Stage 2 Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Outlook
Stage 2 colon cancer means that the cancer has spread to the outer walls of the colon but hasn't yet spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body.
Colon cancer may sometimes start as polyps growing on the walls of the colon. These polyps aren't always malign, or cancerous, but they can carry certain cells that may turn into cancer without treatment.
With stage 2 colon cancer, the cancer has spread to the outer walls of the colon but not to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States. It's the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women.
Colon cancer-related deaths in the United States have been decreasing in older adults for the past several decades. This could be due to colon cancer screening becoming more common.
With regular screening, doctors can identify polyps and remove them before they turn into cancer, or they can detect cancer when it's still in its early stages and is more easily treatable.
However, from 2012 to 2021, people ages 50 years and younger saw a 2.4% increase in new diagnoses of colorectal cancer every year. That's also according to the ACS.
Read on to learn more about stage 2 colon cancer, including its symptoms and treatment.
What is stage 2 colon cancer?
Colon cancer can be split into five different stages, from stage 0 to stage 4, depending on the presentation and severity of the condition.
Stage 0 is the earliest stage, where the cancer cells haven't spread to nearby sites. Stage 1 usually means that the cancer has spread to the innermost layers of the colon but hasn't spread further to the lymph nodes or any other organs in the body, like the lungs.
Stage 2 means that the cancer has spread to the outer walls of the colon but hasn't spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body.
Stage 2 colon cancer isn't as advanced as stage 3 or stage 4, where the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and nearby or distant organs.
Causes of colon cancer
There is no specific cause of colon cancer.
That said, gene mutations can cause a small portion of cases. Gene mutations that make someone more likely to develop cancer make up around 10% of colon cancer cases.
Most cases of colon cancer aren't due to gene mutations, and some people with certain mutations may never develop cancer.
There are also certain risk factors that can increase the lifetime risk of developing this condition. These include:
having overweight or obesity
having type 2 diabetes
not getting enough exercise
having a diet that consists largely of red meats and processed foods
smoking
drinking alcohol
being over age 50 years
being Black
being male
having had your gallbladder removed
having a personal history of colorectal polyps
having inflammatory bowel disease
undergoing radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area
Having one or more of these risk factors doesn't mean you'll ever have cancer. These factors can increase your risk of developing colon cancer throughout your lifetime, but they don't actually cause cancer.
What are the symptoms of stage 2 colon cancer?
At this stage of the condition, you might not experience or display any obvious symptoms of colon cancer.
If you do have symptoms, some may appear similar to those of other, less harmful conditions, such as diarrhea, constipation, or even inflammatory bowel disease. You may discover that these symptoms persist without any known cause.
Some of the symptoms you may experience if you have colon cancer include:
blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool
a change in your bowel habits
diarrhea
constipation
feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
stools that are narrower or have a different shape than usual
bloating
cramps or fullness
weight loss for no known reason
fatigue
vomiting
iron deficiency anemia (from blood loss)
What is the treatment for stage 2 colon cancer?
Treatment for stage 2 colon cancer will depend on your specific condition and the presentation of the tumor.
Surgery is the main treatment for stage 2 colon cancer. Depending on the subtype of colon cancer you have, where it's currently located, its potential to spread, and your other health factors, your clinical team may suggest getting other treatments before surgery, after surgery, or both.
Options may include:
chemotherapy
radiation therapy
targeted therapy
immunotherapy
Treatment for colon cancer may cause certain side effects, including:
anemia
bleeding and bruising
bowel obstruction
constipation
diarrhea
swelling (edema)
fatigue
fertility issues
flu-like symptoms
hair loss
infection
memory or concentration problems
nausea and vomiting
pain
sexual health difficulties
skin and nail changes
sleep difficulties
weight changes
Symptoms vary, and they depend on the specific treatment pathway you follow. Not everyone will have the same symptoms or have all the symptoms listed above.
Your clinical team can help you manage your symptoms with medications or behavioral strategies.
Prevention
There's no way to prevent colon cancer, as the cause is still unknown.
That said, reducing any risk factors related to your lifestyle may be beneficial, and attending regular screening if your risk is high can ensure early detection of the cancer. This can make it easier to manage and treat.
Screening for colon cancer involves different methods and procedures, including:
A colonoscopy is usually necessary to accurately diagnose colon cancer once a doctor has identified it.
Outlook
The 5-year relative survival rate for localized colon cancer is 91%. With treatment, the outlook for stage 2 colon cancer is positive, as it hasn't yet spread to any nearby structures, lymph nodes, or organs, and it's still confined to the colon.
This has been the 5-year relative survival rate over the past few years, but as experts are testing new treatments for colon cancer in clinical trials, survival rates might improve over time.
Takeaway
Stage 2 colon cancer usually means that the cancer hasn't spread outside the colon to the lymph nodes or other organs. Many treatment pathways are available for colon cancer, and the survival rate when the cancer is still localized is high.
At this stage, you might not have any noticeable symptoms, or you might just be starting to experience them. They can involve bleeding, unusual changes to your bowel movements, or more constipation and diarrhea.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
35 minutes ago
- Forbes
Burnout Or Biology? Metabolic Health Drives Entrepreneur Success
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 28: Emilia Clarke (Right) and Sharon Waxman, TheWrap's CEO and ... More Editor-in-Chief (Photo byfor TheWrap) The world's most forward-thinking founders aren't just measuring revenue or user acquisition; they're monitoring metabolic performance. Tools like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), mitochondrial assessments and circadian rhythm trackers are fast becoming C-suite essentials. The reason? Burnout is no longer a productivity tax that needs to be normalized. It's a biological signal that something deeper is off. Within our current volatile entrepreneurial landscape, a new paradigm is emerging, one that treats metabolic health not as a wellness fad but as a strategic performance metric. At its core, this shift reframes bioenergetics as leadership currency: a founder's ability to perform under pressure, think clearly and lead with emotional resilience is directly tied to cellular efficiency. Metabolic health refers to the body's ability to regulate glucose, insulin, lipids, inflammation and energy production effectively. Unlike conventional health goals centered on weight or appearance, metabolic optimization focuses on internal function. Enter: hormonal balance, mitochondrial resilience, metabolic flexibility, or the ability to switch efficiently between fuel sources. This flexibility allows leaders to sustain focus without crashing, reduce their dependency on caffeine or sugar and recover from stress with greater ease. As neuroscience increasingly shows, stable metabolism supports executive function by aligning brain and gut rhythms, both crucial for strategic decision-making. It comes as no surprise, then, that disrupted rhythms from poor sleep, chronic stress and erratic eating silently sabotage performance. What looks like a mindset issue (brain fog, emotional reactivity, impulsivity) is often a mitochondrial issue in disguise. Glucose is the brain's preferred fuel, especially the prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making, foresight and emotional regulation. Fluctuations in blood sugar can trigger mood volatility and mental fatigue, mimicking burnout. When metabolic dysfunction becomes chronic, cognitive capital deteriorates. Research suggests that workplace interventions targeting metabolic health can reduce perceived stress, prevent burnout and boost self-efficacy. For high-stakes entrepreneurs, this translates into sharper focus, faster recovery and a more grounded, aligned leadership lifestyle. Founders are now embracing data-driven tools to optimize their biological systems. Popular devices and practices include: Executives at Levels Health, InsideTracker and other biohacking-forward VC firms are leading the charge, blending health optimization with high-performance strategy. Some companies are even incorporating mitochondrial health assessments and biological age tests into leadership retreats and C-suite onboarding. Jet lag, pitch decks, red-eye flights and late-night decision sprints take a toll. Entrepreneurial lifestyles often glorify the grind, but the biochemical impact is true to life: elevated cortisol, impaired glucose control and circadian disruption fuel chronic inflammation, eroding resilience from the inside out. A 2025 study found that stress-induced metabolic dysfunction in healthcare professionals mirrors patterns seen in tech executives: high output paired with poor recovery. Over time, this results in mitochondrial fatigue, hormone imbalances and emotional burnout, not because founders are undisciplined but because their internal systems are under siege. The good news? Metabolic health is highly modifiable and functional. Entrepreneurs are turning to science-backed interventions like: However, the most overlooked intervention is also the most essential: sleep. Without circadian balance, even the most sophisticated strategies won't yield results. Deep rest is the bedrock of sustained performance. Note: Always consult your primary care provider before initiating any new health interventions. The most effective leaders integrate biological metrics into their performance strategies. From glucose variability and heart rate variability to mitochondrial health and circadian alignment, internal data is fast becoming as critical as quarterly reports. Metabolically optimized leaders demonstrate improved cognitive function, emotional regulation and decision-making capacity: key traits backed by neuroscience and performance psychology. Emerging organizational models reflect this shift, with VC firms and executive teams investing in biologically intelligent infrastructure: continuous monitoring tools, resilience protocols and recovery-based culture design. Burnout is no longer a vague emotional state but a measurable physiological response driven by chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and cellular fatigue. And treating it goes beyond rest. It requires recalibration at the metabolic level, the epitome of every leader's imperative. The next KPI isn't visible on a spreadsheet. It's encoded in your biology. Optimize it, and you'll gain not just longevity but a strategic edge.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
CNN's Sara Sidner opens up about losing Ananda Lewis to breast cancer and her upcoming surgery: ‘How am I doing? I don't know right now, honestly.'
In an emotional interview with TheGrio's Natasha S. Alford, CNN anchor Sara Sidner reflects on the loss of Ananda Lewis, the mental toll of breast cancer, and the health disparities Black women continue to face. After a week filled with deep loss and reflection, CNN anchor Sara Sidner spoke with TheGrio's Natasha S. Alford about something far more personal than the headlines she usually covers: her ongoing battle with breast cancer and the recent passing of her dear friend, Ananda Lewis. In a raw and heartfelt moment, Sidner described the 'tornado of emotions' she's been experiencing as she grieves Lewis—who also battled breast cancer—and simultaneously prepares for her own reconstructive surgery. 'How am I doing? I don't know right now, honestly,' she admitted to Alford when asked how she was doing. 'I can't really explain the tornado of emotions that is swirling around in my body right now. Losing Ananda Lewis after having sat with her just a few months ago and talked about our decisions for our health and knowing that part of her decision was a bit of a trust of the traditional ways of medicine in this country. Sidner pointed to the stark racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes. According to the American Cancer Society, Black women are about 40% more likely to die from the disease than white women. This harsh reality is due to factors like late-stage detection, other health conditions that complicate the disease, and inadequate access to care. She continued: 'Knowing that we both took these different paths and that she was at peace with hers and that I'm at peace mine, but losing her was just a reminder of not only the deadliness that cancer can still med out, but also that it does it to black women more than their counterparts.' 'Having that light be turned off… is just a reminder of our mortality—and a reminder that my fight with this disease is not over.' Sidner shared that while she has completed some phases of treatment, her journey is ongoing. A major reconstructive surgery still lies ahead, and long-term medication will be part of her life for years to come. The emotional toll, she said, is just as real as the physical one. 'I think that's probably one of the hardest things about this particular kind of breast cancer, but cancer in general is you're always wondering is it gonna come back- when does it come back?' Sider reflected. 'There's a mental component of this that I think everyone has to recognize and deal with and try to make sure that there's no shame or blame that goes on both in your own mind and in your community.' Sidner's openness reflects the same themes of truth-telling and healing she explores in her latest CNN story, airing Sunday at 8PM ET on The special is called 'The Simril(l)s: A Family in Black and White' and follows one family—Black and white descendants linked by slavery—as they confront painful history and begin a conversation about reparations. More must-reads: Judge blocks Trump's election executive order, siding with Democrats who called it overreach 7 iconic fictional (but real in our hearts) fathers we love, in honor of Father's Day Key moments from the fifth week of Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial
Health Line
an hour ago
- Health Line
HIV: As Scientists Inch Closer to a Vaccine, Cuts to Funding Could Stall Progress
The Trump administration reportedly plans to cut almost all funding for HIV vaccine research. Experts say the decision comes at a time when research in this field is making substantial progress. Many effective treatments are available for HIV, but these are lifelong commitments that manage a chronic disease rather than cure it. Treatments for HIV infection have come a long way since the 1980s, when too many lives were lost during the epidemic. Today, antiretroviral therapies and other treatments allow people with HIV to live longer lives and, in many cases, prevent the transmission of the virus that causes the disease to other people. Scientists now say the next step in the fight is a vaccine that protects against HIV. However, that next development could be on the chopping block. Trump administration officials reportedly plan to halt funding for a wide array of HIV vaccine research. Researchers told CBS News they have been informed by officials at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has instructed the agency not to issue any more funding during the next fiscal year for HIV vaccine research. NIH officials said HHS officials have instead decided to 'go with currently available approaches to eliminate HIV.' The decision will close down HIV vaccine research projects at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute and the Scripps Research Institute, according to a report in the journal Science. Officials at Moderna also told CBS News that their current clinical trials on HIV vaccines have been put on hold. Experts say the decision to cut funding for an HIV vaccine is short-sighted and reckless. 'I'm stunned by this decision,' said Jake Scott, MD, a clinical associate professor of medicine at Stanford University in California who specializes in infectious diseases. 'There is no scientific or medical evidence to justify these cuts at the exact moment this field is showing real promise,' he told Healthline. Carl Baloney Jr., the chief executive officer-elect of AIDS United, agreed. 'Eliminating funding for HIV vaccine research undermines decades of scientific progress and turns our back on a future where HIV could be preventable for all, regardless of where someone lives, their income, or access to healthcare,' he told Healthline. Why an HIV vaccine is important Experts say that treatments for HIV are incredibly effective. However, they note that most involve daily adherence and aren't necessarily readily available or affordable for many people. 'There are a lot of good options, but they can be really expensive,' Scott said. 'These medications are also not a cure. They are a lifetime burden.' The experts add that people with low levels of HIV in their system can still have weakened immune systems. That can raise the risk of serious infections as well as inflammation that can lead to conditions such as heart disease. 'A vaccine can help prevent all this,' said Scott. Experts note that a vaccine research program may be difficult to put back together even if a new administration restored funding in the near future. They say it took decades to build these programs and restarting them would take time. In addition, researchers will leave the field of HIV prevention to set up shop in another industry that is receiving funding. 'We could lose an entire generation of scientists,' said Scott. 'This is setting the field back a decade or more at a critical time.' 'This isn't just about canceling [a] clinical trial. It's about sidelining the scientists, institutions, and community partners driving innovation forward,' added Baloney. 'These setbacks could delay the development of a successful HIV vaccine by years or even decades.' How scientists fought against HIV The first treatment for HIV was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1987. Azidothymidine (AZT) was first developed in 1964 as a treatment for cancer. It was ineffective in that usage, but in the 1980s, scientists discovered AZT could suppress HIV replication without damaging healthy cells. It helped treat people with AIDS as well as people who were HIV positive but had no symptoms. In the 1990s, other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) were developed and approved. Laboratory tests to measure viral load and cell counts accelerated this research. From there, scientists experimented with combining drugs to help counter the HIV virus's ability to mutate and replicate. In 1996, a triple-drug therapy proved effective in thwarting HIV replication and creating a barrier against drug resistance. Since then, these antiretroviral drugs have become more effective and more available. The effectiveness of these medications is nothing short of miraculous. In the 1980s, the average life expectancy after an AIDS diagnosis was one year. Today, people who adhere to combination antiretroviral drug therapies can expect to live a near-normal life span. In some cases, the medications can reduce the HIV viral load in a person to the point where the virus is undetectable and can't be transmitted to another person. How is HIV treated today? More than 50 types of HIV medications are now approved for use. Some of the more commonly used antiretroviral medications are: Combination NRTI drugs that include Truvada and Descovy. These medications work by preventing HIV from converting its RNA into DNA. This prevents the virus from making copies of itself.. Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) that include Vocabria and Biktarvy. These drugs work by blocking an enzyme that HIV uses to put HIV DNA into human DNA inside cells. Protease inhibitors (PIs) such as Lexiva and Crixivan. These medications work by blocking an enzyme that HIV needs as part of its life cycle. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) that include Intelence and Viramune. These drugs work by preventing the HIV virus from making copies of itself. Entry inhibitors such as Fuzeon and Selzentry. These medications work by blocking HIV from entering CD4 T cells. In addition, there are drugs known as Cytochrome P4503A (CYP3A) inhibitors, such as Tybost and Norvir, that help boost the levels of HIV medications in the bloodstream. There are also medications known as post-attachment inhibitors that when used with antiretroviral drugs can help prevent HIV from entering immune cells. Trogarzo was the first of these drugs to become available, having been approved in 2018. In addition, there are attachment inhibitor medications, a newer form of HIV drug that works by attaching to a viral protein, which prevents that protein from entering healthy T cells. Only one type of this medication, Rubokia, is currently available, having been approved in 2020. Most people with HIV are given medications, but there also are long-acting injections that are given once a month or once every other month. Scott said these treatments are cures that have turned HIV into a 'managed chronic disease' to the point where he and other colleagues now refer to AIDS as 'advanced HIV.' Baloney said, however, there are limits to how much treatments can do. 'Current treatments and prevention tools have transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition, but they are not a cure and they're not accessible to everyone,' he said. 'An HIV vaccine would be a game-changer, especially for communities facing systemic barriers to care.' Preventive measures for HIV Even with the available treatments, experts agree that it's better for a person if they don't contract HIV in the first place. They say condom use, along with dental dams and gloves, can be effective barriers to contracting HIV. Limiting sexual partners is also recommended, as are sterile needles for intravenous drug users. Getting tested for HIV is also an important component. It's estimated that more than 1 million people in the United States have HIV, and 13% of them don't know they have contracted the virus. There are medications available that can be taken as a precaution or after potential exposure to HIV. These drugs include: Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP): These medications can be taken as a daily pill or a bimonthly injection. The first injectable PrEP drug was Apretude, which was approved by the FDA in 2021. Truvada can also be used as PrEP therapy. These medications help prevent HIV from getting a foothold in the body. Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) drugs: These are designed to be taken within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV. It is a pill ingested once a day for 28 days. Lenacapavir: This injectable drug has been tested in clinical trials as a potential PrEP therapy. The FDA is scheduled to vote on its approval on June 19. Experts say all these preventive measures are good practices, but they note that vaccines are still the most effective.
