Colon Cancer – Everything For the Layman

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine, the lower part of your digestive
system. It is the second most common cancer in the USA with equal distribution
between men and women. Colon cancer usually affects people over the age of 40,
with the majority of people who are diagnosed with the condition being over 60
years of age. This disease may affect any racial or ethnic group; however, some
studies suggest that Americans of northern European heritage have a
higher-than-average risk of colon cancer.

INCIDENCE

Colon cancer is more common in industrialized nations and in those societies
where red meat is a major part of the diet, although evidence tends to suggest
that merely changing your diet to white meat and seafood as in for instance
Japan, tends to just swap stomach cancer for colon cancer. In almost all cases
it is a treatable disease if caught early.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Colon cancer usually begins with the growth of benign growths such as polyps.
Often there are no early symptoms. If signs and symptoms of colon tumors do
appear, they may include: a change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or
constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple
of weeks, rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, persistent abdominal
discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain, abdominal pain with a bowel movement, a
feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely, weakness or fatigue and
unexplained weight loss.

CAUSES

Colon cancer’s exact cause is unknown, but it appears to be influenced by both
inherited and environmental factors. Studies show a concentration in areas of
higher economic development suggesting a relationship to diet, particularly
excess animal fat and low fiber. Other factors that increase the risk of
developing colon cancer are: age over 40, the presence of other diseases of the
digestive tract, family history and ulcerative colitis.

Development of colon cancer at an early age, or at multiple sites, or recurrent
cancer, suggests a genetically transmitted form of the disease as opposed to the
sporadic form. There also is a slight increased risk for colon cancer in the
individual who smokes.

The most common colon cancer cell type is adenocarcinoma which accounts for 95%
of cases.

DIAGNOSIS

The development of polyps of the colon usually precedes the development of
tumours by five or more years. The American Gastroenterologial Association
revised its screening guidelines in 2003 to recommend 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 have a screening colonoscopy
beginning at age 40 or beginning 10 years prior to the age of the earlier
diagnosis in their family (whichever is earliest). Those with a first-degree
relative diagnosed with colon cancer after age 60 or two second-degree relative
with colon or rectal cancer should begin screening at age 40 with one of the
methods listed above, such as annual sigmoidoscopy. The most common screening
tests are colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and fecal occult blood test.

CT scans and Barium enemas are also routinely used for diagnosis of colon and
rectal cancers.

TREATMENT

Almost all colon cancers are treated with surgery first, regardless of stage.
The malignant tumor, adjacent tissues and any lymph nodes that may contain
cancer cells are removed.

In colon cancer, chemotherapy after surgery is usually only given if the tumors
have spread to the 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 not an absolute method for preventing colon cancer. Still, there are
steps an individual can take to dramatically lessen the risk or to identify the
precursors of colon cancer so that it does not manifest itself. People who turn
age 50, and all of those with a history of colon cancer in their families,
should speak with their physicians about the most recent screening
recommendations from physician and cancer organizations. They should watch for
symptoms and attend all recommended screenings to increase the likelihood of
catching the cancer early. Exercise is believed to reduce the risk of colon
cancer. Apparently, no association exists between frequency of bowel movement or
laxative use and risk of getting the disease.

PROGNOSIS

Prognosis depends on the stage of the tumour and the overall health of the
patient. 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 the colon cancer does not come back (recur) within 5 years, it is
considered cured. Prognosis is poor in patients with liver and lung metastases.

Dick Aronson has a background of over 35 years in various facets of the
Healthcare industry. He now runs health sites, including:
http://www.healthinnovationsonline.com –

http://www.cancerinformation-online.com