Colon cancer and Crohn's disease are both debilitating diseases that affect the gastrointestinal system. However, colon cancer is potentially life-threatening, whereas Crohn's disease increases your risk for colon cancer.
Symptoms
Colon cancer and Crohn's disease share the following symptoms: bloody stool, stomach pain, constipation and unintentional weight loss. However, MedlinePlus indicates that colon cancer also causes intestinal blockage, narrow-formed stools and anemia, a condition of low red blood cell counts. Other symptoms of Crohn's disease includes fistulas (an unusual connection between an organ or vessel), joint pain and mouth ulcers.
Cause
The cause for both colon cancer and Crohn's disease is unknown. MedlinePlus indicates that Crohn's disease is an autoimmune condition in which your immune cells attack your gastrointestinal tissue.
Population
MedlinePlus indicates that colon cancer usually strikes people older than 60. Crohn's disease typically affects people between the ages of 15 and 35.
Treatment
Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are all methods to treat colon cancer. Crohn's disease is typically treated with diet changes, medications such as corticosteroids or aminosalicylates, and surgery.
Prognosis
MedlinePlus indicates that most colon cancer sufferers can survive for at least five years after initial diagnosis. There is no cure for Crohn's disease, and you may experience flare-ups of this condition if it is left untreated.
