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The colon, which is part of the digestive system, and the place where bodily waste materials are stored, connects to the anus through which these waste materials are expelled from the body. In between the colon and the anus is a long tube of bowel muscle and, perhaps understandably, within this tube growths can arise from the combinations of materials passing through it. Many of these growths are benign polyps which can be easily removed during simple surgical procedures, but some growths become malignant or cancerous tumours.

Some common symptoms of colon cancer include general lethargy, weakness, a change in bowel habits, with either constipation or diarrhoea, narrow stools containing red or dark blood, abdominal cramps or pain, bloating and/or weight loss. In fact the symptoms are numerous and often non-specific, sharing many of the traits of other conditions, like diverticulitis or irritable bowel syndrome.

Colon cancer can be present for years before actual symptoms develop. The onset of symptoms will vary depending on the location of the tumour within the bowel. Tumours in the right colon can expand considerably before they cause any real abdominal discomfort. They are usually diagnosed after prolonged laboratory testing to establish the causes of fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath etc. Left colon cancers are more likely to cause bowel obstructions and manifest in narrowed stools, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Sometimes fresh blood is visible in the stool, indicating that the growth is close to the rectum or near the end of the colon.

Like all cancers, the causes of colon cancer are speculative. Age is the main risk factor as this is a disease relatively rare in the young. By the age of 50, 25% of the population has polyps and some of these will inevitably be malignant.

Research had shown that alcohol consumption may have a role in the onset of colon cancer. Diets high in fat and cholesterol have also been implicated, as have low fibre diets. However, the research on both of these risk factors is still inconclusive. Insulin dependent diabetics have an increased risk of developing colon cancer as do sufferers of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.

There are many other genetic and environmental factors that could account for or contribute to the likelihood of colon cancer. With all the early screening tests now available for anyone in an at risk category, it is wise to take advantage of these because prevention might well turn out to be the best cure.