Bowel/ Colon Cancer

Bowel cancer or colon cancer is cancer that originates in the cells of the large intestine (colon) or rectum. It begins with cancer of the cells in the lining of the large intestine and may gradually spread to other tissues.

Bowel cancer usually causes no symptoms in the early stages, but as it progresses, symptoms may occur:

Stomach ache
diarrhea or constipation
Loss of appetite
weight loss
bloating and gas
bloody stool
Tiredness
iron deficiency anemia

Bowel cancer is more common in the elderly, and some risk factors include familial history, inherited genetic disorders, excessive consumption of low-fiber and fatty foods, smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity.

Treatment of bowel cancer may vary depending on the extent, location, type of cancer, and the general health of the patient. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Treatment may be more effective in cases of bowel cancer detected early, so regular medical check-ups are recommended for people with risk factors.

Bowel / Colon Cancer Treatment Methods

Treatment of bowel or colon cancer may vary depending on the stage, spread, location, type of disease, and the patient’s general health. Treatment options may include:

Surgical treatment: Surgical treatment is an operation to remove the tumor of the cancer. Procedures such as removal of part or the entire colon (colon resection) or partial or complete removal of the rectum (recto-segsion) may be performed. Surgical treatment is used depending on the stage and spread of the disease.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is drugs used to destroy cancer cells. In the treatment of colon cancer, chemotherapy is usually used after surgery or when cancer cells have spread.
Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy is a treatment method that aims to destroy cancer cells by using high-energy rays. In colon cancer, radiotherapy is often used before surgery.
Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy involves the use of drugs to target proteins specific to cancer cells. These drugs target cancer cells and kill them without harming normal cells.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that helps the immune system recognize and kill cancer cells.

Treatment options may vary according to the stage of the disease, its spread, and the general health of the patient. In cases diagnosed early, treatment may be more effective. Therefore, it is recommended that people with risk factors have regular medical check-ups and follow-up screening tests.

Prof. Dr. Erşan AYGÜN

General Surgery Specialist

Bakırköy/ İstanbul

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