Colon Cancer Specialist

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine or colon. It changes cells in the colon and can spread to other areas of the body when left untreated. 

While it usually affects older adults, colon cancer can develop at any age. That’s why it’s important to undergo colon cancer screening if you’re at risk or experience new or unusual symptoms.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

Signs and symptoms commonly associated with colon cancer include:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in the stool
• Rectal bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Changes in stool consistency
• Abdominal gas, cramps, or pain
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• A feeling that the bowel doesn’t completely empty

In the early stages of colon cancer, you might not have any symptoms. That’s why routine colon cancer screening is important.

What are the risk factors of colon cancer?

While colon cancer can happen to anyone, some factors increase your risk of getting it. Examples include:

• Older age
• Personal or family history of colon cancer
• Being of African-American descent
• Chronic inflammatory diseases
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease
• Genetics
• A low-fiber, high-fat diet
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Being sedentary
• Diabetes
• Radiation therapy to the abdomen

Ways to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer include eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods, limiting or avoiding alcohol, getting regular exercise, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.

The Houston Cancer Institute, PA, also offers genetic testing to determine your risk of developing inherited cancers.

How does my doctor diagnose colon cancer?

To find out if you have colon cancer, your specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history. They use a scope to view the inside of your colon during a colonoscopy, during which time they often take tissue samples to biopsy. Your doctor may test your blood or recommend you undergo CT scans.

What are my colon cancer treatment options?

Colon cancer treatments depend on the severity of your condition. Your Houston Cancer Institute, PA, doctor may suggest you undergo:

Surgery

During surgical procedures, your cancer specialist can remove tissues or parts of your colon to prevent cancer from spreading to other areas of your body.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to get rid of cancer cells. You may need chemotherapy after colon cancer surgery. Your specialist often administers chemotherapy intravenously (through an IV).

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses powerful energy beams to kill or shrink cancer cells. 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a drug treatment that enhances your body’s immune system and ability to fight cancer. 

Staging your cancer 

To determine the best treatment for your  cancer, the team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, stages your cancer using state-of-the-art Cat Scan or PET/CT imaging.

The scans show how large the tumor is, how deeply it extends , and whether it's spread to other areas. This will help our team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA  identify what stage of cancer you  have and tailor your treatment plan to that stage for optimal outcomes and recovery. 

Don’t let colon cancer go undetected and untreated. Call the nearest Houston Cancer Institute, PA, office or book an appointment online today.