Colon cancer is a common type of cancer. Colon cancer occurs when cells in the interior lining of the colon or large intestine grow abnormally and out of control. The exact cause of colon cancer is unknown.

 

In most cases, colon cancers begin as a benign or non-cancerous polyp. A polyp is a small growth that projects out from the inside lining of the colon. Not all polyps turn into cancer. Polyps that turn into cancer typically take several years to do so. Most people with early colon cancer do not have symptoms. Symptoms tend to appear as colon cancer advances. Some people do not develop any symptoms. Changes in bowel movement patterns can be a symptom of colon cancer. 

 

In most cases, colon cancer is treatable if it is detected early. Screening for colon cancer allows polyps to be detected and removed early, which may prevent the development of cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that people be screened for colon cancer beginning at age 50. Screening may be warranted earlier for people with a history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, and a personal or family history of certain cancers. Screening may include a fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and barium enema testing.

 

Surgery is the primary treatment for colon cancer. Surgery removes the cancer cells from the body. Advanced cancers may need adjuvant therapy or additional treatments. The surgeons at the Hudson Valley Surgical Group have expertise in the variety of surgical procedures used to treat colon cancer. 

 

To learn more, please refer to the Laparoscopic Colon Surgery section of this website, and visit our Patient Education Library to learn more about colon cancer.

 

 

Colon cancer is a common type of cancer. Colon cancer occurs when cells in the interior lining of the colon or large intestine grow abnormally and out of control. The exact cause of colon cancer is unknown.

 

In most cases, colon cancers begin as a benign or non-cancerous polyp. A polyp is a small growth that projects out from the inside lining of the colon. Not all polyps turn into cancer. Polyps that turn into cancer typically take several years to do so. Most people with early colon cancer do not have symptoms. Symptoms tend to appear as colon cancer advances. Some people do not develop any symptoms. Changes in bowel movement patterns can be a symptom of colon cancer. 

 

In most cases, colon cancer is treatable if it is detected early. Screening for colon cancer allows polyps to be detected and removed early, which may prevent the development of cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that people be screened for colon cancer beginning at age 50. Screening may be warranted earlier for people with a history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, and a personal or family history of certain cancers. Screening may include a fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and barium enema testing.

 

Surgery is the primary treatment for colon cancer. Surgery removes the cancer cells from the body. Advanced cancers may need adjuvant therapy or additional treatments. The surgeons at the Hudson Valley Surgical Group have expertise in the variety of surgical procedures used to treat colon cancer. 

 

To learn more, please refer to the Laparoscopic Colon Surgery section of this website, and visit our Patient Education Library to learn more about colon cancer.