B M Atikuzzaman
March is observed worldwide as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This month reminds us of an important reality: colon cancer often grows silently. Many patients do not realize that a serious disease is slowly developing in their bodies. Yet, if detected early through proper screening, colon cancer can often be prevented.
Recently, a 51-year-old woman visited my clinic. She appeared generally healthy. She had no history of major illness, no abdominal pain, no change in bowel habits, and no weight loss. In her daily life, she felt completely normal.
However, a routine health check-up revealed that she had mild anaemia. Her physician noticed this and ordered a stool test to find the cause. The test showed a small amount of blood in her stool—something that cannot be seen with the naked eye but can be detected through laboratory testing.
Although the patient had no visible symptoms, she was referred to a gastroenterologist as a precaution. Considering her age, anaemia, and the presence of blood in the stool, we decided to perform a colonoscopy.
Unfortunately, the examination revealed that she had colon cancer in her large intestine.
This story is not unusual. In reality, many patients who have no clear symptoms are diagnosed with colon cancer or precancerous conditions during routine examinations. In my clinic, I frequently see patients in whom precancerous polyps are detected in the colon or large intestine.
Polyp to Cancer: A Slow Process
Colon cancer usually does not develop suddenly. It is the result of a long and gradual process.
It often begins with a small growth called a polyp inside the large intestine. Many polyps are harmless, but some can gradually undergo cellular changes and develop into cancer. This transformation may take several years.
That is why regular screening is extremely important. If polyps are detected through screening, they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
Why Colon Cancer Occurs ?
Several factors can contribute to the development of colon cancer. These include genetic or family history, unhealthy dietary habits especially excessive consumption of red meat and processed foods, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking and alcohol use, and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.
However, in many cases patients may have no obvious risk factors. This is why screening remains the most effective way to detect the disease early.
Symptoms Do Not Always Appear
One of the biggest challenges of colon cancer is that in its early stages it often causes no symptoms.
However, some warning signs may include blood in the stool, long-term constipation or diarrhea, changes in bowel habits, unexplained anemia, abdominal pain or discomfort, and unexplained weight loss.
It is important to remember that colon cancer can still be present even when there are no symptoms, as we saw in the case of the 51-year-old patient.
When Screening Should Begin ?
According to current international medical guidelines, individuals with average risk for colorectal cancer should begin regular screening at the age of 45.
Those who have a family history of the disease or other risk factors may need to begin screening even earlier.
Screening Methods
There are several methods available to detect colorectal cancer.
Stool tests can detect hidden blood in the stool or certain genetic markers associated with cancer.
Blood tests may sometimes provide supportive information.
Colonoscopy is the most reliable test and is often considered the gold standard in medical practice. During this procedure, a camera is used to examine the entire colon, and if polyps are found they can often be removed at the same time.
Awareness Can Save Lives
Although colon cancer is a serious disease, it is also one of the cancers that can often be prevented. With regular screening, polyps can be detected and removed before they develop into cancer.
During this awareness month in March, it is important to share a simple but powerful message.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
If you are 45 years or older, talk to your doctor about colorectal cancer screening.
Because sometimes a simple test can save a life and protect a family from great hardship.
