The colon, or large intestine, is a major part of our digestive system and is responsible for breaking down the food we eat. Colon cancer occurs when malignant cells are found in colon tissue, and when spotted early, this cancer has a high rate of successful treatment. The challenge is that early stages of colon cancer rarely display symptoms, which means that routine screenings are often the best way to identify and remove polyps—reducing the risk of tumors from forming.
While the specific cause of colon cancer is still unknown, there are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Age and race are also factors in developing colon cancer. For those at average risk of colon cancer, it is recommended to begin screening for colon cancer at 45 years of age. If you are at higher risk, it is advised to start your routine screenings at a younger age. Your primary care physician can help you determine a screening routine.
If colon cancer is discovered, the next step is to determine the size of the tumor s and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Our oncology specialists will utilize the most innovative technologies, including CT scans and MRIs, to help us understand the extent of your cancer. The stage of cancer refers to how the tumor has metastasized or grown and will impact the type of treatment options available to you.
Stage 1: Cancer is present in the mucosa of the colon wall and has spread to the sublayer or muscle layer. Stage 4: Further divided into IVA, IVB, and IVC, this stage describes cancer spreading to one or more organs or tissue, such as the liver, lung, ovaries, abdominal tissue, or distant lymph node.
At Shannon, we provide comprehensive treatment options for colon cancer. These include surgical treatments—such as resections or colostomy—radiofrequency ablation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted drug therapies. Additionally, our renowned center continues to take part in the research process by providing clinical trial options for certain cancers. No matter the stage of colon cancer you are facing, you can count on our multidisciplinary team to provide the quality care you deserve, close to home.
