Colon Cancer
Cancer of the large intestine, or colon, can come on suddenly, without warning. It is the third most common type of cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in the USA. Known as colorectal or colon cancer, early detection is the key to preventing and treating this potentially fatal condition.
Signs and Symptoms
Unfortunately, many times colon cancer comes on without any symptoms, making it hard to detect early on. The symptoms that are experienced are quite similar to the symptoms of other, less serious disorders of the colon. These include the following:
- Blood in the stools
- Changes in bowel movements
- Rapid weight loss
- Anemia
- Abdominal pain
Causes of Colon Cancer
There is no one cause of colon cancer that has been discovered. As with all forms of cancer, a number of factors can contribute. Colon cancer usually first makes its appearance with non-cancerous polyps growing in the colon, which eventually turn cancerous. Genetics seem to play a role, and there are other risk factors such as smoking which increase the likelihood of catching this disease.
Risk Factors
- Family history of colon cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- High-fat diet, red meat
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Age over 60
- Low levels of selenium
While these risk factors may be indicators of a higher likelihood of undergoing colon cancer, it also strikes without warning. Monitoring health and going to the doctor regularly can help aid in early detection, increasing treatment possibilities.
Treatment Options
Once colon cancer has been confirmed, there are three treatment options, as with most forms of cancer:
- Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
They can be used alone, or in combination with one another to achieve the most potent solution.
Surgery – If the colon cancer is minimal, the doctor can remove the small cancerous polyps within the colon. If the cancer is more advanced and has affected a greater portion of the colon, a partial or full colectomy may be performed.
Radiation – In this treatment option, usually used in combination with surgery, X-rays are used to kill the cancer cells that have remained in the colon.
Chemotherapy – Colon cancer can also be battled with drugs, which is also a treatment option generally used in combination with either radiation or surgery.
Together, these treatments have a high success rate of eradicating colon cancer, provided the cancer is detected in a fairly early stage. Prevention goes a long way in avoiding the situation entirely.
Preventing Colon Cancer
Detection - Treating colon cancer is easiest if the cancer is detected early. It is recommended that all men and women over the age of 50 are screened by their doctors with a colonoscopy. For those at high risk (such as people with a family history of colon cancer), screening should begin at an even earlier age.
Nutrition – Colon cancer has been linked to diets high in fat, particularly red meat. A low-fat, high-fiber diet full of antioxidant-containing fresh fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of colon cancer.
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