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Bowel Cancer - Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Stages, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment

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Cancer of the large intestine, also known as colon or bowel, is bowel cancer. This article explains bowel cancer in detail.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Abdul Aziz Khan

Published At August 30, 2022
Reviewed AtFebruary 16, 2023

Introduction:

The term cancer can shake any person more than they know. Among the various sites that could get cancer, the bowel is one. Bowel cancer affects the end portion of the digestive system, the colon, and the rectum. When bowel cancer affects a person, it shows several symptoms that, when ignored, progress further into a more severe one and spread to other organs, complicating the treatment process. Read the article further for an entire view on what bowel cancer is, what it could do to a person and how to get it treated.

What Is Bowel Cancer?

Any cancer is named based on where it starts. So, as the name suggests, bowel cancer is generally cancer that begins in the bowel. The bowel is nothing but the large intestine or colon, which is the end portion of the digestive system. It is also called colon cancer, rectal cancer, or colorectal cancer. Bowel cancer starts as a small polyp initially, when left untreated, and sometimes even after getting treated, it can transform into cancer.

What Are the Causes of Bowel Cancer?

There is no specific reason that has yet been pointed out as a cause of bowel cancer. The cause of bowel cancer is still being studied. Some claims say that bowel cancer is a result of genetic mutations. Though the reason is yet to be found, certain factors increase the risk of getting bowel cancer.

Who Is at Risk of Bowel Cancer?

Age: Colon cancer can affect any age group but is more prevalent among older adults.

Sex: Male population has a higher chance of colon cancer than females, but there is no tremendous difference.

Race: Studies show African-Americans are more prone to bowel cancers than any other race.

Genetics: People with a history of bowel cancer in families or a history of any associated diseases.

History of Other Diseases: The incidence of bowel cancer is more in people with a previous history of bowel diseases and colon polyps. Also, those with diabetes carry a risk.

Sedentary Lifestyle: Leading a sedentary lifestyle, overweight individuals, having processed food, red meat, and fat-rich foods frequently can be a risk factor too.

Habits: Habits such as alcohol and smoking, among the million other problems they cause, can be a risk factor for bowel cancer.

Cancer: People with a history of other cancers carry a high risk.

What Are the Symptoms of Bowel Cancer?

Bowel cancer shows various stomach-related symptoms; some occur during the initial stages, while others indicate that the tumor is in later stages.

Initial Symptoms:

  • Severe abdominal pain.

  • Diarrhea.

  • Constipation.

  • Change in the color, size, and consistency of the stools.

  • Bleeding while passing stools or while urinating, blood in the stools.

  • Continuous tiredness.

  • Sudden weight loss.

  • Nausea and vomiting.

  • Bloating and discomfort in the stomach.

  • There is never a feeling of a completely emptied stomach.

  • The symptoms persist for a longer period.

Late Symptoms:

These appear when bowel cancer has spread to other body parts.

  • Persistent headaches.

  • Vision changes.

  • Jaundice.

  • Breathing difficulties.

  • Swollen lymph nodes.

What Are the Stages of Bowel Cancer?

Bowel cancer is staged based on its severity as follows,

Stage Zero: In this stage, the cancer cells are present only in the colon and the rectal linings.

Stage One: Cancer cells have penetrated the linings and have reached the muscle layer but have not spread to the lymph nodes or other organs.

Stage Two: Cancer has invaded the colon and rectal walls and has spread to the tissues around it but not to the lymph nodes.

Stage Three: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes but not other organs.

Stage Four: Cancer has spread to other organs of the body (cancer has metastasized).

How Is Bowel Cancer Diagnosed?

Various tests help doctors diagnose bowel cancer. The common tests that diagnose bowel cancer include,

  • Blood tests are often done to diagnose the cause of cancer.

  • Colonoscopy analyzes the entire colon and rectum to identify any cancerous growth if present. In cases with rectal bleeding, colonoscopy is not advised.

  • Sigmoidoscopy views the lower part of the colon, called the sigmoid colon and the rectum.

  • In some cases, an immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) is performed, in which a stool sample is collected and assessed for any blood clots.

  • CT (computed tomography) scan is done to view the bowel, and it also helps in viewing the organs around it. Sometimes, PET (positron emission tomography) is combined with a CT scan.

  • Ultrasound helps to view the organs and to detect if cancer has spread.

  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) shows the extent and areas covered by the tumor.

  • A biopsy is when a part of the cancerous tissue is taken from the colon and studied.

  • Biomarker testing of the sample collected is performed to detect cancer.

How to Prevent Bowel Cancer?

Preventing bowel cancer in case of genetic origin is practically impossible, but keeping a check of the bowel’s state by regular checkups can help detect it at the earlier stages, thereby getting prompt treatment. In acquired cases, making specific lifestyle changes can prevent bowel cancer.

  • Following a healthy and clean diet can help with healthy living and prevent diseases, including bowel cancer.

  • Quit habits such as smoking and alcohol, if any. If quitting alcohol is impossible, keep it in moderation and once in a while.

  • Exercise and be fit.

  • Frequent screening for any abnormalities.

These are a few modifications that come a long way toward a healthy life that is frequently put forth by many yet failed to follow.

How Is Bowel Cancer Treated?

Treatment is decided based on various factors such as the stage of cancer the patient is at, the patient’s overall health, age, etc. The treatment options include,

Surgery - It is curative for stage 1 and 2 A bowel cancers with low risk. The part of the colon affected by the cancer is removed surgically (partial colectomy), and the remaining portion is reconnected back. The surgery is usually done using a laparoscopic procedure, which is relatively less invasive. Generally, during the surgery, the nearby lymph nodes are removed as well and examined for cancer.

Chemotherapy - When cancer has reached advanced stages like high-risk stage 2, stage 3, and 4, chemotherapy is essential. Chemotherapeutic drugs are used to destroy abnormal cells (cancer cells).

Radiation Therapy - When performing surgery is at risk or is not possible; radiation is used to destroy the cancer cells that are present.

Immunotherapy - In the advanced stages of cancer, this method of using the body’s immune system and the immune cells to fight against the cancer cells is preferred.

Proper follow-up and post-treatment care help prevent a recurrence. The prognosis of cancer treatment depends on many factors, including genetics and the tumor's aggressiveness.

Conclusion:

Bowel cancer is not potentially life-threatening in the initial stages. However, it gets toxic and difficult to treat only when ignored. Though getting diagnosed with a tumor can be a nightmare, detecting it in earlier stages can reduce the risk and even bring life back to its normal pace. So, getting it screened when in doubt and following a proper lifestyle and diet can help prevent and fight bowel cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Does Bowel Cancer Spread Quickly?

Bowel cancer starts with a small polyp initially and grows at a very slow rate involving the colon and rectum. It is a slow-growing cancer but becomes severe if left untreated. The speed of the spread of bowel cancer also depends on the stage at which the cancer has been diagnosed.

2.

Is Cancer of the Bowel Curable?

If detected in the initial stages, bowel cancer can be cured with various management strategies like surgical therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy based on the stage of bowel cancer. In advanced cases, bowel cancer becomes severe and difficult to treat.

3.

How Can One Survive Bowel Cancer?

The majority of the patients diagnosed in the early stages are treated with surgical management. Patients diagnosed with advanced cases of bowel or colorectal cancer have an estimated five years of survival rate based on the study reports.

4.

Is Bowel Cancer a Terminal?

Bowel cancer or colorectal cancer is terminal in stage four. Stage four bowel cancer is the advanced stage in which it has spread to various body parts, making it difficult to treat and reducing life expectancy.

5.

What Is Bowel Cancer Pain Like?

Bowel cancer is characterized by intermittent and severe stomach pain, mostly while eating. Patients usually have swelling in the abdominal region accompanied by loss of weight. Bowel pain may radiate to different body parts depending on the spread of the cancer.

6.

How Is Bowel Cancer Detected?

Colonoscopy or CT colonography is used to detect bowel cancer. A colonoscopy is used to visualize the entire length of the bowel. Other diagnostic methods used are sigmoidoscopy, computed tomography, ultrasound, fecal occult blood test (FOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and biopsy.

7.

Who Is Most at Risk of Bowel Cancer?

Older age group people are more likely to have a risk of bowel cancer. Other risk factors associated with bowel cancer are genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, and habits like smoking and alcohol.

8.

Does Stress Cause Bowel Cancer?

Stress is not directly related to cancer however being stressed on an everyday basis increases the risk of developing cancer. However, long-term stress indirectly contributes to the development of the risk factors associated with bowel cancer. Managing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are important to avoid risk factors associated with bowel cancer.

9.

What Age Is Bowel Cancer Common?

Bowel cancer can affect people in any age group but is common among the older age group people above 50 years old. The risk of bowel cancer ages after 45 years of age. It is crucial to be aware of the signs of bowel cancer and get regular healthcare screening done by doctors.

10.

Where Does the Pain of Bowel Cancer Felt?

Bowel cancer is mostly associated with intermittent and severe pain in the abdominal or stomach region. Pain associated with bowel cancer also depends on the stage of cancer and the location involved. The location of the pain varies depending on the spread of the cancer.

11.

Does an Individual Feel Unwell With Bowel Cancer?

Bowel cancer is associated with fatigue, constipation, nausea, pain, and discomfort in the abdominal region. Late symptoms like continuous headaches, vision loss, and breathing difficulties are seen with bowel cancer.

12.

Can a Blood Test Detect Bowel Cancer?

No, blood tests alone cannot detect bowel cancer. Blood tests can tell the overall health of a patient. Colonoscopy or CT colonography, ultrasound, and biopsy are used to detect bowel cancer. Early detection of bowel cancer is crucial for effective management.

13.

Where Is Bowel Cancer Most Commonly Found?

Bowel cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is most commonly involved in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. It usually develops from the precancerous polyps in the lining of the colon and rectum. Early diagnosis is the key to managing bowel cancer.

14.

Does Bowel Cancer Cause Back Pain?

Yes, bowel cancer can be associated with back pain. Pain from the stomach usually radiates to the back and can cause discomfort to the patient. Back pain from bowel cancer is also one sign of the cancer spreading to nearby organs.
Dr. Abdul Aziz Khan
Dr. Abdul Aziz Khan

Medical oncology

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