colon cancer symptom

colon cancer sign and symptom, colon cancer treatment, colon cancer alternative treatment, colon cancer stage...

Monday, June 26, 2006

colon cancer symptom : Diseases of the colon caused by Constipation

It was estimated that of all the people who died of cancer - colon, lung, prostate, and breast - in 1999 sixteen percent were attributed to colon cancer. But, how many of these other cancers originated in your colon? We do know that colon cancer is the second leading cause of deaths in the United States.

We don't know what cancers originated in your colon because the medical profession treats symptoms not the causes. Many doctors do not go looking for the cause of your problem. They don't have the time. In fact, they normally will not tell you what you need to do to prevent your illness. Sometimes the reason they will not tell you is they just do not know.

It is the nutritionist's job to tell you what foods and supplements you need to prevent and to overcome specific illnesses and what to eat to eliminate or stop constipation.

Why is it that some many people are dying of various diseases at such an early age - at forty, at fifty, at sixty, even 30, or younger? They die of heart diseases, blood diseases, cancers, autoimmune diseases and the list goes on. It has been know for a longtime why diseases occur and what you can do to prevent it.

These death producing illnesses are a result of our life style - the foods we eat, the water we drink, the air pollution we breathe, the thoughts we think, the toxins we are exposed to at work, and the cleaning products we use at home.

What is it that causes us to behave in a way that is harmful to others or ourselves in ways that affect our health, our relationships, and our life? Why do people smoke when they know it causes Cancer? Why do people drink coffee when they know caffeine affects their adrenal gland, which eventually leads to exhaustion? Why is it that people eat sugar when they know it has untold health effects beyond diabetes? The answer is simple but difficult to accept.

All illness originates from repressed traumatic memories resulting from early life trauma.

Dr Arthur Janov explains this clearly in his book, 1996, Why You Get Sick How You Get Well.

"Over the last thirty years I have learned a great deal about humans and what drives them. As trite as it may seem, what I have found is a single yet complex emotion called love. Not the romantic love of novels, but a fundamental love - the love of a parent for a child. When a child lacks love and nurturing, no matter how that lack is manifest, it creates pain, and if this pain is not "felt" or integrated into the system, it will in turn cause physical and emotional illness in later life."

It takes disciple to change behavior, thought, and life style, which are good for health. This is what is necessary to reduce or eliminate illness. This is what is necessary to bring on a feeling of well-being way into your old age - at 80, at 90, at 100, and well beyond that. With the new anti-aging nutrients and supplements on the market, I can see people living well into 120 years provided they follow a good lifestyle.

How many people are willing to devote the time and money to start eating the right foods and change their lifestyle? This is the first step in reducing or eliminating constipation.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. His information can be seen at http://www.stop-constipation.com

by Rudy Silva

colon cancer symptom : Colon Cancer Causes Revealed

Colon cancer is a major illness and one that can cause life altering effects. In fact, this form of cancer is one of the most common in the nation. Most colon cancer patients suffer from polyps, which are abnormal cells that form clusters. When normal cells begin to transform, a potential problem arises. As time progresses, these growths get bigger and can lead to the development of cancer. A vast majority of sufferers have a family history with the disease. In addition, the risk of developing colon cancer increases with age and is most common in those ages 50 and up. Certain individuals simply carry the genetic makeup, which can be identified through a series of tests, that may lead to colon cancer.

While there are no certain ways to pinpoint exactly who develops cancer, or why, there are several risk factors that may increase an individual's chance of developing the illness. Among them, a previous battle with cancer, a family history with colon cancer, poor diets, smoking and obesity. With so many risk factors, one may wonder if there is anything that they can do in order to prevent colon cancer. Studies show that a lot of physical activity or exercise and a low-fat, high-fiber diet may help to reduce the risks. In addition, certain medicines may also help to prevent the disease.

As is the case with many ailments, symptoms are often very similar to those of other diseases. It can be extremely difficult to get an accurate assessment of what's wrong when so many illnesses carry the same symptoms. For this reason, it's important to seek medical attention if an individual experiences abnormal bleeding, weakness, pale complexion or abdominal expansion without weight gain, nausea, any change in bowel movements or weight loss. Each person is different and, as such, symptoms may vary slightly. Because symptoms may either present themselves as severe or barely noticeable, it is recommended that patients be screened regularly for the presence of cancer causing factors.

If left untreated, any type of cancerous cells have the ability to grow and spread throughout the rest of the body. This can lead to the need for further surgery, more intense treatments or, in the worst case, a cancer may become so advanced that it will not respond to treatment. When seeking medical attention, it's important to understand that there are a series of tests that can detect and diagnose colon cancer. A physician will be able to answer any questions that a patient may have regarding treatment options and the likelihood of their success.

This article should not be construed as professional medical advice. If you, or someone that you know, is concerned about the possibility of cancer, you should seek medical attention immediately. A medical doctor can discuss various options, prevention and treatment possibilities should the presence of cancer be detected. A series of tests may be conducted in order to confirm, or rule out, any such diagnosis and can only be done by a medical doctor.

by Dr. Logan Pallas

Friday, June 23, 2006

colon cancer symptom : Prevention

Approximately 50,000 people die of colon cancer every year. Yet, colon cancer can almost always be caught in its earliest and most curable stages by colonoscopy. Almost all men and women age 50 and older should have a colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is almost always painless and most patients are asleep for the entire procedure. Taking laxatives and/or enemas before the test to clean out the colon isn't fun, but most people find this to be the worst part of the procedure. It may be embarrassing or awkward, but it is certainly better than having cancer.

Certain people may require colonoscopies before age 50. These include persons with a history of colon polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, and people with a first degree relative (mother, father, brother or sister) with colon cancer that developed before the age of 60.

Additionally, patients with personal or family history of other types of cancer may need to consider colon cancer screening at an earlier age.

Fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, and barium enema are other screening tests that can be used for early detection and prevention of colon cancer, but colonoscopy remains the gold standard.

A new test, a virtual colonoscopy, uses CT scan technology to visualize the colon. There are several problems with this test, however. First, it is early in development and we still don't have enough information to determine how accurate it really is. Second, patients must take a preparation the night before to clean out the colon. Finally, if an abnormality is seen, the patient must still undergo a traditional colonoscopy.

Dietary and lifestyle modifications are important. Some evidence suggests that low-fat and high-fiber diets may reduce your risk of colon cancer. However, even patients who follow strict diets can develop this disease and require colonoscopy.

Some evidence suggests that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help prevent colon cancer, but again, screening is still necessary.

U.S. National Library of Medicine,

colon cancer symptom : Treatment

Treatment depends partly on the stage of the cancer. This means how far the tumor has spread through the layers of the intestine, from the innermost lining to outside the intestinal wall and beyond:

Stage 0: Very early cancer on the innermost layer (more accurately considered a precursor to cancer)
Stage I: Tumor in the inner layers of the colon
Stage II: Tumor has spread through the muscle wall of the colon
Stage III: Tumor that has spread to the lymph nodes
Stage IV: Tumor that has spread to distant organs
Stage 0 colon cancer may be treated by cutting out the lesion, often via a colonoscopy. For stages I, II, and III cancer, more extensive surgery to remove a segment of colon containing the tumor and reattachment of the colon is necessary. (See colon resection.) This procedure only rarely requires a colostomy.

Almost all patients with stage III colon cancer, after surgery, should receive chemotherapy (adjuvant chemotherapy) with a drug known as 5-fluorouracil given for approximately 6 - 8 months. This drug has been shown to increase the chance of a cure. There is some debate as to whether patients with stage II colon cancer should receive chemotherapy after surgery, and patients should discuss this with their oncologist.

Chemotherapy is also used for patients with stage IV disease in order to shrink the tumor, lengthen life, and improve the patient's quality of life. Irinotecan, oxaloplatin, and 5-fluorouracil are the 3 most commonly used drugs, given either individually or in combination. There are oral chemotherapy drugs which are similar to 5-fluroruracil, the most commonly used being capecitabine (Xeloda).

Oxaliplatin, a newer chemotherapy drug, was approved by the FDA in 2002 and is also active against colon cancer. It is often used in combination with 5-fluorouracil, and studies are being done that combine it with other chemotherapy drugs. Other chemotherapy agents, including drugs that specifically target abnormalities in cancer cells, are currently in development and undergoing clinical trials.

For patients with stage IV disease that is localized to the liver, various treatments directed specifically at the liver can be used. Tumors may be surgically removed, burned, or frozen in some cases. Chemotherapy or radioactive substances can sometimes be infused directly into the liver.

Radiation therapy is occasionally used in patients with colon cancer, but this is often used in combination with chemotherapy for patients with stage III rectal cancer.

If the patient's colon cancer does not come back (recur) within 5 years, it is considered cured. This is because colon cancer rarely comes back after 5 years. Stage I, II, and III cancers are considered potentially curable. In most cases, stage IV cancer is not curable.

Stage I has a 90% 5-year survival. Stage II has a 75 - 85% 5-year survival, and Stage III a 40 - 60% 5-year survival. These numbers take into account that for stage III patients (and in some studies, stage II patients), chemotherapy improves the chance of 5-year survival.

Patients with stage IV disease rarely live beyond 5 years, and the median survival (meaning half the patients live longer, and half shorter) with treatment is between 1 and 2 years.

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Saturday, June 17, 2006

colon cancer symptom : Colon Cleanse Provides a Wide Range of Benefits

Colon cleansing has been in the news among health enthusiasts for some time because it can offer relief for a variety of symptoms. The reason for this is that the intestinal tract commonly becomes impacted with fecal matter, which in turn releases toxins (poisons) into the bloodstream. While constipation is obviously a primary symptom of this state of affairs, other symptoms can be traced to the released poisons.

Some of the symptoms that have also been connected to an impacted bowel include headaches, fatigue, depression, and allergy symptoms. Weight gain and an inability to lose it are also associated with an impacted bowel. In addition,people report nervous symptoms like irritability and "walking around in a fog." Feeling "bloated" with gas is another common symptom, and some people even report problems with their skin.

The traditional methods have included increasing the fiber in the diet while taking laxative herbs, such as Cascara Sagrada or Senna. These laxatives are harsh to the body and can create a dependency not unlike an addiction. Fiber for constipation usually is made up of psyllium seed husks. This natural plant derivative absorbs water in the bowel and becomes mucilaginous. This creates a bulk that is helpful for removing matter from the colon, but it is not a complete cleanse.

A lesser known method, oxygen based colon cleansing, is also taken orally, but does not work on the same principle as the fiber and herb method. This method uses an "oxidation reduction" type of chemical reaction to melt away the material in the bowel. Because the reaction gives off oxygen, which is then absorbed into the body, it is healthful and energizing.

Another option in traditional treatment of an impacted bowel is to take enemas or colonic irrigation. These methods force water, herbal teas, or other medications up into the digestive tract through a tube inserted into the rectal cavity. Colonic irrigation goes farther up into the intestines than does an enema. It should be done by a licensed professional. Obviously, this is an unpleasant matter at best, but can be helpful when used in conjunction with oxygen based colon cleansing.

The best option for dealing with constipation and the other symptoms of an impacted bowel is to use an oxygen based colon cleansing product. The best of these will contain the mineral germanium in an organic form. This mineral, which is sometimes called Ge-132, is found in some of the most healthful food and herbs around, including garlic, comfrey, watercress, ginseng, and certain edible fungi (mushrooms.)

Having germanium in your colon cleanse can help lower blood pressure, improve artery health, and lower cholesterol. It is thought to be anti-carcinogenic, or an agent to prevent various cancers. It helps the colon cleanse to create even more oxygen, which brings life and health to the internal organs. Germanium is also helpful for reducing the growth of the yeast, Candida albicans, in the body. Candida has been associated with symptoms such as fatigue, itching, headaches, and a host of others.

There's a lot more to learn about colon cleansing, and you can do it at http://www.colon-cleaners.com

by Jim McDonald

colon cancer symptom : Colon Cancer Causes Revealed

Colon cancer is a major illness and one that can cause life altering effects. In fact, this form of cancer is one of the most common in the nation. Most colon cancer patients suffer from polyps, which are abnormal cells that form clusters. When normal cells begin to transform, a potential problem arises. As time progresses, these growths get bigger and can lead to the development of cancer. A vast majority of sufferers have a family history with the disease. In addition, the risk of developing colon cancer increases with age and is most common in those ages 50 and up. Certain individuals simply carry the genetic makeup, which can be identified through a series of tests, that may lead to colon cancer.

While there are no certain ways to pinpoint exactly who develops cancer, or why, there are several risk factors that may increase an individual's chance of developing the illness. Among them, a previous battle with cancer, a family history with colon cancer, poor diets, smoking and obesity. With so many risk factors, one may wonder if there is anything that they can do in order to prevent colon cancer. Studies show that a lot of physical activity or exercise and a low-fat, high-fiber diet may help to reduce the risks. In addition, certain medicines may also help to prevent the disease.

As is the case with many ailments, symptoms are often very similar to those of other diseases. It can be extremely difficult to get an accurate assessment of what's wrong when so many illnesses carry the same symptoms. For this reason, it's important to seek medical attention if an individual experiences abnormal bleeding, weakness, pale complexion or abdominal expansion without weight gain, nausea, any change in bowel movements or weight loss. Each person is different and, as such, symptoms may vary slightly. Because symptoms may either present themselves as severe or barely noticeable, it is recommended that patients be screened regularly for the presence of cancer causing factors.

If left untreated, any type of cancerous cells have the ability to grow and spread throughout the rest of the body. This can lead to the need for further surgery, more intense treatments or, in the worst case, a cancer may become so advanced that it will not respond to treatment. When seeking medical attention, it's important to understand that there are a series of tests that can detect and diagnose colon cancer. A physician will be able to answer any questions that a patient may have regarding treatment options and the likelihood of their success.

This article should not be construed as professional medical advice. If you, or someone that you know, is concerned about the possibility of cancer, you should seek medical attention immediately. A medical doctor can discuss various options, prevention and treatment possibilities should the presence of cancer be detected. A series of tests may be conducted in order to confirm, or rule out, any such diagnosis and can only be done by a medical doctor.

by Logan Pallas

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

colon cancer symptom : Thousands diagnosed a year

In advanced stage colon cancer, the tumor has already spread beyond the wall of the intestine to nearby tissues or to distant parts of the body. The five-year survival rate for patients with colon cancer is 65 percent when it spreads beyond the intestinal wall. Only 8 percent survive after five years once the cancer spreads to other organs in the body, Bates said.

Approximately 14,100 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in the state this year. About 5,270 people will die from the disease, according to 2006 California Cancer Facts & Figures.

"It's an area of the body that people don't like to discuss," she said. "We hope to change that by bringing additional attention to the problem."

Unlike most forms of cancer, however, colon cancer is preventable, said Dr. Henry Montes, radiation oncologist at St. John's Regional Hospital in Oxnard and St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo.

When colon cancer is diagnosed before it spreads beyond the intestine walls, the survival rate is almost 90 percent.

"There is a possibility to significantly reduce colon cancer rates because you can remove polyps before they become cancerous tumors," Montes said. But undetected "it has the opportunity to grow many years without any symptoms. You hear a lot about mammograms for breast cancer ¿ but you don't hear a lot about screenings for colon cancer."

By the age of 50, men and women should take advantage of the colonoscopy or fecal occult blood testing, Bates said.

There could be a variety of reasons for the advanced rates of colon cancer in certain areas, including socioeconomic and access barriers, she said.

But "it's not just a matter of access," Bates said. "It's awareness on the part of people and doctors who should encourage their patients to get tested."

Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, hopes to address access barriers through a bill she co-wrote with Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., introduced in the House of Representatives last week. The Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act would establish Medicare services for the development of treatment plans in the primary stages of therapy and provide a follow-up care plans for cancer survivors.

The legislation would also authorize grant programs to enhance institutions' palliative care training and symptom control and encourage medical programs to train professionals in developing curative therapies.

Capps said the data released today by the American Cancer Society and California Cancer Registry underscore the immediate need for better and more comprehensive primary care when it comes to treating all forms of cancer.

"It shows how severe the situation is," Capps said. "When you are diagnosed with cancer, it is such a confining world out there. We want to establish Medicare services and develop a treatment plan at the beginning of therapy. Up until now we have used a short-sighted approach to the problem. We need to work together in our communities to address this serious crisis in health care."

Education efforts under way

Local organizations such as the Wellness Community Valley/Ventura in Westlake Village are already leading the way in educating people about the importance of colon cancer screening and tests for other cancers. The Wellness Community is a national nonprofit organization that provides a wide array of services for cancer patients, survivors and their families.

The organization has recently completed videos in English and Spanish about colorectal, breast, prostate and cervical cancers, program director Marty Nason said. The group also holds 30 different programs, including weekly support groups and mind and body stress reduction workshops.

Jim Warren took advantage of the services offered at the Wellness Community. Now that his colon cancer is in remission, he is helping others by volunteering his time at the center and sharing his own experience with colon cancer.

"I tell people they have to realize that cancer is not painful until it is very advanced," Warren said. "When you turn 50, go get a colonoscopy. In hindsight, I wish I would have gotten it sooner."

By Marjorie Hernandez

Monday, June 12, 2006

colon cancer symptom : County in colon cancer report

When Jim Warren turned 50, his doctor suggested he undergo a routine colonoscopy even though he received a clean bill of health on his annual physical. Believing he was in good shape, Warren decided to forgo the procedure.

"I was just so darn healthy, I said, "You don't really have to rush into it,'" Warren said.

Four years later, Warren noticed blood in his stool and immediately went to his doctor. Test results revealed Warren had Stage 4 colon cancer, which had metastasize into other areas of his body.

Through rigorous and oftentimes painful chemotherapy, Warren's cancer has been in remission for the past eight to nine months. Now 58, Warren, a business manager for an entertainment company in Burbank, said he regrets his decision to put off the colon cancer screening procedure.

"When you think you're healthy, you're not looking for trouble, and I thought it was something minor," he said. "I still don't know how long the tumor was there because I didn't feel anything."

Third-most common cancer

Warren is not alone. Colon cancer is the third-most common cancer and third-leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women in California. According to a report released today by the American Cancer Society California Division and the California Dialog on Cancer, more than 70 percent of cancer cases in 17 communities in the state were diagnosed at an advanced stage. In Ventura County, about 67 percent of colon cancers diagnosed in Oxnard and Port Hueneme were at an advanced stage.

Doctors, medical researchers and healthcare administrators will meet today at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina for the two-day "Dialog for Action" conference, where they will discuss the data and possible reasons for the prevalence of colon cancer in certain areas. The data include information collected by the California Cancer Registry and provide maps of areas where colon cancer cases were diagnosed from 1999 to 2003. A full report will be released in the fall, said Dr. Janet Bates, California Cancer Registry research program director.

By Marjorie Hernandez

Friday, June 09, 2006

colon cancer symptom : Colon Cancer Overview

What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the colon (large intestine). It is sometimes called colorectal cancer, and it refers to cancer that affects the colon or/and the rectum. The colon and the rectum are both part of the large intestine. Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer.
What Causes Colon Cancer
Although researchers don't know yet what definitely causes colon cancer, they have identified several risk factors for developing colon cancer. Risk factors include age, diet, genetics, alcohol and other factors.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
The most commonly experienced symptom of colon cancer are rectal bleeding and narrow stools. Be advised that sometimes colon cancer does not present any symptoms until the disease has advanced. This makes colon cancer screening essential.
How to Find Out if You Have Colon Cancer
Report any symptoms you have to your doctor. It is recommended that people 50 and over have a colonoscopy every 10 years if they are at average risk. There are other methods of colon cancer screening beside the colonoscopy. Talk to your doctor about which is best for you and how often to get screened.
Fast Facts about Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is the 3rd most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women in the U.S.

About 105,000 cases were diagnosed in 2005 in the U.S.

Only 39% of colon cancer cases are detected early

It is the second leading cause of cancer realted death in the U.S.

From Lisa Fayed,

colon cancer symptom : Symptoms of Colon Cancer

A Word About Colon Cancer Symptoms: Colon cancer does not always present symptoms. Symptoms of colon cancer can sometimes present themselves at advanced stages of the disease.
Bleeding - Blood in Stool: This is the most commonly experienced colon cancer symptom. As a tumor grows larger, the passage of feces can cause the tumor to bleed. it is common to see blood if the tumor is near the anus, but it is much more common for the blood to be hidden inside the stools.
Weight Loss: An unexpected weight loss accompanied by other symptoms can indicate colon cancer. The pain and discomfort caused by a tumor can lead to loss of appetite, which in turn results in weight loss.
Changes in Bowel Habits: If you are consistently constipated or have diarrhea, this must be evaluated by a physician. Changes in bowel habits also include gas and producing thinner stools. Thinner stools are usually the result of a tumor obstructing the passage of feces. This is one of the more common colon cancer symptoms.
Abdominal Discomfort: Abdominal discomfort can mean many things - bloating, swelling, cramping and feeling full.
Abdominal Pain: Swelling and pain of the abdomen are also symptoms of colon cancer. This usually occurs when the intestine is blocked by a tumor. If the tumor grows large, then nausea and vomiting can occur.
Fatigue: Fatigue is a symptom of many cancers. It can also be a symptom of many other conditions that aren't cancer related. Fatigue experienced with cancer can be mild or severe.
Talking to Your Doctor: Many people feel shy to talk about bowel habits with their doctor, especially women. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, I can't stress how important it is to talk to your doctor! Better to be safe than sorry!

From Lisa Fayed,

Sunday, June 04, 2006

colon cancer symptom : What is cancer of the colon and rectum?

The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. Together, they form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also known as the large bowel). Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps. Malignant tumors of the large intestine are called cancers. Benign polyps do not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Benign polyps can be easily removed during colonoscopy, and are not life threatening. If benign polyps are not removed from the large intestine, they can become malignant (cancerous) over time. Most of the cancers of the large intestine are believed to have developed from polyps. Cancer of the colon and rectum (also referred to as colorectal cancer) can invade and damage adjacent tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also break away and spread to other parts of the body (such as liver and lung) where new tumors form. The spread of colon cancer to distant organs is called metastasis of the colon cancer. Once metastasis has occurred in colorectal cancer, a complete cure of the cancer is unlikely.
Globally, cancer of the colon and rectum is the third leading cause of cancer in males and the fourth leading cause of cancer in females. The frequency of colorectal cancer varies around the world. It is common in the Western world, and is rare in Asia and Africa. In countries where the people have adopted western diets, the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing.

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colon cancer symptom : colorectal cancer

Sheila Lau has always been a woman of faith—little did she know it was going to be put to the toughest test of her life. Her 1996 colon cancer diagnosis came as a big surprise. “I was in total shock when I found out,” she says. “I had no history, and how could this be growing in me and I don’t know about it?”

As with anyone who learns they have cancer, Sheila had many fears and negative thoughts at first. However, after spending much time in prayer and reading God's word, her faith took over. “It gave me so much peace to know that ultimately, He has everything under control. The prayers of many were answered and made me much stronger in my faith.”

Sheila underwent radiation and chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before surgery, but it didn’t keep her from living life. She would ride the shuttle to M. D. Anderson for treatment every morning from her nearby job in the Texas Medical Center, and then go back to work. Sticking to her daily routine helped Sheila put the cancer in perspective.

Sheila’s faith was tested yet again when her husband was diagnosed with cancer in 2002. “I remember spending New Year’s Eve watching Dick Clark in my husband’s hospital room as he received chemotherapy,” she says. Both are healthy today, and Sheila has learned that cancer is not the end of the world. “We don’t know what the future holds, but we know God holds the future. We just have to believe.”

©2006 The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Thursday, June 01, 2006

colon cancer symptom : Colon Cancer

Also known as: Colorectal Cancer

What is it?
Colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. It almost always starts with non-cancerous growths (called polyps) that develop on the lining of the colon and rectum. Polyps can become cancerous, but if they are found early through screening tests they can be removed and the cancer stopped before it even gets started.

How common is it?
The lifetime probability of an average person developing colorectal cancer is 6% (or about 1 in 20).

Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States in both men and women.

Colon cancer is the second leading cancer killer, right behind lung cancer.

More women than men will be diagnosed with and will die from colon cancer in the year 2000.

Who gets it?
Although colorectal cancer may occur at any age, more than 90% of these growths occur in people over the age of 40. The risk increases with age; most people diagnosed with the disease are in their 50’s or 60’s.

Certain conditions are associated with a higher risk including a family history of polyps or colorectal cancer; a personal history of breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer; and inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).

What are the symptoms?
Many polyps and cancers of the colon or rectum do not produce symptoms until they are fairly large. That is why it is recommended that screening for colorectal cancer should start before symptoms occur – while polyps, if present, are small.

The most common symptom is bleeding with bowel movements. Blood may be seen in the stool, toilet water, or on the toilet tissue.

Changes in bowel habits, such as new problems with persistent diarrhea or constipation may occur. The stool may look more narrow than usual.

Abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss may be symptoms that occur as the disease progresses.

How can colorectal cancer be prevented?
Recent research suggests that a high fiber, low-fat diet plays a role in prevention; how great a role it plays is unclear. Fiber helps to move waste through the colon and may even protect cells in the lining of the colon from developing into polyps. A good rule of thumb is that the average adult should consume at least 25 – 35 grams of fiber daily. This amount can be obtained by eating five half-cup servings of fruits and vegetables every day. For adults, adding a soluble fiber supplement is an easy and practical way to obtain the recommended daily intake of fiber.

Staying active and drinking at least 8 eight-ounce glasses of non-caffeinated fluid daily also is good for digestive health.

By following the recommended screening methods, many polyps and growths can be detected early. Finding and removing colorectal polyps with sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy clearly reduces the risk of their development into cancers.

Diagnosis
Average risk:

Beginning at age 40, men and women who have none of the risk factors described above should be examined by their healthcare provider annually with a digital rectal examination and a test for blood in the stool.

At age 50 a flexible sigmoidoscopic examination of the lower bowel should be performed. With this procedure, a thin flexible tube is passed into the anal opening to look at the lower portion of the large bowel. Polyps or growths of this area can be identified and removed. Or

A colonoscopy should be done every 10 years. With this procedure, a thin flexible tube is passed into the anal opening to look at the entire large bowel. Polyps or growths of this area can be identified and removed. Or

A double contrast barium enema x-ray should be done every 5 – 10 years.

Increased risk:

When personal or family history indicates that you are at increased risk for colon cancer, beginning at age 40 or earlier, the following is indicated:

A total evaluation of the colon by colonoscopy at intervals determined by your healthcare provider. Or

A double contrast barium enema x-ray and a flexible colonoscopy as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Treatment
If the cancer is located in the last few inches of the rectum, there may be several ways to treat it. Larger, non-cancerous polyps may be removed through the anal opening. Most of the larger cancers are removed through an abdominal incision. Although the bowel is usually reconnected after surgery, removal of the entire rectum and anus may be necessary if the cancer is located very close to the anal opening. In this case a colostomy is created.

If the cancer is located higher up in the colon, surgical treatment may be recommended. An operation is usually performed through an abdominal incision. The section of bowel containing the cancer and the lymph nodes close to it are removed. In most cases, the bowel is reconnected so that normal bowel function is restored. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or to other organs in the body, additional treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be suggested.

What kind of surgeon can I talk with about removing colon cancer?
Colon and rectal surgeons are experts in the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of colon and rectal problems. They have completed specialized and advanced training in the treatment of colon and rectal problems in addition to full training in general surgery. In addition to treating benign colorectal problems, such as hemorrhoids, these specialists are experts in treatment of colon cancer. They also perform routine screening examinations and treat problems surgically, when necessary.

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center ©2004
This page was last updated on January 18, 2006

colon cancer symptom : Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon cancer, colorectal cancer and rectal cancer are all the same disease. This kind of cancer is the third most common form of cancer in both men and women in the United States. The colon and the rectum together form the lower part of the intestinal tract. The colon is the large intestine and the rectum is the external opening of the gastrointestinal tract. More common names for the colon and rectum are large intestine or large bowel.

Colon cancer is malignant tumor in the lining of the large intestine. It begins with a single cell that changes forms and grow into a visible polyp. Polyps can grow into cancerous tumors and must be removed. If a polyp is allowed to remain in the colon and they are cancerous tumor it can further attack other organs. Medical researchers do not understand how a polyp can progress into cancer, but it is know that it takes about 3 to 7 years for a polyp to become cancerous. If polyp is found during the early stage of becoming cancerous, surgical procedure can be done to remove them and to prevent further spreading.

Many individual with colon cancer experience no symptoms at all, until the advance stage of cancer. It is therefore very important to make routine screening for colon cancer if you experience any of the following symptoms or you know that you are at a high risk of developing this disease:

Bleeding - This is the most common symptom a colon cancer patient will experience. As the tumors grow, they can bleed during the passage of feces through the colon. Blood maybe visible if the tumor is near the anus; however it is more common for blood to be hidden in the stool. Statistic shows that fewer than 20% of individual with rectal bleeding have colon cancer.
Pain - There are several causes of pain that may occur with colon cancer
If the tumor grows large enough to block the passageway of the intestine, a person can experience swelling and pain of the abdomen. In severe causes, this can cause nausea and vomiting.
If the tumor grows through the wall of the colon and into other parts of the body or organ, pain will also occur, along with other symptoms of that affected area. The pain can be hazy and dull.
Unexpected Weight Loss - Due to the pain and the swelling discomfort of the tumor, it can cause loss of appetite, leading to weight loss.
Change in Bowel Habits - Colon cancer on the left side can cause an individual with constipation, gas, painful bowel movements, diarrhea, and narrowing of the stool.
If you experience any of the above colon cancer symptoms it is advised that you see your healthcare provider for a more thorough check so the proper diagnose and treatment can be apply.

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