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Colon Cancer How is it treated? Colon polyps are removed during a screening test called colonoscopy. Colon cancer is almost always treated with surgery. The cancer is more easily removed when it is found early. But if the cancer has spread into the wall of the colon or farther, then you may also need radiation or chemotherapy. How can you prevent colon cancer? Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, starts when abnormal cells grow out of control in the lower part of your intestine (your colon). When it is found early, it can often be treated with good success. Screening tests You can help prevent colon cancer by getting a screening test that looks for polyps. Screening tests include: • Stool tests. These tests check your stool for signs of cancer. They include the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and the stool DNA test (sDNA). What are the symptoms? • Sigmoidoscopy. A lighted scope shows the lower part of your intestine. Colon cancer usually does not cause symptoms until after it has begun to spread. See your doctor if you have symptoms such as: • Colonoscopy. A lighted scope shows the inside of your entire colon. • Pain in your belly. • Blood in your stool or very dark stools. • A change in your bowel habits, such as more frequent stools or a feeling that your bowels are not emptying completely. What causes colon cancer? Most cases begin as polyps, which are small growths inside the colon or rectum. Colon polyps are very common, and most do not turn into cancer. But doctors cannot tell which polyps will turn into cancer. This is why screening tests that check for polyps are important. • Computed tomographic colonography (CTC), or virtual colonoscopy, which creates pictures of the inside of your large intestine. During sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, your doctor can also remove polyps or tissue samples to test for cancer. Lifestyle choices that can help prevent colon cancer • Stay at a healthy weight. • Eat healthy foods and limit animal fat. Eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, poultry, and whole grains can help prevent cancer. • Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. More drinks than this may raise the risk of colon cancer. • Be active. • Do not smoke. If you smoke, try to quit. People who smoke have a higher rate of cancer than nonsmokers do. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about medicines and counseling. They can help you quit for good. How can you care for yourself at home? You can take steps to help yourself feel better during treatment: • Call your doctor if you are having a problem with your medicine. • If you have pain, talk with your doctor about making a pain control plan. • If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. ◦ Choose water and other caffeine-free clear liquids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink. ◦ When you are able to eat, try clear soups, mild foods, and liquids until all symptoms are gone for 12 to 48 hours. Keep your strength up. Fatigue is common with cancer treatment. But staying active and eating well before, during, and after your treatment may help you have more energy. • Get some physical activity every day. Ask a friend to take a walk with you. • Eat healthy foods. Foods with protein and extra calories can help you stay strong and prevent weight loss. Try liquid meal replacements. • Eat smaller meals more often, or eat your main meal early. • Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Deal with your emotions. Feeling anxious is a normal reaction to cancer. Do things to help reduce your stress. • Get enough sleep, and eat a healthy diet. • Share your feelings with a friend, or join a support group. • Take time to do activities and hobbies you enjoy. Or try something new, like painting or listening to music. • Let your doctor know if you feel discouraged or down. If you are depressed, your doctor can help with treatment. • Learn all you can about colon cancer. Try the American Cancer Society (1-800-227-2345 or www.cancer.org) or the National Cancer Institute (1-800-422-6237 or www.cancer.gov). Prepare an advance directive. Talk to your doctor about an advance directive, which includes a living will and a medical power of attorney. In a living will, you describe the kind of care you want if something happens to you and you cannot speak for yourself. In a medical power of attorney, you choose a person to make medical decisions for you if you cannot speak for yourself. Be sure to share your wishes with your family or close friends. You can get forms from Caring Connections (www.caringinfo.org or 1-800-658-8898) or Aging With Dignity (www.agingwithdignity.org or 1-888-594-7437). ©2007-2015 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise disclaims any liability for use of this information, which does not replace medical advice. 2015-02-bu1338