Colon Cancer - Everything for the layman

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon, the lower part of the digestive system. It is the second most common cancer in the U.S. with equal distribution between men and women. Colorectal cancer usually affects people between the ages of 40, with the majority of people with the condition that is diagnosed more than 60 years. This disease may be able to affect any racial or ethnic group, but some studies suggest that Americans in the north of European cultural heritage Women have a higher average risk of colon cancer.

INCIDENCE

Colorectal cancer is more common in industrialized countries and in societies where red meat is an important component of the diet, although evidence suggests that only the conversion tends to your diet to white meat and seafood, such as Japan, to just swap gastric cancer for colorectal cancer. In almost all cases it is a treatable disease if caught early.

CHARACTERS AND> Symptoms

Cancer usually begins with the growth of benign growths such as polyps. There are often no early symptoms. If signs or symptoms of colon cancer appear, they may include: a change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a few weeks, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, persistent abdominal symptoms, such as For example, cramps, gas or pain, abdominal pain with aDefecation, a feeling that your bowel does not empty completely, weakness or fatigue and unexplained weight loss.

CAUSES

Colorectal cancer's exact cause is unknown, but it seems, inherited and are influenced by both environmental factors. Studies show a concentration in areas with higher economic development, suggesting a relationship to diet, particularly on animal fat and low fiber. Other factors that the risk of developing colorectal cancerare: age over 40 years, the presence of other diseases of the digestive tract, family and ulcerative colitis.

Development of colon cancer at an early age or at multiple locations or recurrent cancer, suggests a genetically transmitted form of the disease in order to prevent the sporadic form. There is also a slight increased risk for colorectal cancer in the individual who smokes.

The most common cancer-cell type is adenocarcinoma, which accounts for 95% of theFell.

DIAGNOSIS

The development of polyps of the colon usually precedes the development of tumors of five or more years. The American Association Gastroenterologial revised its screening guidelines in 2003 recommended that people with two or more first-degree relative with colorectal cancer or a first-degree relative with colon or rectal cancer before 60 years, a screening colonoscopy beginning at age 40 or should start before the age of 10 yearsEarlier diagnosis in their family (whichever is earlier). Those with first-degree relative with colon cancer after 60 Age diagnosed or two second-degree relative with colon or rectal cancer should be screening at the age of 40 with one of the methods listed above to begin, such as annual sigmoidoscopy. The most common screening tests are colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and faecal occult blood test.

CT scans and barium enemas are also routinely for the diagnosis of colon and rectal cancer usingCancer.

TREATMENT

Nearly all colon cancers are treated with first operation, regardless of the stage. The malignant tumor can include, adjacent tissues and any lymph nodes, cancer cells are removed.

In colon cancer, chemotherapy after surgery is usually only given when the tumors have spread to the lymph nodes (Stage III). Radiation therapy can also be used to cause the regression of the tumor. As with other cancer therapies, varies the frequency of adverse eventswith the health of patients and the exact nature of the treatment.

PREVENTION

There is no absolute method for preventing colon cancer. Nevertheless, there are steps an individual can take to dramatically reduce the risk or to identify the precursors of colorectal cancer, so they do not manifest. Persons aged 50 years and turn those who should be with a history of colorectal cancer in the family, with their doctor to talk about the latest screeningRecommended by physicians and cancer organizations. You should watch for symptoms and advised to all screenings to catch early on to increase the likelihood of cancer. Exercise is believed to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Apparently there is no correlation between frequency of bowel movement or laxative use and risk of the disease.

PROGNOSIS

The prognosis depends on the stage of the tumor and the general health of thePatients. If it is diagnosed early, before the tumor has spread from the intestines, these treatments are very effective, with about 90% of patients live five years after diagnosis. If the cancer does not come back (repeat) within 5 years, it will be cured. The prognosis for patients with liver and lung metastases poor.

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