COLON CANCER

• Colon Cancer

  A type of cancer that starts in the colon (large intestine)
• Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

  • Age > 50 years
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Personal/family history of cancer
  • IBS
  • Crohn's disease
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Physical inactivity
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • High-fat diet
• Diagnostic Screening Recommendations (American Cancer Society)

  • Fecal Occult Blood Test yearly
  • CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years
• Health Promotion & Maintenance Recommendations

  • Modify diet
  • Stop smoking and drinking
  • Exercise
• Physical Assessment/Signs & Symptoms

  • Vomiting
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Anemia
  • Pain or cramping
  • Incomplete evacuation
• Radiation Therapy


  Not primary treatment for colon cancer, used preoperatively to shrink tumors or palliatively to control symptoms, more common for rectal cancers
• Chemotherapy


  Used for stage 2 or 3 colon cancer, often combined with radiation to reduce recurrence and prolong survival
• Surgical Management

  • Colon resection
  • Colectomy
  • Colostomy
• Care Coordination & Transition Management

  • Home care management
  • Self-management education (colostomy care, psychosocial concerns)
  • Health care resources
• Surgical Complications

  • Retracted stoma
  • Pale or black stoma color
  • Dehiscence of wound