Natural Health
| Early Detection Is The Key To Colon Cancer Survival |
| By : Ajit Hari Sahu | Previous | Next |
| Posted on : 22 Dec, 2005 | Total Views : 238 |
Cancer of the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer. The first 6 feet of the large intestine are called colon. The colon is part of the body’s digestive system. Colon cancer is a growth within the tube of the large bowel that can cause a number of symptoms. The basic type of colon cancer is called Aden carcinoma. It is a glandular cancer. There are other varieties, but this is the main type, the others are very rare.
The symptoms of colon cancer include chronic colon problems with irregular bowel movements and significant change in bowel habits (i.e., diarrhea lasting more than several days), obstruction of bowel movements, blood in the stool, pain in the lower abdominal area, abdominal mass or hardness in abdomen, significant weight loss, iron deficiency anemia which may cause bleeding in the colon, abdomen infection with pain and swelling which may indicate colon problems such as perforation.. But the symptoms of colon cancer commonly do not give any early warning signs of cancer, but through history, testing and examination can be determined. It is recommended that an individual over 40 years of age undergo a regular rectal examination or colonoscopy and a stool test for the presence of blood.
We must realize that colon problems are often as difficult to deal with as many types of cancer. Colon cancer is the second highest leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women each year. 90% of colon cancer symptoms are found in those over 50 years of age. Risk factors for colon cancer include: family history; history of polyps run a higher risk of having bowel cancer or previous colorectal cancer; a history of chronic constipation or improper elimination will also increase the cancer risk; smoking; physical inactivity; too much alcohol. There is also a 10% risk of ulcerative colitis (colon ulcers) turning malignant or cancerous. A high intake of read meat may also be a major contributor. (According to researchers high intake of meat, including beef, pork, veal, sausages and bologna, 3 or more ounces per day for men and 2 or more ounces per day for women).
If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer, the treatment includes surgery to the malignant tumor, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Nowadays there are also a lot of new treatments being tested, including medications and biological therapy.
Written By : Ajit Hari Sahu
