Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the colon or rectum. It is one of the most common cancers in the United States, but it’s also highly treatable if detected early.
Iron deficiency anemia is usually caused by excessive blood loss, such as hemorrhoids, heavy menstrual bleeding, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Colon cancer may also cause iron deficiency. Some studies have found a link between colon cancer and low levels of serum iron and ferritin (blood protein that stores iron), but it is not clear whether this is a cause or effect of colon cancer. Colon polyps are one possible reason for low iron in the body. Polyps are growths in the colon lining, which can eventually become cancerous if they continue to grow. Iron is needed for oxygen transport in the blood. The tumors in colon polyps require oxygen and remove it from the bloodstream, causing hypoxia (low oxygen state) in nearby tissue and organs. Hypoxia can cause cells to produce substances that make them more likely to become cancerous.
Colon cancer can be found through routine screenings such as colonoscopy and stool tests, which may detect abnormal cells before they become tumors. The average age for an individual diagnosed with colon cancer is about 70 years old; however, it can develop at any age and should always be taken seriously.
This condition can develop in the colon or rectum, which are both parts of the digestive system. Colon cancer is the most common type that begins in this area and is often referred to as colorectal cancer.
