Health Insurance for Colon Cancer

  
Health Insurance for Colon Cancer 

Colon cancer is one type of cancer that is difficult to treat compared to others. The course of treatment is tiring, and its expenses are hefty, making it expensive and time-consuming. 

A good health insurance plan is all that is required for someone to be able to receive the care they need. Colon cancer medical insurance can help you receive the best care without having to worry about exhausting your resources. The only thing left to do is choose the best health insurance plan for you. 

We provide reliable colon cancer insurance coverage that always puts your requirements first. Our affordable plans make sure you have the best coverage. You can also save money and qualify for tax benefits on health insurance. 

Introduction - Colon cancer  
 
Cancer affecting the colon or rectum is called colorectal or colon cancer. Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that affects both the colon and the rectum, whereas colon cancer only affects the colon.  
 
The colon is located between the small intestine and the rectum. Adenomatous polyps, tiny, benign cell clusters forming in the colon, are a common precursor to colon cancer.  
 
These polyps may develop into malignant cells or stay non-cancerous. One of the earliest signs of colon cancer is abnormal stools. Other signs of colon cancer include weakness, nutrient deficiencies, weight loss and changes in appetite, and passing blood in stools.

What are the types of colon cancer? 

Most people who are diagnosed with this cancer have an adenocarcinoma, which is a common type. In addition to adenocarcinomas, medical professionals have diagnosed other cancer types that require alternative treatments.  

Adenocarcinoma 

Adenocarcinoma is one type of cancer where the cancerous cells develop into glands that secrete mucus to lubricate the inside lining of your colon and rectum. Infiltrating or invasive adenocarcinoma develops as it slowly grows and enlarges beyond the inner surface of the colon.  

Lymphoma 

An uncommon tumour called primary lymphoma mostly develops in the lymph nodes of the gastrointestinal tract. However, since it accounts for 0.2% to 1.2% of colonic malignancies, it can result in colon cancer. 

Carcinoid tumours 

The most common type of neuroendocrine tumour is a carcinoid tumour. It can spread throughout the gastrointestinal tract, with the colon accounting for 5–7% of its growth. Less than 1% of all colorectal malignancies (colon and rectal cancer) are treated this way. 

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours 

The gastrointestinal stromal tumour is a soft tissue sarcoma. This rare malignancy affects the colon but starts in soft tissues like fat, muscles, nerves, tendons, blood vessels, and lymphatics. Similar to other sarcomas, these tumours can also develop in the blood vessels or connective tissue of the colon. 

What causes colon cancer? 

Healthcare professionals have not been able to identify the specific origin of colon cancer, but they can describe how the disease often develops. Usually, this cancer develops when normal colonic cells have DNA modifications. 

DNA carries a set of instructions necessary for a cell to function. Healthy cells develop and divide in a regular pattern to maintain your body working properly. However, if a cell's DNA is damaged, cancer develops. It divides, and a tumour is formed when these new cells combine. 

The cancer cell gradually begins to spread and eat away at the neighbouring healthy tissue. Additionally, the cell moves and spreads to different regions of your body. 

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer 

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer are as follows. 
 

• Fatigue 
• Tiredness 
• Diarrhoea 
• Weight loss 
• Constipation 
• Bleeding rectum /Bleeding in stools (while passing motion) 
• Anaemia 
• Changes in the colour and shape of stool 
• Excessive gas 
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) 
• Abdominal cramps 

The different stages of colon cancer 

These are the various stages of colon cancer. 

Stage 0: This stage is also known as colon carcinoma in situ, which denotes the beginning of cancer development. Only the inner layer of the colon experiences cancer during this stage. 

Stage 1: At this stage, the cancer has begun to invade the tissue of the colon's upper layers but has not yet spread to the body's lymph nodes or other organs. 

Stage 2: Cancer in this stage has progressed to the colon's outer layer and has begun to gradually form in the lymph nodes. 

Stage 3: At this point, the cancer has spread to several lymph nodes in addition to the colon. 

Stage 4: The fourth stage is the critical stage. Cancer has spread across the liver, stomach, and other surrounding organ, after affecting the colon's walls. 

Diagnosing colon cancer 

The following are frequent tests used to diagnose colon cancer. 

Faecal testing: These tests examine your faeces to look for the presence of blood, as upper gastrointestinal bleeding may occasionally result from colon cancer. Some of these examinations can be carried out at home. 

Blood tests: Your doctor may prescribe blood tests to identify the cause of your symptoms if you have colon cancer. Complete blood counts and liver function tests are frequently required to verify that other disorders or diseases are not the origin of the symptoms of colon cancer. 

Colonoscopy: A lengthy tube with a camera attached must be inserted to do this procedure. Doctors try to check the colon and find any abnormalities using the camera's images. A colonoscopy is normally recommended after other tests indicate the presence of malignant tumour. 
Sigmoidoscopy: This minimally invasive procedure allows your doctor to inspect the sigmoid, the final segment of the colon. It is also known as a flexible sigmoidoscopy since it includes inserting a light-fitted flexible tube into the colon. 

X-ray: The existence of tumour growths in the colon can occasionally be diagnosed using X-ray imaging. The chemical barium is injected into the colon prior to these scans to enhance the quality of the X-ray image. 

CT scan: CT scans, X-rays, give the doctor a visual of the colon that helps in the identification of abnormalities. As a result, this treatment is also known as a visual colonoscopy. 

What are the treatment options for colon cancer? 

Depending on the stage and the intensity of the cancer, the disease has different treatments. Before deciding to perform any medical operation, doctors consider your overall health status as well as other factors.  

The options for treating colon cancer are listed below. 

Surgery 

Endoscopy, laparoscopic surgery, and palliative surgery are three different types of surgery that can be used to treat cancer. All these surgical operations most often remove the whole colon or lymph. By removing lymph nodes, they also reduce the risk of cancer spreading. 

Chemotherapy 

Chemotherapy prevents the process of cell division from killing cancerous cells by destroying DNA or proteins. Since the medication is administered in cycles, the healing process takes time between doses. You'll experience certain negative effects, including hair loss, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting. 

Radiation therapy 

Radiotherapy treats colon cancer by using high-energy gamma rays to kill the cancer cells. Radiation comes in two types—internal radiation and external radiation. These rays are released outside the body by a machine during external radiation therapy. In contrast, internal radiation therapy involves the implantation of radioactive elements in the shape of seeds near the cancerous growth. 

Prevention 

To prevent colon cancer,  

• Get screened at regular intervals 
• Focus on healthy eating 
• Avoid smoking 
• Engage in physical activity 
• Avoid drinking alcohol 
• Reduce red meat, particularly processed meat. 
• Get adequate vitamin D and calcium. 
• Consume more fibre and whole grains.

 

Why use colon cancer insurance? 

Cancer treatment can be time-consuming and costly. Without health insurance, a lot of people might not be able to afford colon cancer treatment.  

However, having insurance coverage for colon cancer makes treatment accessible to everyone and increases the number of people who can overcome the disease. 

Reasons why getting health insurance is a wise choice. 

Emergencies: No one can predict when their condition may worsen and necessitate urgent medical attention. In some cases, a person may also require hospitalisation. In these conditions, acquiring money may be difficult. With a health insurance plan in place, people can instead focus on providing the patient with the finest care possible. It facilitates and expands access to the medical system. 

Cashless hospitalisation: Access to cashless hospitalisation is one of the primary advantages of purchasing medical insurance. If you have cashless hospitalisation, you won't have to worry about paying hospital costs upfront or waiting for reimbursement because the insurer will handle payments without your involvement. 

Stress-free: Peace of mind comes from knowing that you are prepared to manage any medical emergency with health insurance coverage. You won't be concerned about any health problems because you'll be equipped to deal with them. 

Range: When you buy medical insurance, you are protected against many diseases rather than just one, like colon cancer. Regardless of your health, you are certain that you can obtain the greatest care available no matter where you are.