Cancer Your Family's Guide to Understanding Cancer

Colon Cancer

A disease-free body is what everyone dreams of. However, eating patterns, lifestyle and genetics play an essential role why some of us get diseases. Related to the normal functioning of the body system, if you have problems in eliminating wastes, then you have to consult your doctor. In many cases, early signs of colon cancer may be apparent.

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in colon (part of the large intestine) or the rectum (end of the colon), where cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix may spread to other parts of the body. Such cancer is also known as colorectal cancer.

Based on the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the major causes of deaths in the U.S. But early diagnosis of the disease can help the patient achieve a complete cure.

Colon cancer’s symptoms vary and almost all colon cancers start as non-cancerous polyps, but may progress later on as cancer. Patients who are at high risk are those with existing cancer in the body, colon polyps, Crohn’s disease, family background of colon cancer, history of breast cancer and ulcerative colitis.

Genetic syndromes have greater risk of having colon cancer. Your food intake is crucial in increasing your risk of colon cancer. Such cancer may be related to high-fat, low-fiber diet and red meat, although this link has yet to be established further. Smoking is another risk factor.

Most cases of colon cancer have no definite symptoms. However, general symptoms experienced by patients suffering from this disease are abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen, presence of blood in the stool, diarrhea, constipation or changes in bowel habits, intestinal blockage, narrow stools, unexplained anemia and abrupt weight loss.

With early screening, colon cancer can be identified before symptoms develop, and treatment can be best provided.

Generally, your doctor will ask you to undergo physical exam examining your belly area. If you have a problem, a mass in the abdomen may be seen. A rectal exam may show a mass in patients with rectal cancer, but not colon cancer. Imaging tests used to determine colorectal cancer are colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy.

A complete blood count may identify signs of anemia with low iron levels. If you have the colon cancer, more tests will be given to identify the extent of the disease.

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. General treatments include chemotherapy to kill cancer cells; surgery to get rid of cancer cells; and radiation therapy to remove cancerous tissues.

Colon cancer can be detected in its earliest stage by colonoscopy. Men and women age 50 and above should consider colon cancer screening. Patients at high risk may require earlier screening.

Dietary and lifestyle modifications are essential. Some studies claim that low-fat and high-fiber diets may lower your risk of colon cancer.

-- Mackenzie Roe

Colon Cancer Recommended Resources:

Learn Genetics - Genetic Science Learning Center

Center for Colon Cancer Research

Andrew Carr 25.04.09 at 03:33am

A regular intake of rich-fiber fruits will help you better. An example of this fruit is banana. This fruit can always be found in almost every households.

Maria Villo 21.04.10 at 19:24pm

I have about 5-6 weeks diarrhia,after eating so 5-6 hour I need to go,and liquid dark flushing out.
I do eat lot's of greens ,oatmeal,but not bread.I eat mostly chicken and turkey, also I eat lot's of nuts.No soda,some red wine(not now),I trink 2-3 different kind of herb tee.
My stomack like the ballon,and hot and some gas.Night I sweet ,but no temperature.I am 54 years old ,and home-maker,my husband working.We do not heva insurance(can not afford it)!
Please ,what can I do?

Sincerely

Maria Villo
mariavillo@yahoo.com

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Amy 11.06.10 at 14:44pm

my six year old daughter has been having blood in her stool
when she wipes its like quarter size and smaller
what should i do?

nermin 02.08.10 at 19:43pm

i had a specific question about the duration od the treatment of stage 4 adenocarcinoma of the colon

Velma C, Armendariz 08.08.10 at 02:47am

I was diagnosed with colon cancer last year. I had the surgery and out of the 12 recommended chemo treatments, I only did 9...I was at stage 3 because a lymph node was found outside the bowel wall.

When I was checked last month during a colonoscopy,my surgeon found 2 benign polyps and 2 pre-cancerous, She said I can wait 2 years for another colonoscopy! Don't you think I am more at risk for the cancer to spread, if it only took a little over a year for 4 polyps to develop? Is she" losing it"or is the insurance company putting pressure on her?

What would you suggest I do?

I also am having problems with my endometrial lining, the doctor said that I am at 18 on thickness and it should be a 4! This could be endometrial cancer. I will have my 2nd biopsy next month. Any suggestions before I go? I would like to get a complete hysterectomy! I want to worry only about 1 cancer, not 2 types!

Thank you, in advance, for your response,

Velma C. Armendariz

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