A Holistic Review of Colon Cancer: Causes, Diagnosis, and Current Therapies

Both men and women can develop colorectal cancer, which is the third most common and deadliest disease in the UK. Compared to colon cancer, the third most common cancer worldwide, lung cancer has a higher mortality rate. Based on incidence rates, colorectal cancer ranks as the third most common cancer in men and the second in women. Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer are significantly more likely to develop the disease. As the colonic epithelium progresses from normal to dysplasia and eventually to cancer, genetic changes occur. Possible signs of colon cancer include rectal haemorrhage, an abdominal mass, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and iron- deficiency anaemia. For stage 0 cancer, a procedure called a colonoscopy is used to remove cancerous cells. Localised therapy is the primary treatment option if the cancer is small, early-stage, and has not spread to other organs. To fully remove the affected area, a surgical operation such as hemicolectomy, partial colectomy, or segmental resection may be performed, which can involve a colonoscopy or excising the section of colon containing the cancer.