Doctor in gastroenterology

Colon Cancer

Definition

Rectocolic adenocarcinoma (a term that includes colon and rectal cancer) is the second most common cancer among both men and women. It is only surpassed by bronchial cancer in men and breast cancer in women. The risk appears around 45 years of age and increases steadily with age.

Epidemiological data

In Western Europe, colon cancer accounts for 40% of digestive cancers and 10% of all cancers. There are 30 to 40 per 100 000 male and 22 to 30 per 100 000 female inhabitants.

Symptoms of the disease

• Colon cancer is mainly manifested by :
- iron deficiency anemia, which is characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood due to iron deficiency ;
- transit disorders ;
- hematochemistry, i.e. undigested red bleeding ;
- an abdominal pain syndrome ;
- an alteration of the general state ;
- an occlusive syndrome ;
- a long-term fever.