Colon cancer starts in the large intestine. It typically manifests in stages, and doctors usually use these stages as a guideline to figure out how much cancer has spread. These stages also help them understand the correct form of treatment. This article shall focus on understanding the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of colon cancer.

Symptoms of colon cancer
The symptoms of colon cancer can also vary based on the stage of cancer. Some of the symptoms that are presented in the early stages of colon cancer include c onstipation, b leeding from the rectum, b lood in stool, abdomenal pain, w eakness, and c hanges in the stool’s form, shape, and color

Sometimes in the early stages of colon cancer, the individual may not experience any symptoms. However, d uring the later stages of colon cancer, the symptoms become more noticeable, and individuals will also experience additional symptoms. They include w eight loss, v omiting, c onstant fatigue and weakness, b one fractures, b reathing troubles, j aundice, and b lurry vision.

Causes and risk factors of colon cancer
Cancer is a disease that plagues many across the globe. But, despite its prominence, there is no singular or confirmed cause of this condition. Doctors attribute these cancerous mutations to multiple factors that can lead to an increased risk of colon cancer.

Some of these risk factors include:

1. Age
Studies have shown that a majority of those diagnosed with colon cancer are over the age of 50. This means that those above a certain age are more prone to developing this disease. However, colon cancer can occur and be diagnosed at any age.

2. Genetic mutations
Studies have also shown that genetics plays a major role when it comes to the development of cancer. Certain gene mutations passed down to generations lead to a higher risk of colon cancer.

3. Family history
Individuals are more prone to developing colon cancer if anyone from their close family already has this condition.

4. Smoking and alcohol
Those who smoke or have a high alcohol intake are also more likely to develop colon cancer.

Diagnosing colon cancer
If the signs and symptoms indicate the onset of colon cancer, doctors will usually prescribe tests to confirm their diagnosis. These tests and procedures are wide and varied and will be prescribed based on the severity of the symptoms.

1. Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy involves using a long tube to monitor your colon and rectum. The tube has a tiny video camera is inserted into the rectum that allows doctors to look for any suspicious growths. In case there is a suspicious growth in the colon or rectum, doctors can pass surgical tools through the tube to biopsy the tissue.

2. Blood tests
Doctors will also prescribe blood tests to check the overall health of the body. This includes kidney and liver function tests; blood tests alone cannot confirm cancer.

To ensure that cancers do not go undetected, doctors also recommend a couple of screening tests to some individuals.