Colon cancer occurs in the colon (large intestine). It occurs due to the formation of little noncancerous clusters of cells called polyps. These polyps form inside the colon and eventually develop into cancer. Colon cancer can develop at any age and can affect both men and women.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer? In most cases, the patient may not experience any symptoms in the early stages. However, with the progression of cancer, the symptoms become more visible. Diarrhea, constipation, narrowed and bloody stools, rectal bleeding, anemia (due to internal bleeding), abdominal discomfort and pain, loss of weight, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting are some symptoms of colon cancer. In the metastasis stage (cancer spreading to other parts of the body), the patient might have symptoms like jaundice, swollen hands and feet, blurred vision, and chronic headache.

What causes colon cancer? The researchers are not sure about the exact cause of colon cancer. However, certain risk factors are believed to be associated with the development of colon cancer. Old age, history of colon cancer, hereditary conditions, family history of colon cancer, diabetes, obesity, lack of physical activity, poor dietary choices, smoking and consuming alcohol, and having intestinal inflammation problems like Crohn's disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), or ulcerative colitis are the risk factors that may increase the chances of developing colon cancer in a person.

The risk of developing colon cancer can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle and dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and smoking avoiding and drinking. Early detection of colon cancer is essential for its treatment; hence, periodic screening is important for the early detection and prevention of cancer progression.

There are various options available to treat colon cancer, like surgery (including polypectomy, colectomy, and ostomy), chemotherapy, radiation, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Supportive care is also provided to patients who have colon cancer to relieve the cancer symptoms. 

Xeloda 500mg Tablet is a chemotherapy drug used to treat colon cancer. This medication contains the active ingredient Capecitabine, which works by producing inhibitory action on the DNA synthesis of cancer cells, in turn stopping their growth. If you have colon cancer, your doctor might prescribe you Xeloda 500mg Tablet depending on your age, cancer location and spread, its stage, and overall health.