Causes of Abdominal Pain: A Comprehensive Guide
Abdominal pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages. Read our comprehensive guide to learn more about the causes of abdominal pain.
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum. It is a significant health concern worldwide and ranks among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Early detection is important for improving survival rates and treatment outcomes. This blog article will discuss the symptoms of colon cancer, including abdominal pain and other warning signs, the importance of early detection, and available treatment options.
Colon cancer can present a variety of symptoms, many of which may be mistaken for less serious conditions. Recognising these symptoms early can lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Abdominal pain is a common symptom of colon cancer. The pain can vary in intensity and may be persistent or intermittent. It is often described as cramping or discomfort and may be associated with other digestive issues.
Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool, can be indicative of colon cancer. These changes may last for more than a few days and should not be ignored.
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool is a significant symptom that should be investigated promptly. The blood may appear bright red or dark and tarry, depending on the location of the cancer within the colon or rectum.
Unintended weight loss without a clear reason can be a warning sign of colon cancer. This weight loss is often due to the body’s increased energy demands in fighting the cancer or changes in metabolism caused by the disease.
Persistent fatigue and weakness can result from colon cancer. This symptom may be due to anaemia, which occurs when cancer causes chronic blood loss, leading to a decrease in red blood cells.
Other symptoms of colon cancer can include a feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation, persistent abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can vary depending on the cancer’s location and stage.
Treatment for colon cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the location of the tumour, and the overall health of the patient. Several treatment options may be used, either alone or in combination, to manage colon cancer effectively.
Surgery is the most common treatment for colon cancer, especially in its early stages. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tumour and surrounding tissues. Types of surgery include:
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It may be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink the tumour or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Common chemotherapy drugs for colon cancer include 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It is less commonly used for colon cancer but may be employed in cases where the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or if surgery is not an option. Radiation therapy is more commonly used for rectal cancer, which is located closer to the rectum and anus.
Targeted therapy involves drugs that specifically target the mechanisms that cancer cells use to grow and spread. These therapies often have fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. Examples include bevacizumab, which inhibits the growth of blood vessels that supply the tumour, and cetuximab, which targets specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells.
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. It is usually reserved for advanced stages of colon cancer that have specific genetic markers, such as microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are examples of immunotherapy drugs used for colon cancer.
Early intervention in colon cancer can prevent the progression of the disease, reduce the extent of surgical intervention required, and improve the overall quality of life for patients. When detected early, minimally invasive surgical techniques can often be employed, and the need for extensive chemotherapy or radiation therapy can be minimised. Early detection also allows for better management of symptoms and complications associated with colon cancer.
Colon cancer remains a significant health concern, but early detection and treatment can greatly improve outcomes. Recognising symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and other signs is essential. Early intervention not only enhances survival rates but also allows for less invasive treatment options and a better quality of life.
If you have any concerns or need personalised advice regarding colon cancer surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to our clinic. Our doctor is here to support you every step of the way.
MBBS (SG)
MMed (Surg)
MRCS (Ire)
FRCSEd (Gen)
FAMS (Surg)
Dr Thng Yongxian is a dual fellowship-trained Hepatopancreatobiliary & General Surgeon who has performed over 6000 surgical procedures.
He pursued his subspecialty training in Hepatopancreatobiliary surgery first in the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Singapore General Hospital. Following this, he completed a clinical fellowship in Minimally Invasive Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital in Bundang, South Korea.
Dr Thng set up and pioneered the Minimally invasive surgery program for his hospital in complex liver and pancreas cases. His surgeries were featured on live national television. His surgical videos have also been presented at international surgical conferences. He also pioneered the use of capsule colonoscopy for colorectal screening.
Dr Thng has served on various committees at hospital, cluster and ministry level. Dr Thng served as a member of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Laparoscopic cholecystectomy Clinician workgroup for value-driven care (VDC).
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319 Joo Chiat Place, #05-01, Singapore 427989
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday, Sunday & PH: Closed
820 Thomson Road, #06-05 ,Singapore 574623
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed