Colon cancer along with breast and cervical cancer is considered to be one of the 'big three' cancers that is prevalent in North America. The colon is the 'tube' at the end of our digestive tract which stores waste prior to its expulsion. The termination of the colon is called the 'rectum' and the complete tubular structure is the large intestine. This whole system is considered together when we are discussing colon cancer.
Symptoms associated with colon cancer:
There are no concrete symptoms that can be used to diagnose colon cancer directly, but rather there are a cluster of conditions that may signify there is a problem. So if in doubt, it is best to visit your physician.
Common Symptoms:
1. If the cancer is in proximity to the anus: constipation, diarrhea, tenesmus (painful and constant need to empty the bowels), narrowing of stool, and presence of blood or mucus in the stools.
2. If the cancer is located further up: melena, or black stool is a commonly reported symptom.
3. Large colon cancer tumors may obstruct the passing of feces and show up as constipation, abdominal pain or distension. Vomiting can also occur.
4. Anemia, weight loss, and a loss of appetite are also signs.
Risk Factors:
1. Genetics: If cancer runs in the family, with a large number of close relatives afflicted or an unusually young age to develop cancer, this can point to high risk of colon cancer.
Other conditions are familial adenomatous polyposis which makes cancer in the colon more likely and should warrant an immediate visit to the physician.
2. Age: The chances of developing colon cancer jump suddenly once an individual hits the 60s, and thus regular check ups after this age become a must.
3. Smoking and drinking present high risk factors.
4. Consuming large amounts of meat with little fiber puts us at greater risk.
5. Sedentary individuals are also at higher risk.
6. Other conditions correlating to increased risk of colon cancer are lowered selenium levels, a history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
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Tests available for colon cancer:
1. Barium enema x-ray: As the name suggests an enema is administered and the barium contained within is able to expose tumors or polyps as dark shadows on x-rays
2. Colonoscopy: It is the most commonly used test. A tube with video capabilities is inserted up the intestinal tract to detect polyps. If any polyps are found tests are conducted to see if they are colon cancer, depending on the results of subsequent biopsies. Biopsies require small tissue samples from the patient. If cancer is confirmed, the polyp has already been removed (due to colonoscopy), but tests need to be performed to search for metastasis if any. Typically the lungs, liver and the abdomen are especially important.
CEA is a product of some cancerous cells, whose elevated concentrations is used as an indication of spread of colon cancer.
Treatment options:
1. Surgery:
The colon cancer tumor, some of the surrounding tissue and neighboring lymph nodes are removed. After the removal, the cavity in the intestine is patched up. If the tumor was present in the rectum, the whole rectum has to be removed. In this case a colostomy will be performed, to facilitate the excreta to leave the body through an opening in the abdomen known as a stoma. Special post-operative services are provided to help patients get used to this alteration. Metastasis of the colon cancer to other organs determines the survival chances of the patient following surgery.
2. Chemotherapy:
Medications are administered after colon cancer surgery, usually about 5 weeks later, to kill off microscopic cancer cells that cannot be detected. However the medications also destroy a large amount of blood cells leading to weakness and a diminished immune system. Thus the course is given as multiple sessions with periods of rest to allow for recovery. Thus, the medications are allowed to permeate the whole body to destroy any of these remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy has statistically improved survival rates and correspondingly decreased number of tumor recurrences.
3. Radiation therapy:
It may be given before or after surgery, and its use has been particularized to the cancer of the rectum. Colon cancer can be deadly and at best is extremely painful and discomforting. By practicing a healthy diet and having regular check-ups, we can greatly reduce our chances of the disease.
Lysa Nguyen is a health enthusiast and seeking to find the real answers concerning the latest health, nutrition, and diet fads. She has been writing for many years and also enjoys travel and fitness. She finds out the facts on nutrition from Gethealthyhq.com, but her views may not always match. To find out, 20 questions about body cleanses you are curious about or should be asking, please go to Body Cleanses [http://gethealthyhq.com/body-cleanse-getting-back-to-feeling-yourself/2009/09/29/].
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