About Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the colon.
The colon is part of the body’s digestive system. The digestive system removes and processes nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and water) from foods and helps pass waste material out of the body. The digestive system is made up of the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The colon (large bowel) is the first part of the large intestine and is about 5 feet long. Together, the rectum and anal canal make up the last part of the large intestine and are about 6-8 inches long. The anal canal ends at the anus (the opening of the large intestine to the outside of the body).
Symptoms and Risk Factors of Colon Cancer
Signs of colon cancer include blood in the stool or a change in bowel habits.
These and other signs and symptoms may be caused by colon cancer or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
- A change in bowel habits
- Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool
- Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- Frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness or cramps
- Weight loss for no known reason
- Feeling very tired
- Vomiting
Health history affects the risk of developing colon cancer.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include the following:
- Having a family history of colon or rectal cancer in a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child)
- Having a personal history of cancer in the colon, rectum or ovaries
- Having a personal history of high-risk adenomas (colorectal polyps that are 1 centimeter or larger in size or that have cells that look abnormal under a microscope)
- Having inherited changes in certain genes that increase the risk of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer)
- Having a personal history of chronic ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease for eight years or more
- Having three or more alcoholic drinks per day
- Smoking cigarettes
- Being Black
- Being obese
Older age is a main risk factor for most cancers. The chance of getting cancer increases as you get older.
Young Onset Colorectal Program
Our Young Onset Colorectal Program is dedicated to treating and managing colorectal cancer in those under age 45. Our personalized care approach helps patients and their families to manage the impact of colorectal cancer and its treatment on their lives.
- A Multidisciplinary Team
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The program is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), and our multidisciplinary team of care providers includes:
- Medical oncology
- Radiation oncology
- Surgery
- Weekly multidisciplinary tumor conference
- Services Tailored to You
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We also offer patients access to AdventHealth clinical trials, as well as the following support services and therapies tailored to the needs of our younger patients and their families:
- Nurse Navigation
- Acupuncture
- Child life services
- Fertility (for those who may be affected by cancer treatments)
- Genetic counseling and testing
- Massage therapy
- Music therapy
- Nutrition
- Social worker: GI and caregiver support groups, counseling services
- Sexual therapists
Colon Cancer Specialists Dedicated to You
Rest assured that the specialized care you need for colon cancer is all close to home. Our experienced oncologists and surgeons will design a treatment plan for your specific diagnosis that considers your comfort, safety and whole-person health.
Find Us in Your Community
Across the nation, each of our locations offering cancer treatment contributes to the strength of the AdventHealth Cancer Institute network. Explore your options for care close to home with the guidance of our dedicated team. We’ll help you find the right fit, so you’re in the best setting to get the care you need.