Colon Cancer Specialist

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer is a common type of cancer that affects your large intestine, which is the last part of your digestive tract. Colorectal cancer appears in your colon and your rectum. It can occur at any age, but commonly affects older adults. If you’re at risk of colon cancer, routine screening is important because early detection and treatment can save lives.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

Symptoms associated with colon cancer include:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Cramping
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Other changes in bowel habits
• Blood in your stool
• Rectal bleeding
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling like your bowel doesn’t empty completely

Your symptoms could be severe, mild, or non-existent in the early stages of colon cancer. At the first sign of a problem, schedule a visit to see Dr. Prasad. 

What are the risk factors of colon cancer?

Anyone can develop colon cancer, but factors that increase your risk include:

• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Obesity
• Past radiation therapy
• Older age
• Family history of colon cancer
• Personal history of colon polyps
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Low-fiber diet
• Diabetes

The best ways to reduce the risk of colon cancer are to maintain a healthy weight, eat nutritious foods, get regular exercise, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and properly control a chronic disease if you have one.

How does my doctor diagnose colon cancer?

Dr. Prasad diagnoses colon cancer using various methods. He reviews your symptoms and medical history, checks your vital signs, and completes a physical exam. He may recommend blood tests or a colonoscopy to get an in-depth view of the inside of your colon and rectum.

How is colon cancer treated?

The type of colon cancer treatment that’s right for you depends on how severe your condition is and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. Dr. Prasad may suggest surgery to remove cancerous polyps from inside of your colon, remove part of your colon, or other surgeries to remove cancerous tissues. 

You may need additional cancer treatments too, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, or immunotherapy. 

To learn more about colon cancer treatment, schedule an appointment with Ishwari Prasad, MD, PhD, PA in Tampa or Brandon, Florida, by phone or online today.