the cancer, but include changes in Abdominal discomfort. Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, but also depend on size, location, and how far the cancer has spread. Helpful Information? Sign up for Screenings Now!

A cancer of the colon or rectum is located at the digestive tract’s lower end. The colon and rectum form the large intestines. Therefore, large intestine cancer is often referred to as “colorectal cancer.” Early causes can begin in noncancerous polyps, which may cause symptoms, but can be better detected by screenings.

To understand colorectal cancer, it helps to understand the parts that make up the colon and rectum. The colon and rectum make up the large intestine (or large bowel), which is part of the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal (GI) system (see illustration below).

How does colon cancer affect a person’s body?

Cancers of the right colon can grow to large sizes before they cause any abdominal symptoms. Typically, right-sided cancers cause iron deficiency anemia due to the slow loss of blood over a long period of time. Iron deficiency anemia causes:

Almost all cancers of the large intestine and rectum (colorectal) are adenocarcinomas, which develop from the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Colorectal cancer usually begins as a buttonlike growth on the surface of the intestinal or rectal lining called a polyp.