Colorectal, or colon cancer, is a significant health problem in the United States and the rest of the world. It is the third most common cancer throughout the world. In the United States, it is the second most common cancer among men and women. Although there are signs that deaths from this disease are slowing down, it still accounts for about 10% of all forms of cancer diagnosed every year.

The general public is not very knowledgeable when it comes to colon cancer. While this disease has been quietly ignored for decades, other forms of cancer have been grabbing the headlines. Lung, breast, prostate, ovary, have received more publicity and research money for years.

Fortunately, awareness of colon cancer has begun to increase. The public is becoming aware of how important screening for this disease has become. While breast cancer can be detected early by mammography, and prostate cancer by PSA blood testing, colon cancer can be detected before its malignant stage when prevention or cure is possible.

The development of fiberoptic endoscopy in recent decades has changed our way of thinking about colon cancer, and has provided great knowledge about the history of this terrible disease. It is a disease that is confined to a distinct part of the body that can be found through direct examination.

With increasing awareness, knowledge, and new medical discoveries and procedures, there are possibilities that this disease will be completely eliminated in future decades. And because of screening and early diagnosis, the number of cases of colorectal cancer have, and will continue to decline in recent years.

Greg has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. His newest interest is in home remodeling. Please visit his latest website that discusses home remodeling products such as sconce light fixtures and the best in modern wall sconce products that every home needs for that extra design touch.

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

You have just left your doctor’s office, where you got the news that you have colon cancer. The doctor is recommending that you have colon cancer surgery to remove it. Though he went over the surgery in his office, if you are like most of us, your mind started to wander to other concerns that you have. It may be possible that the jargon the doctor used just wasn’t making sense at the time. Now you are ready to understand what you are going to go through.

We can start with the basics. I like to know what to expect through the whole process, so that is the information that I am going to give you. You will stay in the hospital over night. After surgery you need to know that it takes time to heal and completely recover from the colon cancer surgery. Much like it does after any major surgery. You can expect to be uncomfortable during your first few days; this is normal and a typical complaint by most.

The most common “side effect” after colon cancer surgery is fatigue. You are going to be tired and weak. This is normal, and you need to give yourself time to heal and recover. The surgery has also been known to cause constipation or diarrhea. Your health care team at the hospital will be watching you for signs of bleeding, infection or other problems that may require immediate treatment.

Colon cancer surgery is the most common treatment for colon cancer. During the surgery the tumor that you have is going to be removed. Along with that the surgeon will take a small piece of the healthy tissue around the tumor and the adjacent lymph nodes. In most cases, then the surgeon will reconnect the healthy parts of the bowel.

The exception to this is if your cancer includes the rectum. If it does, then the surgeon will remove the rectum and create an opening in the abdomen wall. This opening is called a colostomy. It is through this created hole that solid waste in the colon will then leave the body. There are specialty nurses that will help you adjust to having a colostomy, so you will not be on your own. More often then not, a colostomy is not permanent. It is only needed until healing takes place. Also realize that most patients with colostomies do return to a normal lifestyle.

Depending on when your cancer was detected will determine if you will need radiation or chemotherapy. I am sure that what you really want to know is what the prognosis is. If I go through all this will I survive. Without a crystal ball it is impossible for anyone to give you a definite answer. You need to understand that from the outset. What I can tell you is that the long term prognosis after you have colon cancer surgery will depend on if the cancer spread to any other organs in your body. Usually, the best prognosis comes when the cancer is detected early. Surgery is often the only reasonable treatment and those patients tend to have a long term survival. More then 80% exceed the five year survival rate. Unfortunately the farther advanced the cancer the lower the percentage rate is. Medicine is not an exact science in the fact that we can not predict with precision a prognosis on an individual basis. You survival rate is significantly greater with the surgery then without it.

Talk to your doctor and your family. Make a plan and make sure that you have all the information that you need to be comfortable. Healing takes time, let yourself rest and heal properly.

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

Once colon cancer reaches the level of stage 4, this is the point, statistically, when the rates of survival decrease rapidly. The average five-year survival rate at this stage tends to be around 20 to 30 percent. Whilst these figures make the outlook look bad, an end to all hope should not be dismissed with stage 4 colon cancer. The importance of screening and early detection at this time is paramount.

If stage 4 colon cancer has been diagnosed, this means that the cancer has now manifested itself in other parts of the body. It is almost certain that the cancer has invaded the lymph node system and could possibly be found in the liver, lungs, bones and even the brain. Even at this stage, it is still possible for people to live past the projected five-year period. It all depends on the location of the spread of the stage 4 colon cancer. However, overall, the prognosis for stage 4 survival is not overly optimistic.

Even now, when stage 4 colon cancer has been diagnosed, there are several medical procedures and treatments that can be used to lessen symptoms. In areas where tumors can be removed, surgery can be performed to remove these tumors. If surgery isn’t an option, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used to help. Whilst there may not be a ‘cure’ for stage 4 colon cancer, doctors strive to help those diagnosed to live their lives, if not a little longer, then at least a little more comfortably.

Prevention is of paramount importance in ensuring that people do not end up with stage 4 colon cancer. This in itself is not going to prove 100% effective for everyone, but to help avoid this cancer, here are a few things that people can do:

Reduce the risks. Not all of the risks can be removed. Some can though, and they simply involve changing your lifestyle habits. Smoking, over indulgence of alcohol and a diet that is high in fat and low in fiber are all risks that can be eliminated. Other personal risk factors that can be addressed are obesity and lack of exercise.

Undertake a screening program. The normal check up procedure of screening starts around the age of 50. However, if the risks are deemed high in a person, then screening will start at an earlier stage. Both men and women are prone to colon cancer, so both can expect to have their physicians request screening exams every few years.

The importance of screening programs and risk reduction are highlighted by the fact that symptoms of colon cancer do not generally appear until the later stages. The best form of defense can be installed by making these two things a priority. By doing so, one can help to reduce the chances of stage 4 colon cancer forming.

Stage 4 colon cancer is not good and if diagnosed with this cancer, it doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. With the proper medical treatment and care, the chances of beating the five-year survival rate could be improved. Avoiding this situation in the first place by employing the combination of preventative measures and undergoing regular screenings is obviously the best step to take. These actions alone won’t guarantee that you won’t reach stage 4 colon cancer, but they will help in decreasing the chances for advancement of the colon cancer.

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

Having a colonoscopy procedure done can be an uncomfortable experience, but it is vital in the prevention and detection of colon cancer, as well as the overall health of your body. It is generally recommended to have this exam starting at age 50, then every 10 years after that.

A colonoscopy lets your doctor see the inside of your colon. This exam allows your doctor to:

* Inspect your colon for various abnormal areas, including bleeding, tumors, inflammation, pouches (diverticula), or narrowed areas.

* Take biopsy examples

* Treat bleeding areas

* Stretch, or dilate the narrow areas

Prior to a colonoscopy exam, your colon needs to be empty. You will be placed on a diet of clear liquid for 1 to 2 days before the exam. You may also be given laxatives or an enema.

Immediately before the colonoscopy begins, you will likely receive a sedative and a pain reliever to help you relax. During the exam, you will lie on your left side. A colonoscope is used that allows your doctor to pump air into your colon. This inflates the colon so the doctor can get a better view of the colon walls.

On average, a colonoscopy takes about 30 minutes, but could take longer if other procedures are needed, such as removing polyps. You will feel some cramping or pressure in the abdomen, but that will end once the scope is removed.

Once the exam is done, it takes about an hour to recover from the sedative. Someone will need to drive you home, because it can take up to a full day for the sedative to completely wear off. You may have some bloating and gas for a few hours afterward, but this will lessen once you expel the injected air.

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

Related articles by Cancer Treatment Pro

• Study shows unsedated colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening well accepted by patients (scienceblog.com)
• Simpler Colon Cancer Screening (technologyreview.com)
• Gene offers bowel cancer ‘shield’ (news.bbc.co.uk)
• American College of Gastroenterology 2008 Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening (casesblog.blogspot.com)

The survival rate of any form of cancer depends on how early it is detected and in what stage it is detected. This includes colon cancer. Medical professionals cannot stress enough the importance that early detection plays in the treatment and curability of colon cancer, or any other form of cancer.

The earlier you can detect this disease, the better the prognosis will be. Colon cancer is highly treatable and curable if found in the earlier stages. If you suspect that you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of this disease, you need to contact your physician immediately to schedule an appointment.

If you are in any of the risk categories for developing colon cancer and have never received an exam, you need to contact your physician immediately even if you are not experiencing any of the signs or symptoms. This is considered to be a preventative measure.

It All Depends On the Stages
The survival rate of colon cancer patients depends on what stage the cancer is in. Stage 0 and Stage 1 have the highest survival rate because they are the earlier stages and can easily be treated. The prognosis for these stages is above 90% for a five-year survival rate. In these stages, the cancer is caught in the exact place where it has started (Stage 0) or it is only affecting several layers of the colon wall (Stage I).

Stage II colon cancer still has a 50% to 85% chance of a five-year survival rate. In this stage, the cancer is usually now affecting the muscular layer of the colon wall or (depending upon the stage rating system used) could possibly be affecting less than three lymph nodes that lie near the outside of the colon.

Stage III of this cancer has anywhere from a 20% to 50% chance of a five-year survival rate. This stage of cancer, by the TNM staging system, has spread through the colon wall and is now affecting nearby lymph nodes and organs. By the new staging system, the cancer is affecting more than four lymph nodes. The way the disease spreads makes treatment harder and therefore reduces the survival rate.

Stage IV colon cancer is the latest stage, no matter what system of staging is being used. In this stage, the cancer has usually spread to other locations in the body. These usually include the liver and the lungs. At this level, there is usually less than a 10% chance of a five-year survival rate; however, because patients are different and cancer is different in each patient, some studies show that depending upon the masses and the areas that are infected, some patients can have anywhere from a 20% to 30% chance of a five-year survival rate.

You can now see why early detection is so important. Contact your physician if you feel that you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of this disease or if you fall into any of the risk categories. It is best if you schedule a regular exam to help your chances of early detection.

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