Editing Patient Pathways: Colon Cancer (section)

= Colon cancer =

Colon cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common in women, accounting for 10% of all cancers in the world. The incidence is 25% higher in men and varies greatly between countries. With more than 600,000 deaths estimated each year, CRC is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Colon cancer most often develops over a number of years and begins with the growth of polyps, i.e. protrusions on the mucous membrane that represent a benign (benign) tumor. However, some polyps change and begin to grow into the intestinal wall and surrounding tissue and spread to the blood and lymph vessels and lymph nodes - then we are talking about colon cancer. While there are several types of colon cancer (depending on the tissue of the colon from which it originated), the most common is adenocarcinoma, which arises from cells that secrete substances into the lumen of the colon. The most significant risk factors that increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer are: family history of CRC or adenoma, hereditary genetic mutations in familial adenomatous polyposis coli, history of adenoma, colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) , and FAP mutations of the APC gene. Still, some polyps change and begin to grow into the intestinal wall and surrounding tissue and spread to the blood and lymph vessels and lymph nodes - then we are talking about colon cancer. While there are several types of colon cancer (depending on the tissue of the colon from which it originated), the most common is adenocarcinoma, which arises from cells that secrete substances into the lumen of the colon. Due to the complexity of treatment and the various therapeutic options that include surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy, colon cancer patients face numerous challenges. Therefore, it is necessary to provide comprehensive support measures that include medical care, psychological support and education in order to improve the quality of life of patients and facilitate coping with the disease. Colon cancer is divided into four categories: early invasive carcinoma, locally advanced carcinoma, regionally advanced carcinoma, and metastatic carcinoma.

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