Colon cancer occurs when the healthy cells that line the rectum and the colon form a tumor. A cancerous tumor can spread to the body’s other parts and grow. Below, the best cancer doctor in Kolkata explains the risk factors and treatment of colon cancer.
Risk factors of colon cancer
- Age
An old person is at a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer than a younger person. Though colon cancer can occur in teenagers and adults, it mostly occurs in adults who are older than fifty.
- Gender
Colon cancer is more common in men than in women, which puts men at a greater risk.
- Family history
Around five to six percent of cases of colon cancer have associations with genetic mutations. Thus, if your nearest family members get diagnosed with colon cancer, then you will be twice at the risk of developing colon cancer, says the best rectal cancer doctor in Kolkata.
- Inherited conditions
Family members with uncommon inherited conditions have a risk of getting colon cancer.
Treatment of colon cancer
- Surgery
Surgery is useful in treating small colon cancers. The best rectal cancer doctor can perform a polypectomy, laparoscopic surgery, and endoscopic mucosal resection. If cancer grows through the colon, your doctor may suggest a lymph node removal, partial colectomy, and surgery for advanced cancer.
- Radiation therapy
A cancer surgeon in Kolkata can recommend radiation therapy that kills cancer cells with protons and X-rays.
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy after colon cancer surgery destroys the remaining cancer cells and reduces the risk of the recurrence of cancer.
- Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy activates the immune system to help in fighting against cancer.
- Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy blocks the cancer cells. This helps in killing them.
You can check for the above risk factors of colon cancer. If you identify with any of the risk factors, you can go for a colon cancer screening. In case you get diagnosed with colon cancer, your doctor may suggest any of the treatments listed above suitable to your condition.
