Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancers in men and women. Ironically, it is more common than most people think, due to which it is easy to overlook the warning signs when they appear. It results in nearly 50,000 deaths in a year. The signs and treatment options for colon cancer depend on the location of the cancer, its impact on the organs, and how advanced it is. 

Signs
The only way to avoid this disease from advancing is through early diagnosis. Here are some common symptoms that are easily overlooked.

• Weakness and lethargy
  Colon cancer can take a toll on your body by consuming its energy supplies, which can make you feel lethargic. If you are experiencing a constant state of exhaustion without any apparent reason, you need to discuss this with your doctor.  

• Severe abdominal pain
  Colon cancer appears in the large intestine that can interfere with your bowel movements. As a result, change in bowel movements can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and muscular contraction. In itself, the sign may not indicate something sinister. However, if you notice that the discomfort affects your quality of life, you must see a doctor immediately. 

• Blood in the stool
  Sometimes blood is visible, and other times you may pass black stool that indicates dried blood. In this case, your doctor may recommend a fecal test if you notice blood in your stool.

• Inexplicable weight loss
  Cancer cells can use up a lot of your body’s energy reserves and release certain substances that can change the way your body converts food to energy. In addition to that, a large tumor can cause blockage in the colon that can interfere with your bowel habits, leading to inexplicable weight loss.  

Treatment options
In case of a positive diagnosis, here are some of the treatment options available to you:

• Surgery
  An expert oncologist will use the surgical procedure to remove the tumor based on the stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health.

• Chemotherapy
  Chemotherapy is a process of using drugs to eliminate cancer cells. It can also be used to contract a larger cancer than can be later removed via surgery.

• Radiation therapy
  A potent energy source, such as protons and X-rays, are used to eliminate cancer cells. This option is usually exercised when surgery cannot be performed.

• Immunotherapy
  This therapy uses drugs to strengthen your immune system that fights cancer from within. It is commonly reserved for colon cancer that has progressed to an advanced stage.

If you want to prevent this serious condition and its debilitating effects on your body, you must educate yourself about the signs and treatment options for colon cancer and visit a doctor the moment you think you may be developing this disease.