In Qatar, colon cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men, at 12%, and the third most common in women, at about 9%. (7)


Therefore, early detection of colon cancer is important. Learn about the symptoms of colon cancer and the methods available to detect it. (1)



Symptoms of colon cancer


In the early stages, there may be no symptoms indicating colon cancer, which is when treatment is most effective. All of this emphasizes the importance of undergoing early detection tests for colon cancer. (1)


Colon cancer often begins as small, non-cancerous clumps of cells called polyps, and over time, some of them can turn into cancer. Here are some common symptoms of colon cancer: (1)(2)


  • Blood in Stool. 
  • Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, or the need to defecate even after going to the bathroom.
  • Significant weight loss without trying.
  • Persistent discomfort in the abdominal area, such as: cramps, gas or pain.
  • Persistent vomiting for no known reason.
  • Fatigue.


These symptoms are similar to those of other medical conditions, such as ulcers or hemorrhoids, so you should see a doctor to conduct appropriate tests and obtain the correct diagnosis. (2)



Early detection of colon cancer


There are two main types of tests for early detection of colon cancer:

  • Stool tests: These are less accurate and should be repeated every 1-3 years depending on the type of examination.
  • Colonoscopy or part of it: Colonoscopy is the most accurate examination for early detection of colon cancer and is repeated every 5-10 years depending on the result of the first endoscopy. (3)


Stool tests

These tests look for possible signs of colon cancer or polyps. They are done by submitting a stool sample to the lab, so some people find them easier than colonoscopy. There are 3 types of stool tests available: (4)


1.Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood Test (gFOBT)

  • Looks for occult blood in the stool. Certain foods and medications should be avoided before the test.
  • Test frequency: Annually.


2.Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

  • Looks for occult blood in the stool. It is not affected by medications or foods.
  • Test frequency: Annually.


3.Fecal DNA test

  • The most accurate stool test: it looks for occult blood or DNA produced by cancer cells or polyps. It is not affected by medications or food before the test.
  • Test frequency: Every 3 years.



Endoscopy tests


1.Colonoscopy

  • It is the most accurate test; it is the only test that confirms the presence of cancer even before symptoms appear or spread.
  • The patient is anesthetized, and then the doctor uses an endoscope to examine the entire colon and rectum through the anus, during which a sample can be taken, or any suspicious growths can be removed if necessary. (4)
  • Colonoscopy requires emptying the bowels using laxatives, and fasting the night before.


2.Flexible sigmoidoscopy

  • A type of endoscopy, but it does not examine the entire colon, but only the lower part, as the doctor endoscopies less than half of the colon and rectum.
  • Does not require emptying the colon with laxatives.
  • Frequency of examination: Every 5 years. (5)


3.CT colonography

os an imaging examination of the colon. After drinking the dye, three-dimensional tomographic images are taken of the entire inside of the colon and rectum, revealing any abnormal areas.

Requires emptying the bowels with laxatives.

Frequency of examination: Every 5 years. (5)



When are examinations performed?


People are generally advised to start colon cancer screening at around the age of 45 years. The frequency of screening depends on the type of screening, its results, and risk factors; individuals at higher risk of colon cancer need earlier and more frequent screening, such as those with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or certain genetic conditions. (6)




Protect your future now! Book an appointment at the Gastroenterology Department at Al-Ahli Hospital for early detection of colon cancer. The department provides the latest technologies at the hands of a skilled and experienced team of doctors and nurses.




References