The uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the rectum or colon is called colorectal cancer (colon cancer). Colon cancer formation can be observed as a result of the transformation of polyps in the related areas into cancer over time. Generally, they can be grouped together in terms of having common features with rectal cancer. Polyps may produce few symptoms or be in small quantities. For this reason, many doctors recommend detecting and removing polyps before they turn into cancer. Diagnosis of this condition is only possible with regular screening tests.

During the diagnosis of colon cancer, there may be some tests and procedures requested by the doctor. The first procedure applied after the relevant examinations is colonoscopy. With colonoscopy, the colon and rectum are visualized with the help of a video camera and a flexible, thin tube. Tissue samples are taken from the suspicious area.

Blood tests may be required to check whether the liver and kidney functions are working at the desired level. In addition to these tests, cancer examination tests such as CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) may also be needed.

In order to determine the size and stage of the cancer in a patient diagnosed with colon cancer, methods such as computerized scanning (CT scan), ultrasound, MRI, chest X-ray, PET/CT scan are used. With these methods, one can see where the cancer has spread and whether it has spread to different organs.

The most common symptoms of colon cancer in men are as follows;

• Changes in bowel habits
• Bloating and cramps
• Feeling that the bowels are not empty
• Sudden weight loss
• Tiredness
• Blood in stool

The most common symptoms of colon cancer in women are as follows;

• Changes in defecation (constipation, diarrhea, etc.)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained anemia
• Cramp, abdominal pain, bloating
• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding

Colon cancer is a disease that can be suspected when the relevant symptoms begin to appear. Especially sudden weight loss, abdominal pain and changes in defecation habits are important indicators of disease.

Colon cancer can show different symptoms according to the body part it is located. This situation causes anemia known as iron deficiency in the patient, weakness, shortness of breath and fatigue caused by anemia. Left colon cancers cause obstruction in the intestines due to the narrowness of the available space. This leads to complaints such as constipation, cramps and bloating in the patient.

It is recommended that every individual over the age of 45 should have regular screening in order to detect colon cancer early.

Stages of colon cancer are numbered from 0 to 4. A very early cancer is considered 0, advanced stage 4. In staging according to the spread of cancer, an increase in enumeration is observed.

The general types of colon and rectum cancers can be listed as follows;

• Adenocarnisomal
• lymphoma
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)
• Carcinoids
• Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS)
• Juvenile Polyposis Coli
• Familial Colorectal Cancer (FCC)

The surgical methods to be applied in colon cancer vary according to the degree of cancer, the purpose of the surgery and the region where the cancer is located in the colon. All colon surgeries must be performed in a clean and empty colon. For this reason, the patient is recommended to have an enema before the operation.

The methods used to remove the tumor from the relevant area can be listed as follows:

• Polypectomy
• Local excision
• Colectomy
• Colostomy / ileostomy
• Diverting colostomy

The methods used in colon cancer are usually surgeries performed to remove the tumor. In addition to these surgeries, the patient may need to take processes such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy after the procedure.

Chemotherapy is a drug application used to prevent the division and destruction of cancer cells. Today, it is an effective method in the treatment process of many different cancers.

Some chemotherapy agents used in colon cancer can be listed as follows;

• 5-Fluorouracil
• Capecitabine (Xeloda)
• Irinotecan (Camptosar)
• Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
• Trifluridine and Tipiracil

Immunotherapy is the method of destroying cancer cells by using one’s own immune system in cancer patients. In immunotherapy, which can also be defined as a biological treatment method, the treatment of cancer is aimed by using substances made from living organisms.

The main side effects of treatment methods such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy used in the fight against cancer can be listed as follows;

• Tiredness
• Anorexia
• Pain
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• heart palpitations
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Edema
• Wound formation in and around the mouth
• Bruising
• Hand and foot tingling
• mood swing
• Hair loss
• Skin and color changes

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