Before we dive into the topic of colon cancer, its symptoms, and why some colon cancer patients may need a stoma, let’s start with the good news.

Yes, many colorectal cancer patients may need an ostomy after surgery but less than 10% of patients will end up having a permanent ostomy. Yay for that! Now, let’s talk about colon cancer – one of the top three cancers diagnosed in South Africa.

What Is Colon Cancer?

Did you know that, according to the National Cancer Register, 1 in 77 males and 1 in 132 females will be diagnosed with colon cancer?

Colon cancer typically arises from a tiny collection of cells known as an adenomatous polyp. It takes a long time for colon cancer to form but, if these cells aren’t diagnosed and treated, they can progress and become colon cancers.

Colorectal (also known as bowel) cancer is the **3rd most common cancer worldwide**.

What Symptoms Are Associated With Colon Cancer?

There are three primary symptoms that allow for the detection of abnormalities in the colon that may indicate cancer.

1. Blood In The Faeces

If you notice bleeding when you go to the toilet for a number two, it could be a red flag that a tumour is present in the colon. The hue of the blood could be a signal, so you must pay close attention.

Red indicates the presence of a tumour in the most distal portion of the rectum and colon. A black, tar-like colour (known as melena) refers to faeces that have been digested and consequently originated in the regions of the digestive tract closest to the colon. If you experience tar-like stools, you should contact a doctor immediately.

In addition to bleeding, a change in stool size, which may become narrower, can also indicate a tumour. In addition, if the tumours are located in the distal portion of the colon, it is likely that you will get a sensation that your bowel movements are incomplete.

2. Abdominal Discomfort

Stomach pain is a common symptom of colon cancer. This discomfort is caused by the obstruction created by the tumour in portions of the digestive tube.

The discomfort is comparable to a sharp pain in the lower stomach. Complete intestinal obstruction may also result from a closed intestinal tube. If this is the case, immediate medical care is required and surgery may be required.

3. Sudden Weight Loss

Loss of weight for no obvious reason is a typical sign of colon cancer. Contact your healthcare provider as soon as a sudden, unexplained weight loss is discovered, if you’ve lost your appetite and if suffer extreme and persistent fatigue.

Colon Cancer Developmental Stages

The progression of colon cancer can be broken down into three distinct phases:

Local Expansion: The tumour has invaded the digestive tract wall.

Lymphatic Diffusion: This is the stage at which the tumour enters the intestinal wall and spreads to the organs via the network of lymphatic capillaries.

Hematogenous Dispersion: At this stage in its development, the tumour exploits the bloodstream. In this stage, cancer cells are able to spread to the liver, lungs, bones, and brain.

Diagnosis Of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is special in that it is detectable at an early stage. The most reliable test for diagnosis is the stool blood test, which determines whether or not there is blood in the stool.

If the test yields a positive result, a colonoscopy must be performed to discover the cause of the bleeding.

A colonoscopy can remove polyps to prevent the development of cancer. The benefit of the test is that it may be simply administered by the individual exhibiting the symptoms. This test should be performed every two years beginning at age 50, or sooner if you experience symptoms.

Colon Cancer Risk Factors & Causes

While colon cancer can strike anyone, at any time, risk elements are:

Age: Those 50 years and older are at an increased risk of colon cancer

Gender: Men are at a greater risk of developing colon cancer than women.

History of polyps: If you have suffered from adenomatous polyps in the past, you are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer.

Intestinal diseases: Persistent inflammation of the colon increases susceptibility to risk.

Family history: Inherited syndromes are genetic syndromes that are transmitted, such as colorectal cancer and Lynch syndrome. If there is a family history, you are more susceptible to risk.

Sedentary lifestyle: Inactivity raises the danger, as does tobacco use and heavy alcohol use.

Past radiation treatments: If you have had cancer and been treated with abdominal radiation therapy, your risk of developing colon cancer is increased.

Although approximately 40% of the 65,000 women diagnosed each year eventually die of the disease, colon cancer is highly curable when diagnosed at an early stage.

Colon Cancer And Stomas

Some colon cancer patients may require a colostomy to create an opening called a stoma. The opening creates a passage from the large intestine to the outside of your body. This is so that solid stool and gas can leave the body through the stoma instead of passing through the rectum. The waste is collected in a pouch worn on the outside of the body.

In addition to colon cancer, there are several other cancers and conditions that could result in a colostomy. These include:

If you need a cancer-related colostomy, you may only need it for a few months while the colon or rectum heals.

Many *colorectal cancer* patients will have a temporary *ileostomy* – one of the most common types of stomas.

Vera Sa Can Assist Colon Cancer Patients With Ostomies

No matter what type of ostomy you have, all the output from the stoma must be collected in a secure and convenient way. That’s where your ostomy pouch comes in. While investing in the right ostomy pouch is hugely beneficial, so too is investing the right ostomy underwear.

Not only is super tight underwear often uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time, it’s also not the best situation for your stoma because it can limit the flow.

VERA SA’s unique range of men’s briefs and women’s panties stylishly conceal and discreetly support ostomy pouches. Crafted from super soft imported fabric for a fit that feels like second skin, our smooth style, and stretchy underwear lies flat against your body, giving a good fit that will stay in place all day. The fabric is light-weight, breathable, and moisture-wicking – suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

The hidden stoma pouch prevents rubbing, irritation, or inflammation, and reduces the possibility of detachment or leaks, keeping you feeling carefree all day. Vera SA underwear is also suitable to wear while sleeping and helps prevent the bag from shifting, creasing, or curling.

Get back to enjoying the things you want to enjoy – whether it’s hitting the gym for a power workout or intense yoga session, our range of underwear won’t stretch or fade and is available in five sizes for every body size and shape.

Vera SA is a proud partner of CANSA and The South African Society of Ostomates.

Contact VERA SA at 082-833-9200, email info@verasa.store, or log onto https://www.verasa.store/ for more information.

COLON CANCER AND WHY YOU MAY NEED A STOMA