• The exact cause of colon cancer is not known. The possible causes include:
• It occurs when healthy cells develop errors in their DNA
• When the cells’ genetic components are mutated, they divide abnormally and accumulate in the colon to form a tumor
• With time, the abnormal cells can invade the adjacent tissues and migrate to other organs (metastasis)
• Inherited gene mutations increase the risk of developing colon cancer
• Inherited colon cancer syndromes include familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). These syndromes are detected through genetic testing
• The risk factors include:
• African-Americans are at high risk
• Chronic inflammatory diseases
• High-fat low-fiber diet
• Alcoholism
• Smoking
• Advanced age

• Screening for people older than 50 years and those with a family history of colon cancer
• Drinking alcohol in moderation
• Healthy eating- fruits and vegetables
• Quit smoking
• Exercise regularly

Complications of colon cancer are:

• Constipation
• Chronic diarrhea
• Bowel obstruction

Treatment involves surgery and chemotherapy.

Medication

Targeted drugs: The specific sites which can be cancerous are targeted and the drugs are administered.

Bevacizumab . Ramucirumab

Chemotherapy: To destroy the cancer cells and relieve symptoms.

5-Fluorouracil . Capecitabine . Irinotecan . Oxaliplatin

Immunotherapy: To treat the type of cancers which might respond to the antibodies.

Nivolumab . Pembrolizumab