about cancer
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the bottom of your digestive system. Colon cancer is the second most common cancer in U.S. with equal distribution between men and women. Colon tumors usually affect people over 40 years of age, with most people who are diagnosed with the condition of being over 60 years of age. Colon cancer can affect any race or ethnic group, however, some studies suggest that European Americans in the north have a higher average risk of colon tumors.
INCIDENCE OF COLON CANCER
Colon cancer is more common in industrialized countries and in societies where red meat is an important part of the diet, although evidence seems to suggest that simply changing diet of white meat and seafood, such as in Japan, tends to change only stomach cancer for colon cancer. In almost all cases of cancer colon is curable if detected early.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Colon cancer usually begins with the appearance of benign tumors such as polyps. There are often no early symptoms. If signs and symptoms of colon cancer appear, may include: a change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in stool consistency over a couple of weeks, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool malaise, persistent abdominal pain, as cramps, gas or pain, abdominal pain with defecation, a feeling that your bowel does not empty completely, weakness or fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
CAUSES OF COLON CANCER
The exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, but appears to be influenced by both hereditary and environmental factors. Studies show a concentration in areas of greater economic development that suggests a link with diet, particularly excess animal fat and low fiber. Other factors that increase the risk of developing colon tumors are: age over 40, the presence of other digestive tract diseases, family history and ulcerative colitis.
Development of colon cancer at an early age, or multiple sites, or recurrent colon cancer, suggesting a genetic form of transmission of the disease compared with the sporadic form. There is also a slightly increased risk of colon carcinoma in the person smoking.
The most common type of colon cancer is the cell adenocarcinoma represents 95% of cases.
DIAGNOSIS
The development of colon polyps usually precedes the development years of colon cancer by five or more. Gastroenterologial The American Association revised its screening guidelines in 2003 recommending that people with two or more first degree relatives with colorectal cancer or a first degree relative with colon or rectal cancer before age 60 should undergo a colonoscopy from 40 years or 10 years before the onset of age in the early diagnosis of colon cancer in their family (whichever is earlier). People with a first degree relatives diagnosed with colon cancer after age 60 or two second-degree relative with cancer of the colon or rectum should begin screening at age 40 with one of the methods listed above, such as annual sigmoidoscopy. The most common tests for colon cancer include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and blood test fecal occult.
CT scans and barium enemas are also routinely used to diagnose colon and rectal cancer.
CANCER TREATMENT COLON
Almost all colon tumors treated with surgery first, regardless of stage. The malignant tumor adjacent tissues and lymph nodes that may contain cancer cells are removed.
In colon cancer, chemotherapy after surgery is usually only given if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes (Stage III). Radiation therapy may also be used to induce tumor regression. As with other cancer treatments, the incidence of side effects varies with patient health and the exact nature of the treatment.
PREVENTION
There is no absolute method to prevent colon cancer. However, there are steps an individual can take to dramatically reduce the risk or to identify the precursors of colon cancer so that it manifests itself. People who turn 50 years old, and those with a history of colon cancer in their families should talk to their doctors about the key recommendations recent medical examination and cancer organizations. It should be alert to symptoms and attend all recommended tests to increase the likelihood of contracting early colon cancer. The exercise is thought to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Apparently there is no association between frequency of bowel movement or laxative use and the risk of colon cancer.
PROGNOSIS
The prognosis depends on the stage of disease and patient's general health. If diagnosed early, before the tumor has spread from the bowel, these treatments are very effective, with about 90% of patients alive five years after diagnosis. If colon cancer does not come back (recurred) in 5 years are considered cured. The prognosis is poor in patients with liver and lung metastases.
About the Author:
Dick Aronson has been involved in the healthcare industry for 35 years. He has written numerous articles on the subject and runs a number of informative websites, viz:
Go to Cancer Information-online
,
Go to Gastrointestinal Cancer Information
and
Go to Health Innovations
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Colon Cancer – Diagnosis, Causes, Symptoms, Treatement, and Prognosis
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