HJNO Mar/Apr 2021

50 MAR / APR 2021 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS ONCOLOGY DIAL GUE COLUMN ONCOLOGY COLON CANCER is the third most common cancer affecting both males and females in the United States; approximately 70% of cas- es arise in the colon. Globally, colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and the second in females; however, the incidence varies markedly. Country-spe- cific incidence rates are available through theWorld Health Organization (WHO). This topic review will provide an overview of the symptoms, diagnosis, staging, treatment and surveillance of colon cancer. one or more of the above symptoms. In this case, a colonoscopy is often used to look in- side the rectum and large intestine. Cancers growing within the large intestine can be seen during a colonoscopy, and a biopsy (removal of a piece of tissue for examination) can be done to confirm the presence of cancer. COLON CANCER STAGING Once colon cancer is diagnosed, the next step is to determine its stage. Staging is a sys- tem used to describe the aggressiveness and spread of cancer. The stage of colon cancer is assigned based on: COLON CANCER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS 1. Stomach pain or frequent gas pains; 2. Change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea); 3. Blood in the bowel movements; 4. Feeling weak or tired; 5. Low iron level, commonly with anemia (iron deficiency anemia); 6. Black or dark-colored stools. COLON CANCER DIAGNOSIS Your doctor or nurse may be concerned that you could have colon cancer if you have COLON CANCER 2021