Colon Cancer: Understanding the Risks, Signs, and Path to Prevention
Colorectal cancer often referred to as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer depending on its origin point remains a significant global health challenge. Despite being highly treatable when detected early, it is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women. Understanding the biology of this disease, recognizing its subtle warning signs, and adhering to screening protocols are the most effective tools we have in reducing mortality rates. What is Colorectal Cancer? Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be named separately as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start. Both share many common features. Most colorectal cancers begin as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum called a polyp. Some types of polyps can change into cancer over time (usually many years), but not all polyps become cancer. The two main types of polyps are: Adenomatous polyps (adenomas): These polyps sometimes chan...