It is also one of the most curable forms if found and treated early. Colon cancer occurs most commonly in people over the age of forty. Symptoms include rectal bleeding, cramping pain in the abdomen, and a change in bowel habits. Some colon cancers may cause obstruction of the intestines, discomfort, weight loss, and anemia. Because this cancer develops over a period of time, it can be detected before symptoms appear.
Early detection offers the best chance for cure.
If cancer is found, treatment may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. On the preventive side, a diet high in fiber is believed to protect against colon cancer. Remember, early detection offers the best chance for cure, so if you experience symptoms of colon or rectal cancer, it is recommended that you contact a health care provider immediately. Use of the information and materials on this server is subject to the terms and conditions contained on the Legal Information page. By using the Hartford Hospital web site, you agree to these terms and conditions.