Colon Cancer Quiz

Cancer of the large intestine which is the final part of the digestive tumors. It often grows from non-cancerous polyps in the intestine. Both polyps and colon cancers can be found during colonoscopy (camera test of colon). Symptoms can include blood in stool, diarrhea or constipation or both, or abdominal pain but many times there are no symptoms and the cancer is found on colonoscopy. It can be easily treated in early stages, so the general population is encouraged to get screened with colonoscopy and sometimes stool tests. Risk factors include a family history of colon cancer or polyps, or a personal history of abnormal polyps, low-fiber high-fat diets, some inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes, obesity, and lack of exercise.

• Blood in stool

• Stool has become narrower in caliber, like a pencil

• Previously diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis

• History of abnormal colonoscopy, i.e. colon camera

• Diagnosed with Crohn's disease in the past

• Stomach pain or tummy ache in a specific place

• Feeling the need to pass motion even though nothing comes out

• Lump or swelling in the abdomen/stomach

In most cases a gastroenterologist will diagnose the tumor with a biopsy during colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. They will then order CT scans and MRIs and will refer the patient to a colorectal surgeon. A medical oncologist may be consulted to discuss recommendations for chemotherapy before or after surgery and sometimes a radiation oncologist will give radiotherapy to the area. Since the types of treatment can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these, it is often important to be treated by a multidisciplinary team, particularly in the case of rectal cancers.