Intestinal Cancer

Intestinal cancer causes

Intestinal cancer develops when cells in the intestine become damaged and begin to grow in an abnormal way. Possible causes include:

• Genetic mutations (changes in DNA)
• Long-term inflammation in the digestive tract
• Growths called polyps that can become cancerous over time
• Unhealthy lifestyle habits, like poor diet or smoking

Intestinal cancer risk factors

Several things can increase your chances of developing intestinal cancer. These include:

• Being over the age of 50
• Eating a diet high in red or processed meats
• A family history of colon or intestinal cancer
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use
• Having Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Being overweight or inactive

Intestinal cancer symptoms

Symptoms can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer, but may include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Blood in the stool (which may look dark or tarry)
• A change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of the stool)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Constant tiredness or weakness
• Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite

Intestinal cancer diagnosis

Doctors use several tests to find out if you have intestinal cancer. These may include:

• Colonoscopy – a procedure that uses a camera to look inside the intestines
• Imaging tests – like CT or MRI scans to see where the cancer may be
• Biopsy – taking a small tissue sample for lab testing
• Blood tests – to check for signs of cancer or how your organs are working

Intestinal cancer treatment

Treatment depends on the size, location, and stage of the cancer. Common treatments can include:

• Surgery – to remove cancer and nearby tissue
• Chemotherapy – drugs that kill or slow cancer cells
• Radiation therapy – high-energy rays to shrink or destroy tumors
• Targeted therapy – drugs that attack specific cancer cells
• Immunotherapy – boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer

When to seek care

See a doctor right away if you notice:

• Blood in your stool
• Ongoing stomach pain or cramping
• Sudden or unexplained weight loss
• Long-lasting changes in bowel habits
• Severe fatigue without a clear cause