Colon Cancer
Among the organs crucial in expelling waste products in the body is the colon, which is part of the large intestine and works to turn liquid wastes to solid stool. The normal functioning of the colon is critical to get rid of the stool and prevent the risks of having colon cancer.
Generally, colon cancer is caused by an abnormal tissue growth in the colon wall. Most tumors start when normal tissue in the colon wall begins to have adenomatous polyp or precancerous growth. As the polyp gets bigger, the tumor becomes visible. However, this formation takes many years, giving sufficient time for early detection during screening tests.
Worldwide statistics has shown that colon cancer ranks 6th overall among chronic diseases; 5th among the male population; and 7th among females. This disease is usually common among patients over 50 years old.
Genetics plays a major role in colon cancer. Personal or family history of colon cancer is a risk factor that may be passed on to the next generation. So any signs of polyps or inflammation in bowel area should be early detected for treatment. Some studies suggest that colon cancer may also be related to high intake of fatty diet and deficiency in eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Symptoms usually happen during a change in bowel activities like recurring diarrhea and constipation. Experiencing abdominal discomfort, weight loss, anemia and blood in the stool can also be the signs of colon cancer.
Colon cancer in its early stages is asymptomatic, which means no screening method can easily detect if a patient is suffering from the disease. However, early diagnosis of symptomatic patients who have changes in bowel habits, abdominal pains, abrupt weight loss and anemia, especially among patients age 50 and above can be made using barium enema or colonoscopy.
The misconception of most physicians with the symptoms of amoebiasis and other forms of inflammatory bowel diseases had contributed to the delayed diagnosis of colon cancer. Wrong prescription of anti-diarrheals, antibiotics and amoebecides may worsen the problem. Some physicians still give vitamins and hematinics for chronic unexplained weight loss and anemia without looking closely to the cause of the patient’s abnormal condition.
Basically early stage of colon cancer is curable. Surgery is the best option of treating the disease. Lifestyle modification remains the most recommended approach to combat any diseases like colon cancer. Those at higher risk of having it are people who have a high intake of fat and red meat, but less in fruits and vegetables, high caloric intake, reduced physical activity and those who are obese. Other factors include smoking and excessive alcohol drinking that may hasten colon cancer development.
-- Mackenzie Roe
Colon Cancer Recommended Resources:
University of Chicago Medical Center
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