It is hard to believe that it has been two years since the passing of the black panther star Chadwick Boseman. It was announced on August 28th 2020, that Chadwick had passed on after battling colon cancer for quite some time. This news came as a shock to many since he never talked about his illness but yet gave us phenomenal movies/shows.
May his soul continue to rest.
Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and battled it for four years as it progressed to stage IV before his demise. Most people still wonder about colon cancer and how deadly it is. Hence, this article will explain everything you need about colon cancer.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the colon (large intestine) or the rectum. The organs that comprise the lower portion of your digestive system are your colon and rectum.
Colon cancer commonly affects older persons, although it can strike anyone at any age. Polyps are tiny, noncancerous (benign) collections of cells that grow inside the colon and are the most common starting point. Some of these polyps can develop into colon cancer over time.
Polyps can be tiny and cause few, if any, symptoms. As a result, doctors advise routine screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by detecting and eliminating polyps before they develop into cancer.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Here are the signs or symptoms of colon cancer;
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- changes in stool colour
- changes in stool shape, such as constricted stool
- blood in the stool
- bleeding from the rectum
- excessive gas
- stomach cramps
- abdominal discomfort
In the early stages of colon cancer, many people experience no signs. Symptoms will most likely differ depending on the size and location of cancer in your large intestine. Colon cancer is frequently detectable in its third or fourth stages.
Are there other types of colon cancer?
Yes, there are other types of colon cancer. There are various types of cancerous cells, and there are cells in different regions of the digestive tract that might develop into colon cancer.
Adenocarcinomas are a common kind of colon cancer. Adenocarcinomas develop in the cells that produce mucus in the rectum or colon.
Other types of tumours that can cause colon cancer are;
Lymphomas can begin in the lymph nodes or the intestines.
Carcinoids begin in hormone-producing cells in your intestines.
Sarcomas – are cancers that develop in soft tissues such as muscles in the colon.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours – which can begin harmlessly and progress to cancer (They typically form in the digestive tract, but only infrequently in the colon.)
Causes of colon cancer
There has been no direct answer as to what causes colon cancer. However, cancer caused by genetic mutations can be inherited or acquired. These mutations do not ensure that you will have colon cancer, but they certainly enhance your risk.
Some mutations may cause aberrant cells to collect in the colon lining, resulting in polyps (harmless growths). Untreated polyps, on the other hand, can develop into cancer. These growths can be removed surgically as a preventive precaution.
Since there is no definite cause of colon cancer, conducting routine checks on your health is relevant. Never fail to speak to a doctor immediately if you suspect or show any signs of the disease.
