colon cancer symptom

The most common symptoms of colon cancer are blood in the stool.

2008-07-30T03:11:00.000-07:00

Most of the symptoms of colon cancer cause no symptom at the beginning and when the symptom is notice the disease had already to other parts of the body. The cause of colon cancer are due to old age as the main causes, diet is another, food that we take which are high in fat and alcohol people. Diabetes patients as reserved found that insulin dependency contributed to colon cancer. Family history are at more risk to cause colon cancer and people lack of exercises.

As symptoms is hard to notice at the beginning but the most common symptoms of colon cancer are blood in the stool. You can notice rectal bleeding and your stool became narrow. Man are more likely to get colon cancer then women and colonoscopy are most used to check and screening of the patients.

Regular screening of colon cancer after age fifty

2008-05-13T01:30:00.000-07:00

Colon cancer are most found in women and men who is over fifty years of age and family people who has colon cancer. It is said to affected more men than women. If you had a family members who had colon cancer it best to get a regular screening rather than rely on colon symptoms as sometimes the symptoms of colon cancer will only show up for years to come and has spread to most parts of the intestine.

Symptoms of colon cancer that show out are unexplained weight loss, a change in your bowel habits thats include diarrhea or constipation or notice in the changing in the consistency of your stool for more than a weeks, Notice blood in the stool or rectal bleeding, Feeling abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain with bowel movement. others are stomach cramps, pain or giving gas out most of the time.

Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which may play a role in cancer prevention. Try to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and to include a variety of produce in your diet. In recent article a German doctor survey that taking an apple a day can keeps the colon cancer away.

Beginning sign and symptoms of colon cancer

2008-03-14T01:12:00.000-07:00

Colon cancer is a silent killers where many people who are infected with colon cancer never experience any symptoms at the early stages. When the symptoms appears it had already spread to others parts of the intestine where changes of treatment is low and this depending on the cancer size and the location in your large intestine.

It is better to knows some of the symptom of colon cancer which can be detected in the early stage. The best ways to know is to get a regular screening done if you suspect or notice any beginning sign and symptoms of colon cancer which can help save your life. The symptoms are mostly change in bowel habits. Finding your stool became tinner because due to the growth of the tumor in your intestine that cause construction. Others symptoms are feeling bloating and cramping in the stomach. Finding blood in the stool which is cause due to the bleeding of the tumor. Unexplaning weight loss might be due to the bowel being block at some places that made our stomach to feel full most of the time. Feeling fatigue and exhaustion.

Treatment of advance state of colon cancer through white cell (2)

2007-11-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

The doctors said tumour lysate-a sollution containing a breakdown of the cancer cells and proteins is introduced to the dendritic cells to created a killer cocktail that stimulates the immune systems and cause the cancer to shrink. The vaccine is then injected into the patients body under the patient's skin. The doctor said the vaccine treatments reintroduced a highly trained special force into the community. This specials force will in turn train T-cells to hone in on a specific tumour protients and kill them.

The works needs a whole process and is labour intensive, taking at least seven days to process in the lab. The results of the treatment of advanced stage of colon cancer patients show promising, as patients who are supposed to be given a life spans of six to nine months before the treatment. After the tretments most of the patients on trails show that they can survived more than a year. The teamis now preparing for futher stage involving more patients as many as three hundred and aimed at demonstrating short and long terms safety and benifits.

Treatment of advance state of colon cancer through white cell (1)

2007-11-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

Doctor have found ways to help patients who is on the advanced stage of colon cancer. Treatment for advanced colon cancer stage illness has shown promising result through white blood cell trained to kill colon cancer. The doctors sneck the patients's white blood cells back into the bodyas trained killerof advance colon cancer patients. The vaccine treatment activatesthe patient's immune system to fight cancer. This treatment is expected to prolong the lives of advanced colon cancer patients.

The trails tested on as many as twenty advanced stage colon cancer patients showed a significant thirty five percent control of the disease, a show of improvement response rate of current treatment of colon cancer patients. In the treatment process, the researchers drew blood samples from the tested patients whose average age is seventy. From the blood, the white blood cells are separated and processed to create dendritic cells said the doctors. Dentritic cells are present in the skin and the inner lining of the nose, stomach and intestines and it can also found in an immune state of the blood. Being immune cells, the dendritic cells can stimulate an immune response.

Oestrogen is thought to protect the brain

2007-09-20T22:39:00.000-07:00

A study is thought that Oestrogen can helps to protect the brain from declines and thinking ability. Might removal of the ovaries, which secreate the hormone, impair a women cognitive ablities. A study saw 2961 women and about half of the women had one of or both their ovaries removed for reasons unrelated to cancer, such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts. During the next 25 to 30 years, 248 of the women developed dementia. Those who had an ovariectomy before menopause, regardless of the reason, were about one and a half times more likely to have dementia than were women who did not have any surgery.

The younger the women were when the ovaries were removed, the more likely they were to have developed dementia. Who may be affected?. Women who have an ovariectomy. In USA, about half of the 600,000 women each year who undergo hysterectomy- removed of hte uterus, also have theirs ovaries removed, usually in hopes of preventing ovarian cancer. Ovaries also are removed to treat ovarian cancer and oestrogen related tumours, such as breast cancer.

Blood test for cancer risk

2007-09-20T01:44:00.000-07:00

A traditional colonoscopy however, is considered the most accurated test and it was recommends by the American cancer society that patients undergo at least one colonoscopy every ten years, beginning at the age of fifty. Black people and peoplewhose family history of colorectal cancer should begin screening earlier, said an experts.

The procedure and the problemsrequires fasting, consumption of powerful laxatives, anaesthesia and the insertion of a optical scope in the restum. It also carries that risk of punctured colon. This combination has given colocoscopy its unplesant reputation said one of the doctor.

In the study last week, the researchers tested 107 patients for the proteint and used the results to determine if they had cancer or were at risk for cancer. The patient that underwent colonoscopies, and the results from the two tests were compared. The blood test found that 28 of the patients had cancer, the same number of cases discovered by colonoscopy. The test was slightly less apt at fining precancetous poltps, and it found 14 of the 18 cases that were discovered by colonoscopy.

Blood test for cancer risk patients

2007-07-20T02:55:00.000-07:00

A university researchers comes up with blood test for cancer risk patients that peoplewho is high risk of colon cancer should have the test right away, while people who tests negative may not needs to be looked at for another year.

Doctors use several tools to screen for colon cancer and precancerous lesions, including blood tests and imaging technologies such as X-rays and CT scan knowns as virtual colonoscopies. Another promising new test identifies genetic market for cancer in stool samples.

A traditional colonoscopy, however, is considered the most accurate test. The American Society recommends that patients undergo at least one colonoscopy every 10 years, beginning at the age of fifty. Those witha family history of colorectal cancer should begin screening earlier.

Blood test for colon cancer risk

2007-07-20T02:35:00.000-07:00

A university researchers are developing a simple blood testbthat can help doctors determine who needs a colonoscopy, a sreening procedure for colon cancer recommended for adults who is above fifty years of ages. The new test, which looks for cancer related protiens in the blood, identifies colon cancer and precancerous polps almost as well as a colonoscopy, according in the study published.

The cancer researchers say the test won't replace colonoscopy but might provided a non-invasive means of identiflying high risk patientsand an incentive for them to undergo the more invasive procedure. Parts of whatwe are trying to do here is use blood markets for cancer like we do cholesterol levels to predict heart diaease risk

The cancer researchers said if he could tell you that you have a 92% changes of having colon cancer, you might be more willing to undergo a colonoscopy. The blood test might also reduce the overall number of people who needs colonoscopy by screening out low risk patients.

colon cancer and its symptoms

2007-06-25T23:13:00.000-07:00

Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine to our rectum and most referred as colorectal cancer and nearly all colon cancers begin as begnign polyps which solwly develop into cancer. Most colon cancer show no symptoms at the beginning when sign and symptom show up it might be in stage four where the cancer is considered no curable.

The sign and symptoms Cancer of colon however may sometimes indicate are change in bowel habits, Diarrhea, blood in the stool, constipation, intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen, weight loss, finding your stools became narrow and unexplained anemia. If colon cancer if dectated early the changes of survival is very high as high as ninety % for most patients after a five years diagnoise. It is considered cure if the cancer does not returned after five years treatment.

Survey has found the rate of colon cancer death has dropped in the last fifteen years. It is due to increased awarness of the people and screening by colonoscopy.

Early detection of colon cancer is the best prevention

2007-05-17T02:42:00.000-07:00

Colon cancer is the second killers disease to men and women behind heart disease and its parts of body digestive system that removes and processes food in our body. Its also helps to pass waste material out of the body. To reduce the risk of getting colon cancer proper nutrition must be well maintained such as taking low fat diets and high fiber diet.

Symptoms of colon cancer are always notice by blood found in the stool, bleeding in the rectal area and has problems in the bowels. Others symptoms are finding yourself loss in weight because loss of appetite and feeling pain and discomfort of the abdominal by swelling, cramp in the stomach, bloating and stomach feeling full all the time. Other commom systoms are seeing your stool became thinner due to the passage of faces became smaller and often with alot of gas.

If you notice the following symptoms it is adviceable to make routine screening for colon cancer as early detection is the best cure. Remmember to let your doctor knows about all the symptoms you notice.

VitaminD and colorectal cancel

2007-04-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

Colorectal cancer seems to occur more often among those who live in sunshine deprived areas, leading some people to theory rise that lack of vatimin D which sun helps the body absorb may play a role in the disease. Might higher the lavels of vatimin D in the blood lower the livelihood of develpoeing this cancer.

A study combined and analysed data from five studies, involving 1448 healthy people whose blood was tested for the presence of 25 hydroxy vitamin D, the main form of vitaminD in the circulatory system. The participants health was monitored for up to twenty five years. During that time, those whose blood registered the highest lavels of vitamin D were the least likely to develop colorectal cancer. For example, people with a 25(OH)D blood level of 33 nanograms per mililitre were 50% less likely to have developed colorectal cancer than were those with a lavel of 12 ng/ml or lower.

The study estimated that taking 1,000 to 2,000 international units of vitamin D supplements daily would createa blood level of at least 33ng/ml.Anyone concerned about colorectal cancer. More than 90% of diagnoses occur after the age of 50 , cause of the disease is unknown, but contributing factors appear to includefamily history, smoking and diet.

Understand the early symptoms of colon cancer

2007-03-08T21:22:00.000-08:00

Understand the early symptoms of colon cancer will be advantage to oneself as early treatment will save life. Colon cancer is one the high rate of death among cancer victims as the symptoms are always slow to show and most of the time victims experience no symptoms at the beginning and when they notice the symptoms of colon cancer it might be too late as the cancer has already spread to many parts of the body and disease has already reach the advanced stages.

With early dectection, the colon cancer victims had high potentials for it cancer to remove as the success rate of undergoing chemotherapy to cure the colon cancer is very impressive. If you notice the following symptoms it is adviceable to visit the doctor and make routine screening for colon cancer.

The common symptom of colon cancer is
1) Blood in the stool - once the tumor grows big it will affected the passage of feces and cause bleeding.

2)Change in bowel - your stool became thinner due to the small passage of faces and often give out alot of gas.

3)If the tumor happen near the anus you can see the stool with blood hidden inside.

4)Feeling pain and discomfort of the abdominal by swelling, cramp in the stomach

5)Unexpected weight loss.

6)loss of appetite and always feel full in the stomach most of the time and bloating.

Notice or experiencing any of these symptoms see your doctor fast as you may be a victims of developed yourself with colon cancer. Don't waste time as time saves life.

Taking low fat and high fiber diet good for colon

2007-01-31T22:31:00.000-08:00

The colon is part of the body’s digestive system. The digestive system removes and processes nutrients from foods and helps pass waste material out of the body. Colon cancer are second killers disease to men and women. symptoms of colon cancer are weight loss, blood can be found in the stool, bleeding in the rectal and problem in the bowel.

Treatment is base on the extent of the cancer. Taking low fat and high fiber diet can help to reduce cancer of the colon. Taking mangosteen juice could help you to have a healthy colon.

Learn the early symptoms of colon cancer

2006-11-21T19:31:00.000-08:00

Many person with colon cancer experience no symptoms at the beginning. Symptoms of colon cancer can sometimes show up during the advanced stages of the disease.
Knowing the early symptoms of colon cancer will be advantage with early treatment. If you notice the following symptoms it is adviceable to make routine screening for colon cancer.

The most common symptom is blood in the stool as when the tumor grows big the passage of feces will affected the tumor and lead to bleeding. If the tumor happen near the anus you can see the stool with blood hidden inside.

You will observe unexpected weight loss and loss of appetite and change in bowel as you will notice your stool became thinner due to the passage of faces became smaller and often with alot of gas. Feeling the pain and discomfort of the abdominal by swelling, cramp in the stomach, bloating and stomach feeling full all the time.

If you notice or experiencing any of these symptoms you may be at the risk of developing yourself with colon cancer. See your doctor fast and don't waste time. Talk to your doctor about your experiencing with any of these symptoms. Your doctor
will help with early check up and early treatment.

Symptoms of prostate problems

2006-10-25T23:22:00.000-07:00

Prostate cancer is one of the most common type of cancer affecting 1 in every 5 males and occurs after the age of 45. In it‘s early stages, prostate cancer has few symptoms and many of the symptoms associated with this disease are also symptoms found in other less serious illnesses. Symptoms of prostate problems which may or may not signal cancer include:-

- Blood or pus in the urine
- Pain the in the lower back, pelvic area, or upper thighs
- Painful ejaculation
- frequent urination
- hard in urination
- getting up several times in the night to urinate
- difficulty in starting to pass urine

If you see any of these symptoms, you should see a qualified doctor as soon as possible as this prostate cancer takes a long time to develop can take up to eight to ten years to spread and become life threatening. Prostate cancer can be easily treated if detected in its early stages.

colonic cleanse and certain fibers lower risks of colon cancer

2006-09-28T02:39:00.000-07:00

A dietary intake of certain fibers has been shown through studies to alleviate the risks of colon cancer, and the fibers are also known to help ease constipation. Psyllium plays a role in promoting colon health since poor waste elimination by the body can result in a buildup of waste byproducts in the body. The waste byproducts can then lead to bacteria and viruses attacking your colon, compromising your immune system and creating sickness in the body. For this reason, regular normal bowel movements can be crucial to maintaining proper health. Other benefits of regular bowel movements can be their promotion of weight loss, and a chance at lowering low density lipoproteins, the "bad' type of cholesterol.

A colonic cleanse can clear the body of unwanted toxins that have accumulated due to environmental pollution as well as the poor eating habits of our society. Each day industrial poisons enter our bodies and they are not always eliminated. These accumulated poisons can be the source of many different diseases and a colonic cleanse eliminates them before they can become a problem.

danger colorectal cancer

2006-09-19T02:20:00.000-07:00

The human colon is a muscular, tube-shaped organ measuring about 4 feet long. It extends from the end of your small bowel to your anus, twisting and turning through your abdomen (belly). The colon has 3 main functions.

The right side of your colon plays a major role in absorbing water and electrolytes, while the left side is responsible for storage and evacuation of stool.

Cancer is the transformation of normal cells. The transformed cells grow and multiply abnormally.

Left untreated, these cancers grow and eventually spread through the colon wall to involve the adjacent lymph nodes and organs. Ultimately, they spread to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, brain, and bones.

Cancers are dangerous because of their unbridled growth. They overwhelm healthy cells, tissues, and organs by taking their oxygen, nutrients, and space.

Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas—tumors that develop from the glands lining the colon’s inner wall.

These tumors are sometimes referred to as colorectal cancer, reflecting the fact that the rectum, the end portion of the colon, can also be affected.
Deaths from colorectal cancer rank third after lung and prostate cancer for men and third after lung and breast cancer for women.

colon cancer symptom : Why Do polyps and Colon Cancer Occur?

2006-09-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

Both polyps as well as colon cancer occur much more frequently in industrialized, western societies. Diets low in fruits, vegetables, protein from vegetable sources and roughage are associated with a higher incidence of polyps.

Persons smoking more than 20 cigarettes a day are 250% more likely to have polyps as opposed to nonsmokers who otherwise have the same risks. Persons who drink have an 87% increased likelihood of having polyps compared to nondrinkers and those who both smoke and drink are 400% more likely to develop polyps compared to their peers who neither smoke nor drink. There is increasing evidence that diets high in calcium can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. An even more potent agent in preventing colon cancer is the eating of vegetables. Apparently it isn't the fiber but it is likely that phytochemicals in vegetables act to prevent cancer. People who exercise daily are less likely to develop colon cancer.

Polyps tend to cluster in families so that having a first degree relative ( sibling, parent or child ) with colon polyps raises ones chances of having polyps. The familial cancer syndromes such as Lynch Syndromes I and II ( rare ) carry a high risk of the development of colon and other cancers. Family adenomatous polyposis or FAP, is a rare condition characterized by thousands of adenomatous polyps throughout the large bowel. People with 1st degree relatives with inflammatory bowel disease are at increased risk and those who have a first degree relative with colon cancer have a fourfold increase in risk over the general population and should be screened earlier with colonoscopy and more often than the proposed outline for screening suggested by the American Cancer Society. There is an association of cancer risk with meat, fat or protein consumption which appear to break down in the gut into cancer causing compounds called carcinogens. A personal history of ovarian, endometrial, or breast cancer also appear to be risk factors.

Copyright© 10/13/96 by:
Donald E. Mansell, MD

colon cancer symptom : Fecal Occult Blood Testing ( FOBT )

2006-09-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

Diagnosis of Colon Cancer
The diagnosis of colon cancer depends on a variety of methods including barium enema, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy and biopsy once a mass is found.

Fecal Occult Blood Testing ( FOBT )

Other names include: Occult Blood Testing, Hemocculttm, Hemoquant,tm Hemoccult Sensatm, Hemewipestm, etc.

This is a test that detects the presence of occult ( detectable only by chemical means and not visible ) blood in the stool. Such blood may arise from anywhere along the digestive tract but is most likely to originate in the colon.

There are many ways to collect the samples. You can catch the stool on Sarantm wrap that is loosely placed over the toilet bowel and held in place by the toilet seat. Then put the sample in the clean container supplied or on the card which was given you. One test kit, Hemewipes tm, supplies a special toilet tissue that you use to collect the sample, then put the sample in a clean container. For children wearing diapers, you can line the diaper with Sarantm wrap.

Laboratory procedures vary. In one type of test, a small sample of the stool is placed on a special paper "card". A drop or two of testing solution is applied to a positive and negative control at the bottom of the card. A color change ( often blue ) indicates the presence of blood in the stool.

Do not consume red meat or fish ( contain non-human hemoglobin ) for 3 days as this can cause a false positive reading for blood. Discontinue drugs and substances that can interfere with the test such as: Vitamin C which can cause a false negative reading; Horse radish, fresh broccoli, turnips, cauliflower ( have vegatable peroxidase ) and colchicine which can give a false positive reading; Anticoagulants, Aspirin or arthritis medicine which can cause leakage of blood into the intestinal tract; Oxidizing drugs such as topical iodine, bromides, and boric acid, and reserpine need to be stopped about three days before the test as they can cause a false positive reading.

Copyright© 10/13/96 by:
Donald E. Mansell, MD

colon cancer symptom : What Are Polyps?

2006-09-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

Polyps are growths which develop in the colon and other parts of the body as well. They vary in size and appearance. They may look like a wart when small and when they grow they may appear like a cherry on a stem or fig. They are important because they can with time turn into cancer. Sometimes they can bleed causing anemia. A polyp is defined as a growth that projects, often on a stalk, from the lining of the intestine or rectum. Polyps of the colon and rectum are almost always benign and usually produce no symptoms. They may, however, cause painless rectal bleeding or bleeding not apparent to the naked eye.

There may be single or multiple polyps. The incidence of polyps increases with age. The cumulative risk of cancer developing in an unremoved polyp is 2.5% at 5 years, 8% at 10 years, and 24% at 20 years after the diagnosis. The probability of any singular polyp becoming cancerous is dependent on its gross appearance, histologic features, and size. The relative risk of developing colon cancer after polyps have been removed is 2.3 compared to a relative risk of 8.0 for those who do not have the polyps removed. Polyps greater than 1 centimeter have a greater cancer risk associated with them than polyps under 1 centimeter.

Polyps with atypia or dysplasia are also more likely to progress on to colon cancer. The risk of cancer is much higher in sessile villous adenomas than in pedunculated tubular adenomas. Cancer is found in 40% of villous adenomas, as compared to 15% in tubular adenomas. The good news is that 65% of adenomas are tubular, with villous adenomas accounting for only 10% of adenomatous polyps. It has been shown that the removal of polyps by colonoscopy reduces the risk of getting colon cancer significantly.

Copyright© 10/13/96 by:
Donald E. Mansell, MD

colon cancer symptom : Recommended Treatments for the Different Stages

2006-08-29T23:18:00.000-07:00

Treatment of Stage 0 Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage 0 colon cancer (carcinoma in situ) may include the following types of surgery:

· Local excision, which is surgery to remove the colon cancer without cutting through the abdominal wall.

· A polypectomy, which is surgery to remove the colon cancer from the bulging piece of tissue.

· Resection/anastomosis, which is surgery that removes the colon cancer by taking out a section of the colon and rejoining the cut ends of the colon. This procedure is done when the cancerous tissue is too large to remove by local excision.

Treatment of Stage I Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage I colon cancer is usually resection/anastomosis (removal of colon cancer by joining the cut ends of the colon) because the cancerous tissue is usually too large at this stage to be removed by local excision.

Treatment of Stage II Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage II colon cancer may include the following:

· Resection/anastomosis

· Clinical trials of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or biological therapy after surgery

Treatment of Stage III Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage III colon cancer may include the following:

· Resection/anastomosis with or without chemotherapy.

· Clinical trials of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or biological therapy after surgery.

Treatment of Stage IV Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage IV colon cancer may include the following:

· Resection/anastomosis

· Surgery to remove parts of other organs such as the liver, lungs, and ovaries where the cancer may have spread.

· Chemotherapy.

· Clinical trials of chemotherapy or biological therapy.

· Radiation therapy may be offered to some patients as palliative therapy (to relieve symptoms).

Treatment of Recurrent Colon Cancer or Cancerous Cells

Treatment of recurrent colon cancer depends on where the cancer has recurred (come back) and the general health of the patient. Treatment for recurrent colon cancer may include the following:

· Surgery to remove cancer that may have spread to the liver, lungs, or ovaries.

· Surgery to remove cancer cells that have recurred in the colon.

· Radiation therapy as palliative therapy.

· Chemotherapy as palliative therapy.

· Clinical trials of biological therapy or chemotherapy.

by Theodore Frazer

colon cancer symptom : Colon Surgery

2006-08-29T23:13:00.000-07:00

Colon Surgery: The goal of colon surgery is to eliminate the colon cancer by removing a section of the colon that is infected. This procedure is also referred to as a colon resection.

Preparing for colon surgery

The night before a colon resection is a busy and important time. The colon must be cleansed with a powerful laxative and antibiotics to flush out any food remnants to reduce the risk of infection during and after the surgery. In addition, only clear liquids should be consumed the night before and you should not consume anything after midnight; this keeps the colon free of stool.

Before colon surgery

Before colon surgery takes place you will go through a series of routine tests, such as blood work and EKG and/or chest X-rays. You will be completely asleep (general anesthesia) for the colon surgery.

The procedure

Depending on the amount of colon that needs to be removed, the amount of previous scarring, and the technique used the procedure will typically last from 2 to 4 hours.

After making an incision in the abdomen, usually down the middle, the surgeon will isolate the diseased portion of the colon from the surrounding organs and remove it. Once the infected section is removed, the surgeon will reconnect the colon with sutures or with a stapling device. This procedure is called anastomosis or resection and is one of the most common procedures used to remove colon cancer.

If necessary a colostomy may be constructed to help eliminate waste products while the colon is healing. A colostomy is an incision (cut) into the colon (large intestine) to create an artificial opening or "stoma" to the exterior of the abdomen. This opening serves as a substitute anus. Bowel movements fall into a collection pouch. Our ostomy nursing staff will teach you skin care and how to change the bag.

After colon surgery

You may have a thin plastic tube in your nose that goes down to your stomach. The purpose is to remove any air or fluid that would make you uncomfortable or sick. It will be removed as soon as your bowels start working, usually 4-5 days after surgery. Your incision will usually have metal clips, or staples, on the skin surface and your abdomen may be slightly bruised and swollen.

By Theodore Frazer

colon cancer symptom : A Closer Look At Colon Cancer

2006-08-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

Cell multiplication goes along with the development of the human body. Once the complete development is achieved, this process stops. By then, new cells are only created as the need for them arises. But if this process continues at an abnormal rate, cancer is likely to develop. This cancer cells will invade neighboring tissues. If this condition happens in the intestinal lining, a disease termed as colorectal cancer begins, betterly known as colon cancer. Colorectal cancers normally start as benign polyps that soon develop into cancers.

Fortunately, colon cancer is easily detected and has great potentials for removal if diagnosed at an early stage. Surgical treatments can be enforced even until the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes. And the success of undergoing chemotherapy to cure the colon cancer is impressive. Though this is true, the fact that colon cancer stands as the second most prevalent cancer remains to be the cause of higher death rates among cancer victims. The earlier estimate for the survival rate of a colon cancer victim is around ninety percent and higher. But this figure radically changed after the year 2004.

People with greater risks of developing the colon cancer

Western societies are more prone to the dangers brought about by the colon cancer. The reason pointed out for this condition is that Western people have diets lacking in the necessary nutrients needed by the body and the healthy foods that are normally eaten in other parts of the world. Diets in highly industrialized sections of the West are much worse. Foods typically come short with the components found in fruits, vegetables and proteins.

Additionally, smokers who regularly smoke around 20 cigarettes or more on a daily basis are found to have 250% possibility of developing the colon cancer. Drinkers have 87% more chance of acquiring the disease as opposed with nondrinkers. And if these two ill practices are combined then the likelihood of developing polyps rises to 400%.

Men are found to have greater risks in developing colon cancer than that of the female population. Colored women, mainly black, have greater likelihood of developing the disease. And drinkers, smokers, obese and sedentary individual have potential risks for polyps growth.

Sadly, colon cancer is hereditary. If a person in the family is found to carry the condition, then the first-degree relatives may have colon polyps as well.

Prevention

There are strong evidences that high calcium contents in a person's body reduce the risk against the colon cancer. Again, another good sources of prevention against the disease are the vegetables. The phytochemicals found in certain vegetables are noted to have great effects against the development of the polyps. Daily exercises also go a long way in controlling the risk for the cancer.

Aspirin is known to reduce the potentiality of the growth of the colon polyps and the colon cancers as well as the cancer of the esophagus and the stomach. A regular 325 mg of daily aspirin intake may be sufficient to outbalance a person's risk. Though it must be noted that aspirin may cause intestinal bleeding and ulcer. Lower incidence of colon cancer is also attributed to the daily consumption of 1500 mg of Calcium.

The future of the colon cancer is yet to be defined. Yet the current trend of developing the disease is not yet as aggravated as with other deadly diseases and luckily enough, there are great improvements towards earlier diagnosis of the condition. Like with the majority of health condition, the rule of thumb continues to be- stay healthy and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

by Robert Thatcher

colon cancer symptom : Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer

2006-08-24T01:24:00.000-07:00

The treatment depends on the staging of the cancer. When colorectal cancer is caught at early stages (with little spread) it can be curable. However when it is detected at later stages (when distant [[metastasis|metastases]] are present) it is less likely to be curable.

Surgery remains the primary treatment while chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be recommended depending on the individual patient's staging and other medical factors.

Surgery

Surgical treatment is by far the most likely to result in a cure of colon cancer if the tumor is localized. Very early cancer that develops within a polyp can often be cured by removing the polyp at the time of colonoscopy. More advanced cancers typically require surgical removal of the section of colon containing the tumor leaving sufficient margins to reduce likelihood of re-growth. If possible, the remaining parts of colon are anastomosed together to create a functioning colon. In cases when anastomosis is not possible, a stoma (artificial orifice) is created. While surgery is not usually offered if significant metastasis is present, surgical removal of isolated liver metastases is common. Improved chemotherapy has increased the number of patients who are offered surgical removal of isolated liver metastases.

Laparoscopic assist resection of the colon for tumour can reduce the size of painful incision and minimize the risk of infection. As with any surgical procedure, colorectal surgery can in rare cases result in complications. These may include infection, abscess, fistula or bowel obstruction.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used to reduce the likelihood of metastasis developing, shrink tumour size, or slow tumor growth. Chemotherapy is often applied after surgery (adjuvant), before surgery (neo-adjuvant), or as the primary therapy if surgery is not indicated (palliative). The treatments listed here have been shown in clinical trials to improve survival and/or reduce mortality and have been approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration. Adjuvant (after surgery) chemotherapy. One regimen involves the combination of infusional 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) Leucovorin (LV) Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin®) Capecitabine (Xeloda®)

Chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Commonly used first line regimens involve the combination of infusional 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) with bevacizumab or infusional 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) with bevacizumab 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) Leucovorin Irinotecan Oxaliplatin Bevacizumab Cetuximab

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is used to kill tumor tissue before or after surgery or when surgery is not indicated. Sometimes chemotherapy agents are used to increase the effectiveness of radiation by sensitizing tumor cells if present. Radiotherapy is not used routinely in colorectal cancer, as it could lead to radiation enteritis, and is difficult to target specific portions of the colon, but may be used on metastatic tumor deposits if they compress vital structures and/or cause pain. There may be a role for post-operative adjuvant radiation in the case where a tumor perforates the colon as judged by the surgeon or the pathologist. However, as the area of the prior tumor site can be difficult (if not impossible) to ascertain by imaging, surgical clips need to be left in the colon to direct the radiotherapist to the area of risk.

Immunotherapy

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is gaining prominence as a complementary theraputic agent in the treatment of colorectal cancer. A review of results from recent clinical trials is given in Mosolits et al.

Support Therapies

Cancer diagnosis very often results in an enormous change in the patient's psychological wellbeing. Various support resources are available from, hospitals and other agencies which provide counseling, social service support, cancer support groups, and other services. These services help to mitigate some of the difficulties of integrating a patient's medical complications into other parts of their life.

by William Ransom

colon cancer symptom : Coping With Colon Cancer

2006-08-24T01:20:00.000-07:00

Patients who receive a diagnosis of colon cancer quickly become depressed and have a lot of unanswered questions about their future. The most important thing for them to realize is that they are not alone and that their friends and family are there to provide love and support.

When dealing with any type of illness, including colon cancer, family and friends are the first thought of a positive support system. Understandably, these same people may be experiencing a lot of emotional pain and anxiety themselves, which stems from seeing their loved on suffering from an illness. If, for these reasons, a cancer patient cannot find support at home, it’s a good idea to join a local support group or become involved in an activity that they enjoy. If their health allows it, a cancer patient should continue living life and enjoying every day as possible. While quality of life is very important, making sure to take time out for rest is one of the key points for successful recovery from any illness.

Immediately following diagnosis, a colon cancer patient may want to visit their local library or research the internet for educational resources, of which there are plenty available. This information will help the patient to become better informed and allow them to be more involved with their treatment. It’s important to know, and understand, what is happening to the body during an illness, treatments and recovery. It is equally recommended that a patient remain involved in his/her care for as long as possible. This can be achieved by conducting research, asking the physician a lot of questions and preparing for best and worst case scenarios.

Depending on how advanced a cancer patient’s illness is, several treatment options are available. If a patient decides to move forward with treatment, he/she may also wish to consult another physician for a second opinion in order to confirm the diagnosis and recommended treatment. The best outcome is to eliminate the cancer completely but, if that is not possible, the doctor may be able to stop the cancer from spreading or to relieve the patient‘s symptoms and discomfort.

Assuming the patient’s health will allow it, and he/she wishes to pursue remedies, the main method of treatment is surgery. Depending on the location and size of the cancer, a doctor may be able to remove all or part of the colon. If a polyp is the only cancer that is known to be present, it may be all that needs removing. In some cases of colon cancer, the patient must wear a permanent colostomy following surgery. This occurs if the cancer is so advanced that it forces the doctor to remove the entire colon.

Another common approach to treating colon cancer is for the patient to begin a series of chemotherapy treatments. This process involves the intake of medicines to help fight the cancer cells, which can either be taken orally or delivered through the patient’s veins. This option is often most useful to rid the patient of any lingering cancer cells following surgery. In addition, chemotherapy may be used to control the growth of cancer, relieve symptoms and prolong life. Radiation therapy, often used in conjunction with chemotherapy to help combat various other cancers, is not a treatment used to help colon cancer patients after surgery.

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.

Dr. Logan Pallas

colon cancer symptom : Are there any new developments in treating my disease?

2006-08-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

New drugs are being developed that enhance the tumor-killing ability of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These drugs can work in a variety of ways but often enhance the normal cell-killing processes within the body.

Drugs are being developed to stop angiogenesis—that is, the formation of new blood vessels that nourish the cancerous tumor. This can produce tumor shrinkage or prevent disease spread.

Immunotherapy enhances the body's immune system and increases the likelihood that the colorectal cancer cells will be killed.

Monoclonal antibodies are proteins produced in a laboratory that can identify a cancer cell for destruction or prevent the tumor cell from dividing.

Vaccines are being developed that may cause the body to produce more antibodies to kill cancer cells.

Gene therapy involves altering genetic material. Either a new gene is introduced to enhance the ability of the body to kill cancer cells or a gene is administered directly to the cancer cells, causing them to die. Getting the gene to the right cells in the body is a major challenge. The treatment is still experimental and in its early stages of development.

Copyright © 2006 Radiological Society of North America, Inc. (RSNA)

colon cancer symptom : Are there any new developments in treating my disease?

2006-08-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

colon cancer symptom : What happens during radiation therapy?

2006-08-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

Radiation is a special kind of energy carried by waves or a stream of particles. When radiation is used at high doses—much higher than the amount used to obtain x-ray images—it can destroy abnormal cells that cause cancer. It does this by damaging the cell's DNA, which eventually causes the cell to die.

Because of the importance of treating the cancer but sparing healthy tissue, you will visit the medical center a few times before actual therapy for treatment planning and simulation. Correct patient positions for radiation exposure are determined for accurate, effective therapeutic results. Your skin may be marked with permanent ink. Custom-made lead shields may be constructed to protect your healthy organs from the radiation, or the radiation fields may be shaped for your situation with special blocks inside the radiation machine.

What are possible side effects of radiation therapy?
Complications of radiation therapy may include diarrhea or frequent bowel movements, fatigue, appetite loss, and redness of the skin where external x-rays enter the body. Generally, side effects stop gradually once treatment is discontinued, but often bowel function remains altered from what it was before the disease started.

What kind of treatment follow-up should I expect?
Colorectal cancer can recur, or reappear, in a patient previously treated for the disease. Because patients can sometimes be cured after their tumor recurs, follow-up care is critically important.

Physical examination. Patients will undergo frequent physical examinations from a few weeks to many years after treatment, especially if side effects from the treatment do not subside or new symptoms develop. Symptoms of pain, unexplained weight loss, or bleeding can occur with tumor recurrence.
Blood tests. Follow-up evaluation usually includes periodic blood tests. An abnormal result may indicate that the colorectal cancer has recurred.
Colonoscopy. Approximately one year after treatment for colorectal cancer, patients usually undergo a colonoscopy, or examination of the colon with a tiny camera at the end of a hollow, flexible tube to detect recurrence or development of new benign or malignant masses. If findings from this examination are normal, it should be repeated three years later, then every five years after that.
Imaging. Also during follow-up examinations, a patient may undergo computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The images obtained by using these devices can help determine treatment response and detect disease spread. Occasionally, a specialized screening procedure, called positron emission tomography (PET), can also be used to detect disease spread, but this is normally used only when other symptoms are present.

Copyright © 2006 Radiological Society of North America, Inc. (RSNA)

colon cancer symptom : Treatment options overview

2006-08-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

Treatment options for colorectal cancer depend on the stage of the tumor—that is, how far it has spread or how deeply it is affecting the intestinal wall and other tissues. Treatment is also determined by the patient's age, medical history, overall health, and tolerance for specific medications and therapies.

Standard options include:

Partial colectomy (also called partial bowel resection)—The tumor and normal tissue on either side of the diseased area in the colon are removed. The surgeon then reconnects the healthy colon. Sometimes the physician may have to create a temporary colostomy, or an opening for solid waste from the bowel to a special bag a patient wears outside the body, until the healthy tissue has healed. At times, the colostomy is permanent.
Laparoscopic surgery or keyhole surgery—Small tube-like instruments and an extremely small camera are inserted into the abdomen through incisions made in the abdominal wall. The surgeon sees what the camera sees on a television-type screen and can cut out a large section of the bowel and adjacent tissue, called the mesentery.
Radiation therapy—High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells. Radiation may be used in conjunction with surgery as definitive therapy, or may be used to reduce, or palliate, the symptoms of colorectal cancer such as pain, bleeding, or blockage. Radiation therapy is usually delivered as external-beam radiation. Radiation comes from outside the patient's body and is directed onto the cancer and surrounding tissues. On rare occasions, these tumors can be treated by placing small pellets of radioactive material directly in or on the cancerous area, a treatment called brachytherapy. For advanced tumors, radiation can be delivered during surgery, a procedure referred to as intraoperative radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy—Drugs are given intravenously or orally to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often given to decrease the chance of the tumor returning elsewhere in the body. Like radiation therapy, chemotherapy can ease disease symptoms and increase length of survival for patients with tumors that have spread. It is usually given over time and alternated with periods of no treatment. This alleviates potential side effects, such as abnormal blood-cell counts, fatigue, diarrhea, mouth sores, and a compromised immune system.
How can I choose from among the options?
You need to rely on the information provided by the team of physicians responsible for your care. Generally, patients undergo a specific therapy because a cancer specialist, after analyzing all available data and the condition of the patient, has decided it is the best way to treat the cancer.

If you are to undergo radiation therapy, a radiation oncologist will determine how much radiation is needed, to which areas of the body it should be delivered, and how many doses of radiation will be necessary.

If I choose surgery, will radiation treatment still be required?
Radiation may be used to shrink a tumor before surgical removal or destroy any remaining cancer cells after removal.

How effective is modern radiation treatment of colorectal cancer?
Surgery remains the most effective treatment for colorectal cancer. Radiation therapy is most effective as additional or adjuvant therapy either before or after surgery. It reduces the chance of cancer spread or recurrence.

Radiation is not normally used as the only, or definitive, treatment for colorectal cancer. Radiation is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy treatments that are given at the same time as the radiation to help the radiation work better. These chemotherapy treatments may be given intravenously or by mouth.

Copyright © 2006 Radiological Society of North America, Inc. (RSNA)

colon cancer symptom : How Constipation Creates Colon Cancer

2006-08-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

In 1911 Dr. Alexis Carrel received the Nobel Prize for growing live tissue cells. He discovered that removing their digestive wastes every day, these cells could live indefinitely. When he did not remove their wastes for three days they become weak and unhealthy.

This simple experiment showed that whatever waste we create whether it’s in our lymph liquid, our blood, or in the colon, it must be removed daily if we are to have excellent health.

Looking at colon waste, we should be having a bowel movement every day for every meal we eat. Most of us have only one or none each day. Many doctors say it’s ok if you only have one bowel movement every two days. Yes, it’s ok if you want to create colon cancer.

Studies have shown that if you have a bowel movement every 3 – 4 days, you are more at risk for having a heart attack, colon cancer, hemorrhoids, IBS, and many other illnesses.

As in 1911, Dr. Alexis showed cells become weak and die if they remain in their own metabolic waste for over three days or longer. This is exactly the condition called constipation.

Fecal matter that remains stagnant in the colon gives rise to bacteria that create colon wall irritations and inflammation. This then can lead to colon cancer.

And another thing, if you continue to have constipation, then this bacteria and toxic waste tend to slip into the small intestine where they can then get into your blood stream. There, this toxic matter goes all over the body creating damage and excess inflammation.

Here’s how to make sure your fecal matter does not become stagnant in your colon and produces colon cancer.

Just by increasing the amount of fiber you eat daily by 3 / 4 ounce, you can dramatically change your risk of getting colon cancer and many other colon diseases. If you are like most people, you eat only 1 / 4 ounce of fiber. In terms of grams, you are likely eating 8 grams. Raise the amount of fiber you eat by 20 grams to 28 grams and reduce your likelihood of getting colon cancer.

Here’s what fiber does in your colon:

* Increase the size of your stools

* Feeds your good bacteria and keeps them healthy and plentiful

* Traps carcinogens so they don’t collect on your colon wall

* Reduces the amount of bile salts that are changed to carcinogens by bad bacteria

* Keeps you pH slightly acidic and in favor of good bacteria

* Reduces stagnation of fecal matter in colon – reduces constipation

• Traps water so stools are not hard

Here’s how fiber works. By keeping your stools large, they move quicker in your colon and don’t allow carcinogens to stay in contact with your colon wall for very long.

Large fiber stools brush along the colon walls keeping them clean and causing the nerves to activate peristaltic action.

Fiber provides food for the good bacteria and makes them stronger than the bad bacterial. This limits the carcinogen producing activities of the bad bacteria. When the good bacteria exceed the bad bacteria, the colon pH is slightly acidic and this makes your colon work better - less constipation and more nerve sensitivity

When your stools have more water, they are softer and move easily through the colon. Hard stools are hard to move through the colon. Since the colon sucks water out of the stool to recirculate it into the blood, less toxic material is pull out of a fecal bulk if it has plenty of water.

Add 3 / 4 ounce of fiber to your daily diet and avoid the misery and devastation that colon cancer brings to you and your family.

by Rudy Silva

colon cancer symptom : Coping With Colon Cancer

2006-08-08T20:05:00.000-07:00

colon cancer symptom : Two Simple Ideas for Preventing Colon Cancer

2006-08-02T03:27:00.000-07:00

Colon cancer starts with colon polyps. Polyps are growths in the inner lining of your colon walls. They are formed when the inner lining is irritated or attacked by fecal matter toxins. When you have colon polyps, you dramatically increase your risk of getting colon cancer.

To prevent getting colon cancer you need to prevent getting polyps. If you have polyps then you need to prevent them from becoming cancerous.

Here are some ideas that you can use in preventing colon cancer whether you have or do not have polyps.

Polyps occur when your fecal matter is toxic and becomes stagnant. When your fecal matter stops moving in your colon, then toxic matter in the fecal matter comes in contact with your colon wall. It is this colon area that becomes irritated and over time weakens. As inflammation sets in and irritation continues, toxins are absorbed into the colon wall and a growth occurs. This growth will continue as long as you continue to have toxic fecal matter and constipation.

Here are two things that can help you from creating and irritating polyps.

First eliminate any form of constipation. You have constipation if you don’t have at least two bowel movements daily when you have three meals a day. Determine how long it takes for your food to pass through your body. A good rule of thumb is, it should take about 24 hours for food to travel from your mouth and out your anus.

After you eat breakfast in the morning, drink 6 – 8 oz of any juice with 2 oz of liquid chlorophyll. You can use 2 oz of red beet juice if you prefer. Then check when you start to see either green or red stools. This is your colon transit time. If it takes more than 24 hours then you need to reduce this time.

Preventing colon cancer requires that fecal matter move through your colon without remaining at one spot for too long.

The second thing you can do to prevent colon cancer is to change your fecal matter toxic level. Two things that make your fecal matter more toxic are undigested food and carcinogenic chemicals.

Since, most processed foods such as breads, packaged foods, cooked foods, processed meats, and pasteurized liquids lack digestive enzymes, your body is unable to digest all of the food that you eat. When undigested food reaches the colon, it is decomposed by bad bacteria and becomes highly toxic.

To correct this toxicity, start eating more raw foods such as fruits and vegetables, which are filled with enzymes. Try ten servings a day. It’s a lot isn’t it? But, that what we need to stop colon cancer or other colon irritations.

Next, read food labels and avoid those foods, as much as possible, which contain excessive preservative, coloring, dyes, fillers, and food stabilizers. There are hundreds of chemicals that are added to your food which help to keep the food from falling apart and decaying. Many of these chemicals are not digested in the small intestine and move into the colon where then make the fecal matter more toxic.

These are two steps that you can start applying for preventing colon cancer. If you have polyps, then these steps will help to keep them in check and reduce your risk of getting colon cancer.

by Rudy Silva

colon cancer symptom : Who Is More Prone To Develop Colorectal Cancer?

2006-08-02T03:24:00.000-07:00

The exact reason why colon cancer develops in some persons and not in others is not clear. The incidence of colon cancer is quite varied among different countries and within different ethnic groups inside the same country. Industrialized countries like United States, Canada, UK, Western Europe, Australia and Japan have a much higher incidence of colorectal cancer compared to the less industrialized parts of the world like Asia, Africa, and South America. Colorectal cancer represent over 9 percent of all cancers in men and about 10 percent of all cancers in women world-wide. In industrialized countries the incidence of colorectal cancer can be as high as 12 to 14 of all cancers, and in non-industrialized countries much lower rates of about 7 to 8 percent of all cancers diagnosed may be colorectal cancer.

Excluding skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third commonest cancer diagnosed in the United States. Each year over 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer and over 50 percent of these patients will die from colorectal cancer. Colon cancer incidence is not much different between males and females, however colon cancer is slightly more prevalent in women compared to men (ratio of 1.2:1) but the rectal cancer is more common in males (ratio of 1.7:1).

Even though we do not know the exact cause of development of colorectal cancer, scientists have recognized several factors that can increase the risk of development of colorectal cancer. A risk factor for a disease is any condition that makes a person more likely to develop that diseases. Some of the risk factors like dietary factors are modifiable by the person involved while some other factors like age are un-modifiable. These risk factors may act in combination, and this combination of risk factors may be associated with cumulative increase in the risk of development of colorectal cancer. The simple presence of one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that someone will develop colorectal cancer. On the other hand absence of all risk factors does not mean that an individual will not develop colorectal cancer, but generally more risk factors you have higher is the chance of developing colorectal cancer. Environmental factors also may be playing a role in the development of colorectal cancer. People who migrate from areas of low risk to areas of the world with higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, they tend to acquire the risk of the country to which they are migrating. This finding suggests the presence of environmental factors causing higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Changes in dietary factors associated with migration may also be contributing to this increase in risk associated with migration from low risk areas to higher risk areas.

Risk factors for the development of colorectal cancer include the following:

Age over 50 years
Increased fat intake
Large intestinal polyps
Family history of colon cancer
Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Personal history of other cancers
Sedentary habits and lack of exercise
Obesity
Diabetes
Smoking
Alcohol content
Genetic colon cancer syndromes like Familial adenomatous polyposis or Hereditary Non-polyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC)
Persons who have high risk of colorectal cancer may undergo screening for colorectal cancer with colonoscopy once every 2 to 3 years. Screening colonoscopy is recommended for every one who is 50 years or older. If someone has a higher than average risk of developing colorectal cancer, the screening may be initiated earlier than 50 years.

By Scott William

colon cancer symptom : Stay Away From Aspartame

2006-07-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

Aspartame can be found in many diet sodas and sugar free candies. The makers of these products claim that they are healthier because they contain few calories and less sugar than that of their normal products. But is aspartame actually healthier? This article is going to explain what aspartame is, known side effects associated with consuming, and how these side effects occur.

Aspartame is the methyl ester of amino acids` aspartic acid and phenylalanine. It is an active ingredient in almost 5,000 beverages and foods you consume, and comes in the names Candrecel, Nutrasweet, and Equal. Aspartame is even used as a table condiment, and is also found in many chewable vitamin supplements. Aspartame is mostly used to give people a "sweet taste" that is craved when dieting. But with all the known side effects associated with consuming, it makes you wonder if it`s even worth using.

The main problem associated with consuming aspartame is the problems it can cause you mentally. The following list sums up the known side effects that consumption of aspartame can bring:

* seizures and convulsions
* brain cancer
* dizziness
* phobias
* tremors
* severe headaches
* personality changes
* panic attacks
* memory loss
* irritability
*confusion
* insomnia
* depression
* chronic fatigue

Aspartame can even lead to physical problems such as:

*sexual problems
*birth defects
*burning urination & other urination problems
*parkinson's disease
*hair loss / baldness or thinning of hair
*arthritis
*bloating
*slurring of speech
*infection susceptibility
*rapid heart beat
*joint pain
*asthma
*diarrhea
*weight gain
*high blood pressure
*chest pains
*colon cancer

The above side effects happen because methanol is released in the small intestine when the methyl group of aspartame encounters the enzyme chymotrypsin. The methanol is then turned to formaldehyde, which is then converted to formic acid. To give you an example of how dangerous this is, think of formic acid as an ant sting poison, which it is primarily used for. It is also used to strip epoxy and urethane coatings, just what your body doesn`t need! When aspartame is consumed, the ingredients flow straight to your brain, leaving you with all the above symptoms.

Aspartame`s dangers don`t effect everyone, but for the vast majority of us, we should stay away from it. Sugar is actually safer and more healthy, so think about that before you crack open your next can of diet soda thinking you are doing yourself a favor. If you are dieting and need to have something sweet, then go exercise and use post-workout nutrition in order to satisfy your sweet tooth. That way you don`t have to worry about the excessive calories. Until next time, later.

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colon cancer symptom : Top 10 Foods for Women

2006-07-30T22:50:00.000-07:00

Beans and Pulses

Beans and pulses should be included in everyone's diet, but for women they are especially important. They are highly nutritious, low in fat, and an excellent source of vegetable protein. A fibre-rich diet is one of the first components to colon cancer prevention, and with more women dying of colon cancer than breast cancer every year; it makes sense to eat plenty of beans. This group of foods also contain phytoestrogens, the natural plant hormones, which are also protective against cancer, as well as being important for bone health.

Kale

Kale is an often-overlooked vegetable that happens to be loaded with folate (folic acid), an important B vitamin for women. Having a deficiency in folic acid during pregnancy may cause neural-tube defects in babies. In the UK, all women of childbearing age are now thought to need 400 micrograms of folate daily. Kale is also an excellent source of vitamin C and calcium, too.

Orange vegetables

Orange squashes (and tubers) like pumpkin, butternut squash and sweet potatoes are a girl’s best friend when it comes to nutritious, comforting food. All these foods are filling, low in calories, and rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which will work plenty of it’s antioxidant magic in your body. Antioxidants are important in the anti-ageing process, helping to repair and regenerate skin and other tissues. Beta-carotene is also thought to help reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer.

Linseeds (flaxseeds)

Flax seeds (or linseeds) and flax seed oil have so much to offer women. For starters, flax is full of “essential” Omega 3 fatty acids (EFA's), which help to balance a women’s hormones, protect a woman from heart disease (the leading cause of premature death among women) and the pain of arthritis. The dietary fibres in flax are called lignans, which contain phytoestrogens, currently being researched and showing promise in cancer prevention. Lignans are also thought to have antioxidant properties. The best way to get the benefit of the flaxseeds fibre and oils is to grind them in a clean coffee mill, used just for this purpose. Alternatively use a pestle and mortar, and sprinkle them onto cereal in the morning or add them to a bowl of natural yogurt and fruit. The essential fatty acids are very fragile, unstable, and liable to oxidation if exposed to light and air. Within the whole seeds, the oil is protected. So buy fresh, organic seeds if at all possible. You can eat them whole; just chew them thoroughly!

Iron-rich foods

Women need to eat more iron-rich foods. Getting iron from food (as opposed to a supplement) is by far the best way to get the correct amount of iron the body needs and can absorb. Lean red meats and dark poultry are the ideal food sources of iron. Unfortunately that doesn’t help much if you are vegetarian or one of the many women who avoid red meats. In this case, think about eating more of the following iron-rich foods… lentils, dried apricots, beans, spinach, enriched wholegrain cereals, pumpkin seeds, and oysters! If you do need to take a supplement, the best choices are Easy Iron (Higher Nature Ltd), which is an organic, food-form of iron, and Floradix, an herbal-based iron-rich tonic. Increase your intake of vitamin C too, which helps to absorb non-haem sources of iron.

Soya

Soya foods (including beans, tofu, soya milk & yogurt, soy sauce, Tamari and Miso) are the richest food sources of phytoestrogens (and of course soy protein). The natural plant substances – phytoestrogens - are now thought to be beneficial in maintaining bone density, as well as being the best “alternative” to HRT when many women need hormonal support as they enter menopausal years. Tofu, milk, and yogurt are also great calcium sources. All these foods can help a woman significantly lower her bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise the good (HDL) cholesterol. Tofu is a great source of low-fat, vegetable protein, best used in a vegetable stir-fry with soy sauce, and brown rice. Try Cauldron Foods, firm tofu.

Brocolli

Broccoli is not only a good source of calcium and B vitamins; it contains plant substances called sulphurophanes. These plant chemicals are cancer-protective and help the liver process and clear any excess oestrogen. Nowadays we don’t just produce oestrogen internally, but we are exposed to it in the environment in the form of oestrogen-like chemicals found in plastics, tap water and other insidious places. Excess oestrogen causes weight gain, hormonal imbalances, night sweating, and presents an increased risk of fibroids, breast cysts, breast cancer and endometriosis.

Calcium and magnesium - rich foods

Women of all ages need enough calcium in their diets to build and maintain strong bones. Calcium-rich foods that are also good sources of magnesium (and other nutrients) go a long way to supporting bone, and heart health. Magnesium is the nutrient that plays an important role in the creation of new bone; so think about seeds and nuts as healthy additions to a wholegrain cereal. Calcium, magnesium and potassium are alkalising minerals. Bones serve as a reservoir of these highly important alkaline minerals, which are released to help neutralise the acids in your body. If your body is overly acidic (this happens if you eat a lot animal protein, smoke or drink too much alcohol, or become highly stressed), your bones must donate their minerals to restore your pH balance. This can deplete the bones, leaving them brittle and weak.

The UK RNI for calcium is 700 milligrams a day, but many experts feel it should be more like 1200 to 1500 milligrams a day. When you take into consideration the epidemic of osteoporosis and heart disease among women, it is wise to include or increase your intake of the following foods… plain natural yogurt, which is not only a source of beneficial bacteria for good colon health, it is also much easier to digest than other dairy products), parmesan cheese (again, easy to digest), ricotta cheese & goat’s cheese, tinned bony salmon, freshly grilled sardines, kale, almonds and sunflower seeds, tofu, fortified “SoGood” soya milk (20% more calcium than cow’s milk) and “Provamel” soya yogurts. Replacing dairy with soya milk and yogurts in the diet provides all the benefits of soya protein while reducing the amounts of animal fats in the diet. A 100g serving of tofu or 125g pot of plain yogurt both provide 200mg of calcium. An ounce of Parmesan provides a whopping 390mg of calcium, and 100g canned pink salmon 300mg. Don’t forget your fruit and vegetables… latest research in bone health shows that women who have more fruit and vegetables in their diets, tend to have higher bone density. Fruit and vegetables contain an array of micronutrients such as magnesium, vitamin C, and boron. We now know that these play an equally important role in bone metabolism.

If you feel you need to supplement with calcium, remember that calcium should be taken with magnesium in a 2:1 ratio. This is because calcium and magnesium require each other for proper absorption, and utilisation in the body. So, if you supplement with 500 mg of calcium, you need to take 250 mg of magnesium at the same time. Most reputable companies now formulate supplements that take this into account, as well as the synergistic “need” for the other nutrients involved in the entire process of bone metabolism. Choose carefully.

Water!

Water is a nutrient and the fact is, we need it... and plenty of it. Certainly, water may be one of the best tools in the weight loss game. It not only suppresses the appetite, but helps the body metabolise stored fat. Water keeps the body’s tissues well hydrated, so if you want smooth, line-free skin for as long as is naturally possible… drink!

Salmon and other oily fish (in moderation)

Salmon was at one time avoided in favour of white fish or sole, due it’s higher fat content. However, once we understood the value and benefit of the essential “Omega 3 fatty acids” present in salmon and other oily fish, it was back on the plate. The time has arrived however, that food-conscious individuals are steering away from oily fish again (or at least cutting down), not because of the fat content, but because of the presence of harmful chemicals and metals. Fish such as mackerel, salmon and swordfish are known to contain high levels of potentially carcinogenic chemicals, and others, including shark, marlin, swordfish and red snapper contain the highest levels of mercury. These larger, long-lived predatory fish and mammals tend to accumulate more mercury from the environment than shorter-lived fish. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends that we eat 2-4 portions of fish a week, and 1-2 at least should be of an oily variety. Pregnant mothers are the only group that need to limit oily fish intake to 2 portions a week, but not to avoid fish altogether. Omega-3 fats are vital for the baby’s brain development. Many people often prefer to take an uncontaminated fish oil supplement, or stick to flax seeds as a source of Omega-3’s. Nutri’s Eskimo oil is one of the best un-contaminated fish oils on the market, and contains the fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin E to ensure the fish oils do not oxidise in the body. Remember Omega-3s ARE essential to good health, and freedom from diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, depression, diabetes, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis… so as I say, don’t avoid fish altogether, as fish oil is clearly the richest source of Omega 3’s we know. Important omega-3s are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) - from fish oil and algae - and alpha linolenic acid, usually from vegetable sources such as flax seed oil. In a healthy person, linolenic acid can be converted to DHA, and EPA, provided the correct enzymes are present. However, only 2% of the alpha-linolenic acid found in flax oil is actually converted to EPA… far less than we find in fish oil. EPA and DHA substantially lower your risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, prevent blood platelets from becoming sticky, and can lower blood pressure. They also promote good bone health, heart health, and breast health. DHA is particularly important during brain development, so is a popular and useful supplement during pregnancy.

Re: CANNED FISH - During the canning process of tuna, all the fat is lost, so tinned tuna does not count as an oily fish. The canning process of other fish (salmon, sardines, pilchards etc.) is different to that of tuna, and does not affect the oil content of the fish. How the canning process affects the stability and integrity of the delicate fish oils has not been fully elucidated. The possible presence of mercury and toxic chemicals I would imagine is no different in canned vs. fresh fish.

Eating fruit to offset mercury absorption?

To enjoy fish while minimising your mercury exposure, eat some tropical fruit for dessert… eating antioxidant-rich tropical fruits, such as mango, pineapple, banana, and papaya, may help reduce the amount of mercury that your body absorbs, according to research published recently in Environmental Research (2003). This particular study was a 12-month prospective dietary survey, carried out with 26 adult women from a fish-eating community in the Brazilian Amazon. They found a strong relationship between fish consumption and mercury (Hg) levels in hair. Not surprising you may think…. What was surprising and very interesting was the finding that this strong relationship was significantly modified by fruit consumption: for the same number of fish meals, those who ate more tropical fruits had lower hair mercury levels. The findings of this study indicate different ways of maintaining fish consumption while reducing Hg exposure in the Amazon. A number of phytochemicals and nutritional fibres present in fruits might be interacting with Hg in several ways: absorption and excretion transport, binding to target proteins, metabolism, and sequestration. More research on larger worldwide populations would further elucidate the extent, and public health implications of the use of fruits to counteract the toxic action of methylmercury.

Lucy-Ann Prideaux MSc BSc RNutr Registered Nutritionist http://www.simply-nutrition.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy-Ann_Prideaux

colon cancer symptom : Alcohol Stimulates Cancer Development

2006-07-28T22:53:00.000-07:00

Researchers are now making a strong association between alcohol use and cancers of the esophagus, pharynx, and mouth, whereas another study links alcohol with liver, breast, and colorectal cancers. Together, these cancers kill more than 125,000 people annually in the United States. For the first time scientists have demonstrated how alcohol stimulates tumor growth.

Their study, published in the January 15, 2005 issue of Cancer, says alcohol fuels the production of a growth factor that stimulates blood vessel development in tumors. For almost a hundred years mounting evidence has linked alcohol use to an increased risk of cancers of the stomach, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon. Researchers were never able to explain how alcohol may cause cancer.

Theories suggests that the acetaldehyde found in alcohol, dietary imbalances, and impaired nutrient metabolism and the inability of the body to detoxify due to alcohol consumption, activation of precancerous enzymes, and suppression of the immune system.

8 Times More Cancer Cells

The investigators found that compared to their control group, the subjects who had been exposed to high alcohol consumption experienced increases in tumor size, tumor blood vessel density, cancer cell infiltration of blood vessels. Tumor volume and vascular volume more than doubled.

They had more than eight times the level of cancer cell invasion of blood vessels compared to the control group.

These findings support the hypothesis that alcohol represents an important mechanism of cancer progression associated with alcoholic beverage consumption. A recent study indicates that as few as two drinks per day can suppress any beneficial effects of a "correct" diet on decreasing risk of colon cancer. Although the study suggests that a diet high in folic acid, a B vitamin found in fresh fruits and vegetables, decreases the risk for colon cancer, it also warns that alcohol consumption may counter this protective action and increase the risk for colon cancer by reducing folic acid levels.

Suppression of immune response. Alcoholism has been associated with suppression of the immune system. Immune suppression makes chronic alcohol users more susceptible to various infectious diseases, and to cancer.

by Dr Laurence Magne, publisher of Alternative Health Ebooks and Author of Cancer Free for Life

For more information go to http://www.cancer-free-for-life.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laurence_Magne

colon cancer symptom : Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Depression

2006-07-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

Research concerning omega 3 fatty acids and depression consists of clinical trials with patients suffering from bi-polar disorder, post-partum depression and mild to moderate depression. The omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are generally used together in these studies, but sometimes only one or the other is used.

Research began because of a marked lack of depression and other neurological conditions in peoples whose diets were rich in foods containing omega 3 fatty acids. In studies of the link between omega 3 fatty acids and depression researchers use fish oil specifically because it is the best and most common source of DHA and EPA. Botanical sources contain the omega 3 fatty acid ALA which must be converted by the body into DHA and EPA and this conversion process can be inefficient for many people.

Adding foods containing omega 3 fatty acids may also be inefficient, since fish is the only identified natural source of both DHA and EPA. Some people do not like fish and even eating fish three to five times per week may not supply adequate amounts of these omega 3 fatty acids. The most success has been achieved in studies of omega 3 fatty acids and depression relief, when fish oil supplements were used.

In one study, the results showed a 48-51% reductions in degree of depression when patients were given fish oil dietary supplements.

The connection between omega 3 fatty acids and depression is fairly well known. People suffering from depression generally have lower levels of DHA in their bloodstreams, probably due to the lack of foods containing omega 3 fatty acids in their diets. The connection between omega 3 fatty acids and depression is also well researched.

A study of omega 3 fatty acids and depression in London concluded that EPA was an effective treatment for bi-polar disorder. Because of the link between depression and chronic fatigue syndrome, the effectiveness of omega 3s in treating this syndrome has been studied and concluded that patients responded favorably.

Another study of omega 3 and depression consisted of studying the studies themselves, and concluded that it is likely that low levels of omega 3 fatty acids in the bloodstream are linked and may, in some cases, be the cause of depression.

These are only a few of the many studies that exist concerning omega 3 fatty acids and depression. In general, all conclusions report improvement in symptoms related to depression after supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids.

While it may be difficult to consume enough foods containing omega 3 fatty acids to reduce the symptoms of depression, taking a daily dietary supplement of fish oil is easy. No one is suggesting that anyone stop taking their anti-depressant medications, however, if you are already using them.

The link between omega 3 fatty acids and depression is still being studied and further research is needed.

Now that you know about omega 3 fatty acids and depression, learn about the fish oil supplements we ourselves take after extensive product comparison and research. Visit: http://www.omega-3-fish-oil-guide.com/Omega_3_Depression.html
colon cancer symptom
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Ho

colon cancer symptom : Eat Right and Early Detection Key to Colon Cancer Fight

2006-07-26T22:17:00.000-07:00

Two of the best things you can do to reduce the risk of colon cancer from causing your early demise is to eat right and to seek Early detection at the first sight of a problem. Colon cancer kills about 350 people out of 100,000 people, so although the risks are not high they are high enough to be of concern.

One thing of great benefit to know is that over the last decade or so thru good education and Early detection fewer people are dying from colon cancer. But there are a few things you need to look out for such as; blood in your stool and knowledge of your family and types of cancer that run in your genetic lines. If one of your siblings or one of your parents has had colon cancer you'd be advised to be checked out as early as age 40 and every five years.

If you are a woman and you've had breast cancer or ovarian cancer you might also be susceptible. If you have an iron deficiency whether you are a woman or a man this can be of concern. The survival rate of most types of colon cancer is quite high if detected in the earlier stages and this will definitely better your chances.

It is recommended you go to the American Cancer Society's web site and read all about colon cancer if you think you might be at risk or you just want additional information and details for a loved one. I hope you will consider all of this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow

colon cancer symptom : Colon Cancer Information

2006-07-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

Colon cancer is more commonly known as bowel cancer, this is where there is a malignant growth in the colon. Early symptoms of colon cancer can include a change in bowel movements either constipation or diahoerria , pain in the lower abdomen, blood mixed in with the faeces. These symptoms are fairly mundane, so often go un-noticed causing the tumor to grow undetected, inperticulally as people still find it hard to discuss there bowel movements with anybody especially there Doctor. Occasionally there are no symptoms until the tumor has got so large that it causes a blockage in the intestine or Could possibly even perforate the intestine. Some forms of colon cancer can be genetic/hereditary however in some cases of colon cancer the precise reason people Contract the disease is unknown. Diet may be cause of colon cancer, eating a lot of meat, too much fatty foods and not enough fiber, fruit and vegetables all add up to a un-healthy diet so increasing the risk of colon cancer.

The tests carried out to diagnose colon cancer include a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy. A sigmoidoscopy is when a camera is inserted into the anus to examine the rectum and the sigmoid colon. A colonoscopy is when a flexible fibre-optic camera Called a colonscope is put into the body via the anus and fed along the colon. Instruments may be fed down the colonscope So this is how a biopsy would be performed. Colon cancer can often occur with other diseases of the colon, for example ulcerative colitis.

The chance of a cure for colon cancer depends on whether you get a early enough diagnosis. Surgery is the best chance of Survival and sometimes radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also be offered, but there would be no guarenties of a very long term future. The surgical procedure involves a general anesthetic and the diseased part of the colon is removed plus a bit extra on both sides to make sure they have it all. The amount of colon that has to be removed varies from person to person but the Majority of people will end up with a colostomy. This is where a small inscision is made in the stomach and the healthy colon Is pulled through it and secured this is called a stoma. The stoma makes it possible for the person to still have there bowels opened by means of a colostomy bag which is attached to the stoma usually by a adhesive. These bags are disposable and Keep all smells etc in [until you change them when the bowel has worked]. The colostomy is sometimes only temporary depending on how much bowel was removed. If it is to be only temporary it could be there for up to six months just to allow the colon to heal without faeces being past through it. If the colostomy is to be permanent than the anus may be sewn up whilst the person is in theatre having there diseased colon removed and the stoma made.

Colon cancer is still a large killer but mostly because people do not get it diagnosed early enough. The survival rate is much better when diagnoses are made early as treatment can begin and may not end up being so evasive. It is a shame to die from embarrassment is it not.

For more information on colon cancer click here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Thompson

colon cancer symptom : Fewer People Dying From Colon Cancer

2006-07-24T03:11:00.000-07:00

Luckily fewer people are dying from Colon Cancer each year in this is due to good education and early detection of those who are potentially at risk. How do you know if you are at risk? Well if someone in your immediate family has had colon cancer you might be more susceptible.

If you are over 45 years old and you have found you are passing blood in your stool then you may want to get checked out. Then or women with iron deficiency used can also be susceptible to colon cancer. Women who have been diagnosed with other types of cancer such as ovarian cancer or breast cancer can also be susceptible to colon cancer.

So the good news is that fewer people are dying from Colon Cancer, but the bad news is if you did I get checked out that isn't that help you much if you're one who has it. About 350 people in about 100,000 will get colon cancer, so your odds are better than you think, but it makes sense to stay on the safe side and consider early detection as the best way to fight colon cancer.

There are many good web sites on the Internet, which have information on colon cancer and you may wish to check the American Cancer Society's web site which has a full listing of all the issues that have to do colon cancer. Consider this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow

colon cancer symptom : Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer

2006-07-24T03:09:00.000-07:00

Chemotherapy is the use of very strong anticancer drugs to kill colon cancer cells. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment and will address cancer that is in the entire body which is why it is often used to prevent spread or to treat cancer that has already spread. This is not the only reason why chemotherapy is used so if you doctor suggests treatment with chemotherapy drugs do not assume that your cancer has spread and metastesized.

Chemotherapy plays a few roles in the treatment of colon cancer. used to kill colon cancer cells that might have not been removed during surgical removal of the colon cancer. reduces the size of the tumor before surgery is performed used to treat colon cancer by controlling the growth of the tumor. used to relieve some of the symptoms of the colon cancer. reduce the likelyhood of recurrence Chemotherapy is often used after surgery is performed to eliminate cancer cells that may have been left behind and not removed by surgery. The chemotherapy can be administered through an IV (intravenously) or in pill form. Once the chemotherapy drugs enter the bloodstream they can reach cancer cells in all parts of the body. Some studies have shown that using a regimen of chemotherapy after surgery for colon cancer can increase the surivival rates for some stages of colon and rectal cancers.

In patients with advanced colorectal cancer chemotherapy is often useful in relieving the symptoms of the cancer.

Who is given Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer? The general opinion in the medical community differs on whether chemotherapy for Stage II colon cancer will be beneficial to the patient after surgery. It is usually only advisable in very high risk patients.

Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery is the standard of care for patients with Stage III colorectal cancer. Also patients with Stage IV cancers of the colon or rectum can benefit from the use of chemotherapy as it often will help to shrink the tumor, increase life expectancy and improve the quality of life.

How is Chemotherapy Administered for Colorectal Cancer?

The use of adjuvant chemotherapy typically involves monthly administration of the chemotherapy drugs for usually 6 to 8 months. Usually on or a combination of the following drugs are administered:

5-FU (5-fluorouracil) leucovorin irinotecan oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) The standard adjuvant chemotherapy combination for colon cancer consists of 5-FU and leucovorin.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can produce some side effects. The type of side effects experiences depends upon the type of chemotherapy drugs used, how much of the drugs are given and the period of time they are administered. The side effects also depend on the individual.

The most common side effects for 5FU :

the feeling of being sick diarrhea sore mouth or mouth ulcers drop in blood cell count overall feeling of tiredness The most common side effects of irinotecan :

increased perspiration increase in the production of saliva watery eyes pain or cramps in the abdomen diarrhea overall feeling of being sick drop in blood cell count overall feeling of tiredness hair thinning or loss The most common side effects of oxaliplatin:

feeling of being sick numbness or tingling of the extremeties numbness in the lips

Bill Ransom provides information on Colon cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment at http://colon-answers.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Ransom

colon cancer symptom : Metastatic Colon Cancer

2006-07-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

When colon cancer cells break away from a tumor and spread to other parts of your body through the blood or lymph system, this is called metastatic colon cancer. These cancer cells can settle in new places and form new tumors.

Even when cancer has spread to a new place in the body, it is still named after the part of the body where it started. For example, if colon cancer spreads to the liver, it is called metastatic colon cancer. When cancer comes back in a person who appeared to be free of the disease after treatment, it is called a colon cancer recurrence.

Treatment for metastatic colon cancer will vary based on your individual situation. When a colon cancer metastasis is confined to the liver, or another single organ, you may benefit from a local treatment targeting toward the site of metastasis. The liver is the most common site for colon cancer to metastasize.

You may receive treatment that is similar to your primary cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and/or radiation. Your physicians may also offer treatments to relieve pain and other symptoms you may be experiencing.

copyright ©2006 International Capital & Management Company, LLLP. All rights reserved.

colon cancer symptom : Colon Cancer Detection

2006-07-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

The first step in evaluating the condition of someone with suspected colon cancer is a complete medical history and physical exam. To aid in colon cancer detection, your physician will ask you some questions about your symptoms, any additional health problems you may have, and your risk factors for colon cancer.

Several tests may be performed to help your physician with colon cancer detection including a physical exam, digital rectal exam (DRE), fecal occult blood test (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, double contrast barium enema, colonoscopy, CT scan, PET scan, complete blood count (CBC), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) testing. These tests provide your physician with the information they need to properly detect colon cancer.

During colon cancer treatment, you will continue to have diagnostic imaging tests to monitor your response to therapy and to your treatment plan. Once your treatment is complete, you will continue routine diagnostic tests to detect for the recurrence of colon cancer. You must be diagnosed with colon cancer prior to becoming a patient at CTCA.

copyright ©2006 International Capital & Management Company, LLLP. All rights reserved.

colon cancer symptom : What symptoms are associated with bowel cancer?

2006-07-13T05:01:00.000-07:00

The most common symptom of bowel cancer is a change in bowel habit, e.g. constipation, bleeding or diarrhoea. Other symptoms of bowel cancer may include any of the following:-

Fresh blood in the stools or black stools.
Loss of weight.
Anaemia.
Large amounts of mucus being passed with the stools.
Discomfort or pain in the abdomen or back passage.
All these symptoms can be caused by other diseases, so if you have any change in bowel habit that persists for more than 2 weeks, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. Unfortunately, many patients do not have any symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage.

Am I at risk from bowel cancer?

Some people are at greater risk of developing bowel cancer, than others. These risks may include any of the following :-

If you have a tendency to develop polyps.
Age - men and women over the age of 50.
A family history of the disease.
Previous bowel cancer - if you have the disease before you are more at risk of it returning.
Is there anything I can do to reduce the risk?

To help protect yourself against bowel cancer aim to eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruit and fibre. Cut down on high fat products, cut visible fats off meat and limit the alcohol you drink. You should also aim to have 20 minutes of moderate exercise 3-5 times a week.

Who is screened for bowel cancer?

If your doctor believes you are in a high risk group e.g. a strong family history of bowel cancer then you may be routinely screened. This screening will usually be an examination of the inside of your bowel, every 3-5 years. If you have had polyps removed from your bowel in the past, your doctor may also suggest you are screened every 5 years.

Home tests for the early detection of blood in stools.

Achieving a complete cure of bowel cancer depends on early diagnosis. We strongly recommend our bowel disorder test for anyone who is over the age of 50. Cancers of the colon and bowel often bleed and may show in your stool, the test we sell detects small amounts of blood in the stool (click here for more details or to buy).

Please be aware a positive result from our test does not necessarily mean you have bowel cancer, but could be a less serious condition such as piles, polyps or an ulcer. However, not all bowel cancers bleed, so if you receive a negative result, and still have other symptoms you should still consult your doctor.

The Colon Cancer Concern charity recommends home tests for bowel/colon cancer - “In the absence of a national screening program, we feel it may be helpful for people over the age of 50 to have access to a faecal occult blood test that they can do themselves in the home, because for many people diagnosis is late and cancer is well developed”

copyright Home health UK

colon cancer symptom : What is bowel cancer?

2006-07-13T04:56:00.000-07:00

Bowel cancer, also known as colon and rectal cancer, is a cancer that develops as a result of abnormal changes in the cells that line the bowel. The bowel is part of the digestive system, it is divided into the small bowel (small intestine) and the large bowel (colon and rectum). The majority of cancers develop in the large bowel.

Statistically speaking, cancer in all its various forms affects one in three people in the U.K. Of these, around 30,000 people in the U.K. are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year, which makes it one of the commonest cancers in this country. The good news is, if bowel cancer is caught early the cure rate can be as high as 90%.

What causes bowel cancer?

In the majority of cases it is not known why the cancer developed. However, people who have a rare disease called Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (F.A.P.), have an increased risk of developing bowel cancer. F.A.P. is a condition which causes benign tumours, called polyps to develop in the bowel. Over time these polyps can develop into cancer.

There is also evidence to suggest you are more at risk of developing bowel cancer if your normal diet is high in animal fats and calories but low in fibre.

copyright Home health uk

colon cancer symptom : Colorectal Polyps

2006-07-11T03:45:00.000-07:00

A polyp is a growth of tissue from the intestinal or rectal wall that protrudes into the intestine or rectum and may be noncancerous or cancerous. Polyps vary considerably in size; the bigger the polyp, the greater the risk that it is cancerous or precancerous. Polyps may grow with or without a stalk; those without a stalk are more likely to be cancerous than those with a stalk. Adenomatous polyps, which consist primarily of glandular cells that line the inside of the large intestine, are likely to become cancerous (that is, they are precancerous).

Some polyps are the result of hereditary conditions, such as familial polyposis, Gardner's syndrome, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. In familial polyposis, 100 or more precancerous polyps develop throughout the large intestine and rectum during childhood or adolescence. In nearly all untreated people, the polyps develop into cancer of the large intestine or rectum (colorectal cancer) before age 40. In Gardner's syndrome, various types of noncancerous tumors develop elsewhere in the body (for example, on the skin, skull, or jaw) in addition to the precancerous polyps that develop in the large intestine and rectum. In Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, small lumps called juvenile polyps develop in the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum. These polyps develop before birth (in utero) or during early childhood. Although polyps in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome do not increase the risk of developing cancer of the intestinal tract, people with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome do have an increased risk of developing cancer of the pancreas, breast, lung, ovary, and uterus.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Most polyps do not cause symptoms. When they do, the most common symptom is bleeding from the rectum. A large polyp may cause cramps, abdominal pain, or obstruction. Large polyps with fingerlike projections (villous adenomas) may excrete water and salts, causing profuse watery diarrhea that may result in low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia). Rarely, a rectal polyp on a long stalk drops down and dangles through the anus. People with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome have brown skin and brown mucous membranes, especially of the lips and gums.

A doctor may be able to feel polyps by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum, but usually polyps are discovered during flexible sigmoidoscopy (examination of the lower portion of the large intestine with a viewing tube). If flexible sigmoidoscopy reveals a polyp, colonoscopy is performed to examine the entire large intestine. This more complete and reliable examination is performed because more than one polyp is usually present and may be cancerous. Colonoscopy also allows a doctor to perform a biopsy (removal of a tissue sample for examination under a microscope) of any area that appears cancerous.

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec09/ch131/ch131h.html

colon cancer symptom : Staging Colon Cancer

2006-07-11T03:40:00.000-07:00

STAGE 0: Cancer is limited to the inner layer (lining) of the large intestine (colon) covering the polyp. More than 95% of people with cancer at this stage survive at least 5 years.
STAGE 1: Cancer spreads to the space between the inner layer and muscle layer of the large intestine. (This space contains blood vessels, nerves, and lymph vessels.) More than 90% of people with cancer at this stage survive at least 5 years.
STAGE 2: Cancer invades the muscle layer and outer layer of the colon. About 55 to 85% of people with cancer at this stage survive at least 5 years.
STAGE 3: Cancer extends through the outer layer of the colon into nearby lymph nodes. About 20 to 55% of people with cancer at this stage survive at least 5 years.
STAGE 4 (not shown): Cancer spreads to other organs, such as the liver, lungs, or ovaries, or to the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Fewer than 1% of people with cancer at this stage survive at least 5 years.

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec09/ch131/ch131i.html

colon cancer symptom : X-ray Studies

2006-07-06T22:56:00.000-07:00

X-rays often are used to evaluate digestive problems. Standard x-rays of the abdomen do not require any special preparation. These x-rays generally are used to show an obstruction or paralysis of the digestive tract or abnormal air patterns in the abdominal cavity. Standard x-rays can also show enlargement of the liver, kidneys, and spleen.

Barium studies often provide more information. X-rays are taken after a person swallows barium in a flavored liquid mixture or as barium-coated food. The barium looks white on x-rays and outlines the digestive tract, showing the contours and lining of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Barium collects in abnormal areas, showing ulcers, tumors, obstructions, erosions, and enlarged, dilated esophageal veins.

X-rays may be taken at intervals to determine where the barium is. Or, in a continuous x-ray technique called fluoroscopy, the barium is observed as it moves through the digestive tract. With this technique, doctors can see how the esophagus and stomach function, determine if their contractions are normal, and tell whether food is getting blocked in the digestive tract. The doctor may film this process for later review.

Barium also can be given in an enema to outline the lower part of the large intestine. Then, x-rays can show polyps, tumors, or other structural abnormalities. This procedure may cause crampy pain, producing slight to moderate discomfort.

Barium taken by mouth or given as an enema is eventually excreted in the stool, making the stool chalky white. Because barium can cause significant constipation, the doctor tries to make sure the barium is eliminated quickly after the studies. A gentle laxative can speed up the elimination of barium.
colon cancer symptom

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colon cancer symptom : Occult Blood Tests

2006-07-06T22:51:00.000-07:00

Bleeding in the digestive system can be caused by something as insignificant as a little irritation or as serious as cancer. When bleeding is profuse, a person can vomit blood (hematemesis), pass bright red blood in the stool (hematochezia), or pass black, tarry stool (melena). Amounts of blood too small to be seen or to change the appearance of stool can be detected chemically, and the detection of such small amounts may provide early clues to the presence of ulcers, cancers, and other abnormalities.

During a rectal examination, the doctor obtains a small amount of stool on a gloved finger. This sample is placed on a piece of filter paper impregnated with a chemical (guaiac). After another chemical is added, the color of the sample will change if blood is present. Alternatively, the person can take home a kit containing the impregnated filter papers. The person places samples of stool from about three different bowel movements on the filter papers, which are then mailed in special containers back to the doctor for testing. If blood is detected, further examinations are needed to determine the source.

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec09/ch119/ch119c.html#sec09-ch119-ch119c-141

colon cancer symptom : What Are Clinical Trials?

2006-07-04T01:29:00.000-07:00

Clinical trials, also called cancer treatment or research studies, test new treatments in people with cancer. The goal of this research is to find better ways to treat cancer and help cancer patients. Clinical trials test many types of treatment such as new drugs, new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, new combinations of treatments, or new methods such as gene therapy.

A clinical trial is one of the final stages of a long and careful cancer research process. The search for new treatments begins in the laboratory, where scientists first develop and test new ideas. If an approach seems promising, the next step may be testing a treatment in animals to see how it affects cancer in a living being and whether it has harmful effects. Of course, treatments that work well in the lab or in animals do not always work well in people. Studies are done with cancer patients to find out whether promising treatments are safe and effective.

Why Are Clinical Trials Important?

Clinical trials are important in two ways.

First, cancer affects us all, whether we have it, care about someone who does, or worry about getting it in the future. Clinical trials contribute to knowledge and progress against cancer. If a new treatment proves effective in a study, it may become a new standard treatment that can help many patients. Many of today's most effective standard treatments are based on previous study results. Examples include treatments for breast, colon, rectal, and childhood cancers. Clinical trials may also answer important scientific questions and suggest future research directions. Because of progress made through clinical trials, many people treated for cancer are now living longer.

Second, the patients who take part may be helped personally by the treatment(s) they receive. They get up-to-date care from cancer experts, and they receive either a new treatment being tested or the best available standard treatment for their cancer. Of course, there is no guarantee that a new treatment being tested or a standard treatment will produce good results. New treatments also may have unknown risks. But if a new treatment proves effective or more effective than standard treatment, study patients who receive it may be among the first to benefit. Some patients receive only standard treatment and benefit from it.

In the past, clinical trials were sometimes seen as a last resort for people who had no other treatment choices. Today, patients with common cancers often choose to receive their first treatment in a clinical trial.

A Service of the National Cancer Institute

colon cancer symptom : Understanding the Cancer Process

2006-07-04T01:23:00.000-07:00

Cancer affects our cells, the body's basic unit of life. To understand cancer, it is helpful to know what happens when normal cells become cancerous.

The body is made up of many types of cells. Normally, cells grow, divide, and produce more cells as they are needed to keep the body healthy and functioning properly. Sometimes, however, the process goes astray -- cells keep dividing when new cells are not needed. The mass of extra cells forms a growth or tumor. Tumors can be either benign or malignant.

Benign tumors are not cancer. They often can be removed and, in most cases, they do not come back. Cells in benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. Most important, benign tumors are rarely a threat to life.

Malignant tumors are cancer. Cells in malignant tumors are abnormal and divide without control or order. These cancer cells can invade and destroy the tissue around them. Cancer cells can also break away from a malignant tumor. They may enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system (the tissues and organs that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease). This process, called metastasis, is how cancer spreads from the original (primary) tumor to form new (secondary) tumors in other parts of the body.
Understanding Colon Cancer
Cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer, and cancer that begins in the rectum is called rectal cancer. Cancers affecting either of these organs may also be called colorectal cancer.

© 2003 heartspring.net

colon cancer symptom : Molly's Story

2006-07-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

These are the words I'm trying to live by. My name is Molly McMaster and I'm a colon cancer survivor.

I was diagnosed with Stage II colon cancer on my twenty-third birthday, February 19th, 1999. Since then, I've committed myself to raising awareness of the disease that could have killed me, and has already taken the lives of many friends.

I've lived in upstate New York for most of my life, but moved to Colorado to attend Colorado State University in 1995. When I first arrived, I had visions of myself skiing, rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking-basic "Colorado thoughts." Never had I dreamed of the life that I was about to begin. Hockey! The best sport in the world!

I began playing in late 1995 and quite literally fell in love with the sport. Everything about the game made my heart race. Have you ever felt sweat trickle down your face and sting your eyes after a hard shift? Or smelled the salty, wet and sweaty palm of a hockey glove or an ice rink after a big game? Those are the things that I've grown to love.

I spent four years of my life living that game and learning a lot about myself through it. Every free moment I had was spent on the ice or in the weight room, and when I saw the U.S. Women's Ice Hockey Team win the Gold medal in Nagano in 1998, I began having dreams of someday representing my country on the ice.

I was having the time of my life in Colorado until everything came to an abrupt halt in February of 1999. I'd been having severe abdominal pains since October of 1998, so extreme that on some days I couldn't walk. Finally, after many tears were shed, I packed the car and drove back home to New York in hopes of finding the root of my pain. It didn't take long.

I arrived in Glens Falls at 11:30 p.m. on February 11th, and within twelve hours, I was in the Emergency Room with a total blockage in my large intestine. "Did I swallow a tennis ball?" I asked myself.

My doctor performed emergency surgery the next morning and removed over two feet of my large intestine and a tumor the size of his two fists. I spent the next eight days recovering and calling the hospital my home.

Friday, February 19th, it was my twenty-third birthday and one I'll never forget. My surgeon came to visit me that morning, and those first few moments he spent with me are still just as vivid today. He pulled the privacy curtain, sat on the edge of my bed and gripped my hand with a sweaty palm. He used big doctor words, and and "cancer" words that I'd never heard before...the ones he'd probably learned during his twenty years of medical school. Finally, he made it clear. The tumor he had removed was malignant. I had colon cancer.

I didn't hear a single word out of my doctor's mouth for the next twenty minutes, or maybe it was only five. I don't even know. Time had stopped.

Have you ever thought about what it would feel like if someone told you that you had cancer? What would you do? I was twenty-three years old and had never even considered it. My initial thought was, "I'm going to die." I'd already given up. Then I began thinking of the most perfect and painless way to kill myself. Running the car in the garage sounded good. And how could this have happened to me, anyway? I wasn't at risk. It didn't run run in my family. I was a healthy, twenty-three year old female, who worked out regularly, only had an occasional drink, didn't smoke or do drugs, and there I was with cancer.

During my chemotherapy, I had plenty of time to be angry at my doctor for misdiagnosing me with constipation, and I wanted to know why? I had had all the symptoms and she never even tested for colon cancer. I found out later that she never asked me an important question about my family history - "Do you have a family history of colon polyps?" Instead, she had only asked if there was a history of colon cancer. Soon after my diagnosis, I found out that my mother had a polyp removed at age 32, which meant that I should have been tested for it at age 22.

Since my diagnosis, I have met many more like me, young and misdiagnosed with colon cancer. I've made it my life to raise awareness by doing "crazy things" to draw attention to the disease. During the summer of 2000, I inline skated two thousand miles from New York to Colorado, in a trip called Rolling to Recovery, and my latest stunt has been the Colossal Colon.

Colon cancer is ninety percent treatable if caught early enough, and one of the only forms of cancer that can be removed before it becomes cancer, just by removing a polyp (a grapelike growth on the inside of the colon). Since the most common symptom of colon cancer is no symptom at all, everyone needs to get a colonoscopy when they turn fifty, no matter what they think their body needs.

If you are under the age of fifty and experiencing symptoms like I was, please see a doctor and be persistent. Only you know your body and only you know when something is wrong.
Today, Molly is 29-years-old and six years cancer free. She resides in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and in her free time she plays with the Arctic Foxes and the Hudson River Waves women's ice hockey teams in Clifton Park, N.Y. She has received many awards, including the 2001 American Cancer Society's Hope, Progress, Answers Award, the 2002 Adirondack Athlete of the Year, by the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board, 2002 Rotary Citizen of the Year, The Colon Cancer Alliance's 2003 Voice Award, The Colon Cancer Network's 90 in 9 Advocacy Award, and in 2003, Molly joined past winners Katie Couric and Marlo Thomas as the recipient of Memorial Sloan Kettering's Cancer Center Tavel-Reznik Award, which honors an outstanding leader in cancer education and awareness.

Molly has been able to tell her story in such publications as Parade Magazine, American Hockey Magazine and SELF Magazine, has been featured in Dave Barry's column as well as on The Today Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live! She is also currently writing a book about her experience and speaks regularly on the subject of colorectal cancer. She remains an advocate because she connects to so many different people and hopes to be able to use that connection to teach people about this highly preventable disease.

by Vincent Lombardi

colon cancer symptom : Endoscopy

2006-07-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

Endoscopy is an examination of internal structures using a flexible viewing tube (endoscope). When passed through the mouth, an endoscope can be used to examine the esophagus (esophagoscopy), the stomach (gastroscopy), and most of the small intestine (upper gastrointestinal endoscopy). When passed through the anus, an endoscope can be used to examine the rectum (anoscopy); the lower portion of the large intestine, the rectum, and the anus (sigmoidoscopy); and the entire large intestine, the rectum, and the anus (colonoscopy). For procedures other than anoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, the person is given medication intravenously to prevent discomfort.

Endoscopes range in diameter from about ¼ inch to about ½ inch and range in length from about 1 foot to about 5 feet. The choice of endoscope depends on which part of the digestive tract is to be examined. The endoscope is flexible and provides both a lighting source and a small camera, which allows doctors to get a good view of the lining of the digestive tract. The doctor can see areas of irritation, ulcers, inflammation, and abnormal tissue growth.

Many endoscopes are equipped with a small clipper with which tissue samples can be taken. These samples can then be evaluated for evidence of inflammation, infection, or cancer. Because the lining and the inner layers of the walls of the digestive tract do not have nerves that sense pain (with the exception of the lower part of the anus), this procedure is painless.

Endoscopes can also be used for treatment. A doctor can pass different types of instruments through a small channel in the endoscope. An electric probe at the tip of the endoscope can be used to destroy abnormal tissue, to remove small growths, or to close off a blood vessel. A needle at the tip of the endoscope can be used to inject drugs into dilated veins in the esophagus and stop their bleeding.

Before having an endoscope passed through the mouth, a person usually must avoid food for several hours. Food in the stomach can obstruct the doctor's view and might be vomited up during the procedure. Before having an endoscope passed into the rectum and colon, a person usually takes laxatives and is sometimes given enemas to clear out any stool. In addition, the person must avoid food for several hours before the procedure because it might be vomited up and because it would reduce the effectiveness of the laxatives and enemas.

Complications from endoscopy are relatively rare. Although endoscopes can injure or even perforate the digestive tract, they more commonly cause only irritation of the digestive tract lining and a little bleeding.

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec09/ch119/ch119c.html#sec09-ch119-ch119c-141

colon cancer symptom : Diseases of the colon caused by Constipation

2006-06-26T01:44:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-26T01:38:00.000-07:00

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

colon cancer symptom : Prevention

2006-06-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-17T01:22:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-17T01:18:00.000-07:00

colon cancer symptom : Thousands diagnosed a year

2006-06-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

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

colon cancer symptom : County in colon cancer report

2006-06-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

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

colon cancer symptom : Colon Cancer Overview

2006-06-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

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,

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

2006-06-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

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.

?996-2006 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved.

colon cancer symptom : colorectal cancer

2006-06-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

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

colon cancer symptom : Colon Cancer

2006-06-01T23:52:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-01T23:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Copyright © 2004. hopkinscancercenter.org. All rights reserved

How does colonoscopy compare with fecal occult blood testing as a screening tool for colon cancer?

2006-05-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER

No studies have directly compared colonoscopy with fecal occult blood testing (FOBT). Multiple screening trials have demonstrated that a primary strategy of 3-card home FOBT with follow-up colonoscopy for positive results is associated with a significant reduction in mortality from colorectal cancer (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, based on systematic reviews of randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials). A single negative office-based digital FOBT does not decrease the likelihood of advanced neoplasia (SOR: B, based on a single prospective cohort study).

There are no publications of screening trials with colonoscopy, but the odds of dying from colorectal cancer are lower for patients undergoing colonoscopy compared with patients not having a colonoscopy (SOR: B, based on extrapolation from a case-control study). Both strategies are cost-effective (SOR: A, based on a systematic review of high-quality cost-effective analyses).

CLINICAL COMMENTARY
For those at average risk, consider patient preference, likelihood of adherence to follow-up, community resources

While a clear answer does not emerge for a preferred strategy for colorectal cancer screening between FOBT and colonoscopy, colorectal cancer causes a significant burden of suffering including death. Clinicians must find a systematic way to address colorectal cancer screening with their own patient populations, and find an effective way to determine whether their patients are at average or increased risk for colorectal cancer. For those at average risk, consider patient preference, likelihood of patient adherence to follow-up screening, and community resources as you and your patient try to find common ground. When discussing three-card home FOBT with patients, make them aware that positive test results will lead to colonoscopy.
Journal of Family Practice, Nov, 2005 by Bruce D. Boggs, Mary M. Stephens, Rick Wallace

Dairy fats cut colon cancer risk

2006-05-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

A diet high in dairy products dramatically reduces the risk of colon cancer, the third most lethal type of cancer, a Swedish study finds. The catch: To have the effect, these foods must be rich in fat, the component that nutritionists have been trying to pull out of whole milk and other foods for years.

Previous studies of the protective effect of dairy foods against colon cancer had shown that calcium was a factor, but not the only one. Susanna C. Larsson and her colleagues at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm decided to examine trace fats in dairy products with purported anti-cancer activity.

They correlated 14 years of dairy-consumption data and colorectal cancer incidence in nearly 61,000 women. In the October American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the team reports that for every additional two servings of high-fat dairy products a woman ate on average per day, her colorectal cancer risk fell by 13 percent. The benefit was especially pronounced for cancer in the colon region leading into the rectum. Each additional two servings of high-fat dairy goods consumed daily reduced risk of cancer at this site by 34 percent.

Larsson says that although her team had anticipated that conjugated linoleic acid--an unusual trans fat possessing anticancer properties (SN: 3/3/01, p. 136)--would explain the advantage of the high-fat dairy diet, the new data now largely discount that.--J.R.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Science Service, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
Science News, Nov 19, 2005

high-calcium foods may slow the growth of colon cancer

2006-05-29T07:15:00.000-07:00

A new Thomas Jefferson University study reports that high-calcium foods like cheese may slow the growth of colon cancer. According to the study, when calcium comes into contact with tumor cells, it slows their growth--causing the cancer to spread at a much slower rate.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
Men's Fitness, May, 2004

Linux Home Stereo Component Plays OGG Vorbis

2006-05-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

For those looking to rip and collect their music in the open OGG Vorbis format, there aren't a lot of options with respect to what devices they can use. Fortunately, such gaps are what draws entrepreneurs like Mike Patnode to create interesting audio boxes that serve niches Panasonic and Sony will dismiss until they become "mass marketable".

Patnode started MP Sharp Technologies last October to "Design, develop and manufacture a remote control, LCD, OGG/MP3 player and CD ripper for use in a home entertainment system". The MPST Digital Jukebox is the fruit of his endeavor.
Using Linux as the unit's operating system and tapping into the open source community for software, Patnode has fashioned a home stereo component that competes with the likes of the Audio Request Jukebox, the HP Digital Entertainment Center, and the recently released Rio Central. All of those units ship for between $1,000 and $1,500. The MPST Digital Jukebox is presently in the beta phase of its creation and Patnode is offering all those who want to be beta testers for the unit the player for cost of parts (the hardware breakdown can be found here).There are quite a few in the geek community who will be interested in taking him up on his offer. Those interested can reach him at mike@mpsharp.com

Replacing the CD in your stereo setup, the standard configuration of the MPST Digital Jukebox includes a 30GB drive (though the user can get any size). An infrared remote or an optional touch-screen display controls the unit. A mouse and monitor can also be attached to the unit

By Robert Menta

Home Theater Soundproofing

2006-05-13T04:10:00.000-07:00

Considering the high energy of today’s home theater sound systems, sound reduction to the rest of the house should certainly be seriously considered. Acoustical solutions should be decided before construction and installed during the framing stage.

Acoustiblok® is used extensively for sound abatement in home theater applications. Ease of installation is a contributing factor to its use. Installing Acoustiblok® on walls, floors, and ceilings creates an effective reduction in sound transmission. The subwoofer and in-wall speakers should have the mechanical connection to the floor/furniture/studs reduced with isolation pads or cork and Acoustiblok®. Adding resilient channel onto Acoustiblok® installed on the ceiling and walls will further increase the db reduction. Resilient channel decouples the drywall from the structure and creates an added airspace between the drywall and Acoustiblok®. The airspace helps dissipate the pressure of the sound wave.

Another benefit of Acoustiblok® treatment is the improved definition in room bass response. This is due largely to the damping and slightly rigid characteristics of Acoustiblok® that are added to all treated surfaces, resulting in clearer and tighter bass performance.

http://www.acoustiblok.com/theater.html

Playing in Vegas: What to Expect

2006-05-10T01:27:00.000-07:00

So you and your significant other are getting away for the weekend and going to Vegas. Your sister is taking the kids, and you have three days of complete freedom. After you drop your luggage off at the hotel room and visit the all you can eat buffet, where are you going to go? The roulette table of course.

Playing in the comfort of your own home can be significantly less intimidating than playing at a live casino. People will be watching, people will be cheering you on; the first thing is, don't let anybody else influence your actions. You are up $100 at the table, and the crowd is telling you to bet it all, and let it ride. Don't listen to them, play your game, use money management skills, and try to prolong your fun.

Secondly, the King recommends that you take advantage of the free drinks that come your way, but don't drink to the point of getting drunk, or else you might do something you regret, like risking $500 on one spin of the wheel. And always make sure to tip the waitress a little something for her trouble, then when you are thirsty, she'll be close by.

And lastly, have fun! Set aside a certain amount of "mad" money that is ear-marked to be lost gambling, and once you have hit that amount, don't gamble anymore. A smart way to do it is to limit yourself to a certain amount every day, such as $50 per day. That way you don't blow it all at once and have no money to gamble with the rest of the trip.

Have fun!

by King's Articles

California rolls

2006-05-05T05:09:00.000-07:00

The California roll is a classic example of "American sushi," early fusion cuisine incorporating new ingredients into traditional Asian recipes. Food historians generally credit Ichiro Manashita, of the Tokyo Kaikan restaurant in Los Angeles, with "inventing" the California roll. The date is fuzzy, though most agree this item was available in the early 1970s.

"Sushi East and West. Many of the foods ordinarily associated only with Western cuisine harmonize astonishingly well with sushi rice...You will find this hybrid "East-West" sushi can be expanded to include many new tempting treats suited to your family's tastes. One tasty variation is the California roll, a slender mat-rolled sushi containing crab, avocado and cucumber. It is a great favorite in Los Angeles sushi shops, has spread to New York and is making a debut in Tokyo too. The creamy, rich, slightly oily avocado has something in common with the taste of fatty tuna."
---The Book of Sushi, Kinjiro Omae and Yuzuru Tachibana [Kodansha International:Tokyo] 1981 (p. 76)
[NOTE: This book has an EXCELLENT history of sushi.]

"California roll....A form of sushi made with avocados, crabmeat, cucumbers and other ingredients wrapped in vinegared rice. It was supposedly created at a Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles named Tokyo Kaikan about 1973 for the American palate but has also gained popularity in Japan, where it is called kashu-maki, a literal translation of "California roll."
---Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink, John F. Mariani [Lebhar-Friedman:New York] 1999 (p. 53)

"California rolls, consisting of avocado, imitation crabmeat, and mayonnaise encased in rice with sesame seeds on the outside, are an excellent example of Japanese American food. The rolls were invented by Japanese chefs in Los Angeles during the 1970s for Americans who were squeamish about eating raw fish. California rolls became a popular addition to Japanese restaurant menus in the United States during the 1980s, and there were eventually exported back to Japan, although many sushi purists eschew them, as they were not a traditional Japanese food." ---Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America, Andrew F. Smith editor [Oxfod Univeristy Press:New York] 2004, Volume 1 (p. 728)

The earliest recipe we have on hand for California rolls was printed in a Japanese-American cookbook published in 1986. It reads as follows:

"California roll (4 servings)
Born in California, popularized by sushi chefs throughout the U.S., this sushi has also reached the shores of Japan, becoming a favorite with all sushi lovers. Its special filling of avocado, crab roe, sesame seeds, and cucumber make this roll beautiful and tasty.
4 crab sticks (steamed fish cake with crab flavor) or 1/4 pound cooked crab, shredded
1 small ripe avocado
1/2 European cucumber
2 sheets nori seaweed, toasted
4 cups Basic Sushi Rice
1 tablspoon wasabi paste
2 tablespoons crab roe

Slice crab sticks in half. Peel avocado and slice into 3/8-inch-thick pieces. Keep refrigerated until ready to use. Slice cucumber into julienne strips, 4 to 5 inches long. To assemble the sushi roll, follow the instructions for Futo-maki-Zushi. You should have neat rows of crab, avocado, cucmber, and crab roe fillings laying across the bed of rice. Don't forget to sprinkle with sesame seeds before you rill. You can have the rice side out by ling a reverse roll. On a bamboo mat lay a well-wrung piece of cloth apporximately the same size as the mat. Take a handfull of sushi rice and spread it over the mat. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed on top of the rice. Then lay the fillings as you would for regular California roll and roll it carefully, pressing with your hands to mold the rice into a roll. Gently remove the bamboo mat, peeling off the cloth at the same time. Cut the roll as you would a regular sushi roll."
---The Poetical Pursuit of Food: Japanese Recipes for American Cooks, Sonoko Kondo [Clarkson Potter: New York] 1986 (p. 147)

The Tokyo Kaikan restaurant is still in business, though they do not seem to have e-mail. If you would like to speak directly to them:
Tokyo Kaikan
225 S. San Pedro St.
Los Angeles, California USA
(213) 489-1333
Sushi went main-stream in America in the early 1980s, which may account for the lack of article/information about the California Rolls before that time. An article printed in the New York Times confirms:

"Zucchini slices dipped in light batter and crisply fried do not seem at all out of place on tempura platters served in Japanese restaurants in New York, yet zucchini is virtually unkown in Japan. Its use in this country is just one example of the adaptation that traditional Japanese cooking has been making to the products it encoutners as it becomes established abroad, especially in America. Another example of marrying Japanese techniques and American ingredients is the California roll. Loose sushi hand rolls are popular in Japan, but the version that calls for avocado, king crab meat, mayonnaise and rice wrapped in a sheet of papery black seaweed appeared in southern California sushi bars a few years ago. It has also become commonplace in New York and is apparently now being served in Japan as well."
---Adapting American Foods to Japanese Cuisine, Florence Fabricant, New York Times, October 6, 1982 (p. C1)

FROM THE CALIFORNIA SUSHI ACADEMY
"I was informed that the ingredients in the "California Roll" have not changed [since the 1970s]. The California Roll remains pretty much use the same ingredient. However, Ingredient in the California Rolls "Crab meat" may be substitute from the real crab meat to an imitation crab meat. It has an advantage and disadvantages. If, you enjoy the rich taste of a real crab meat and your body can tolerate its content, it is certainly a delightful and enjoyable roll. If, you prefer less cholesterol, the imitation crab may be suitable and the taste as the same as the real crab meat, almost..."

Research conducted by Lynne Olver, editor The Food Timeline. About this site

Gulf breezes

2006-05-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

TO ESCAPE THE SUMMER CITY heat and yellow fever epidemics in the 1800s, New Orleanians and Mobilians flocked to the breezy Gulf Coast. Today they're still coming to the shores of Mississippi and Alabama, along with vacationers from everywhere in the USA.

Thirteen casinos (and more to come) with their high-rise hotels have transformed Mississippi's Gulf Coast into a year-round Las Vegas of the South. Aside from round-the-clock gaming and fresh seafood served at mega-buffets, several casinos are destinations in themselves. The Beau Rivage in Biloxi, for example, pampers guests with spa treatments, a boutique shopping mall, and star entertainment. Work progresses on the Beau Rivage's Fallen Oak golf course, built amid pecan orchards and live oaks adjacent to the DeSoto National Forest. When finished, it will join more than 20 courses along the Mississippi coast.

The sidewalks of Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian, east of Biloxi, invite strolling past classic Gulf cottages, galleries, and restaurants where everyone seems to know everyone. This smalltown neighborliness extends to Long Beach, where an enormous live oak was only a sapling when Columbus discovered America. Legend says that those who stand beneath the shade of the Friendship Oak (its branches spread over 151 feet) will remain friends for life. Near Bay St. Louis, the John C. Stennis Space Center offers free tours. Shuttle vans depart from the Mississippi Welcome Center at I-10 near Louisiana's state line.

Nesting seabirds shelter amid dunes along Mississippi's 26-mile-long, manmade beach. Kiosks rent beach buggies, umbrellas, chairs, and Hobie-cat sailboats. In Gulfport a new community sail training school is being built next to the Ship Island ferry. The school is part of the Mississippi Sound Historical Museum, which opened last year.

Gulfport's Lynn Meadows Discovery Center--three stories of educational challenges and activities--is a hit with hyperactive youngsters. Another family favorite is the Marine Life Oceanarium next to Gulfport's Banana Port and Grand Casino, where dolphins splash front-row viewers during performances.

by Carolyn Thornton

Get What You Want In 2006

2006-04-28T22:08:00.000-07:00

The New Year is upon us, and its
time to decide what this year will
bring for you.

What do you want from 2006?

Maybe a new car?

A new home?

The start of a successful business
or career?

Or maybe you are just making it
a priority to enjoy life more...
travel... and do the things you've
always wanted to do?

Whatever your goal is, here's how
to get there FASTER...

http://www.makemoremoneylessons.com/link/brainpower.html

My friend, Lee Benson, has put
together an excellent 32 minute call
on the subject of Brain Power-- and
why and how it makes sense to
maximize your mental talents in 2006.

Especially if you want more money,
more success, and to squeeze
more enjoyment out of your life.

I'm confident it'll not only help you
reach your goals more quickly; but
could improve your life in so many
more ways besides.

Highly recommended. Go listen.

Happy New year- here's to an
AMAZING 2006!

All the best,

You "Chan" Do It!

- Patric Chan
CEO, eSuccessMastery.com

--
motivation

joy

2006-04-18T13:28:00.000-07:00