Colon cancer is a silent disease that only shows its symptoms at the advanced stages. It has a long latent period, it can be detected in the precancerous stage.

Symptoms

Colon cancer early symptoms include blood in the stool or unable to pass motion suggesting that the colon is blocked. Frequent diarrhea, constipation and unexplained stomach aches are early symptoms but they may be early symptoms of other forms of cancer. Weight loss, when there have been no changes to diet or exercise routine, may be another early symptom of cancer of the colon or other digestive cancers

Risk factors

There are many studies that indicate that diet plays an important factor. A combination of a diet high in protein and fats seems to be what causes cancer of the colon. Genes also play an important role while smoking adds to the risk.

Diagnosis

A faecal occult blood test is done to determine the presence of blood in the stool. If the result shows the presence of blood, the best way to diagnosis colon cancer is by doing a colonscope.

Treatments

Treatments for cancer of the colon depend on the stage of the cancer and whether the cancer has recurred. The overall health of the cancer patient is also an important factor in determining the treatment.

It is recommended that those especially with a family history of colon cancer to undergo colorectal cancer screening earlier. The good news is that when colon cancer is detected early when it is still confined to the mucosal layer, the cure rate is up to 90% through surgery.

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

Colon cancer staging is a careful effort to ascertain whether the cancer has dispersed, and if it has, to what additional regions of the body it has spread to. Staging is really significant as it helps to show which sorts of treatment may be suitable in opposing the cancer.

When a physician needs to measure the advancement of colon cancer in one of his patients he or she applies a formula known as Staging. This process is about determining to what degree the tumor has spread to the other areas of the patients body. When the doctor has figured out in what stage the illness is, they’ll formulate the best course of treatment.

Stage 0

Stage 0 also known as preinvasive cancer or colorectal cancer. In this stage the cancer has been discovered in the innermost lining of the colon.

Stage 1

In this stage the cancer has already started to spread, but it is still in the interior lining of the rectum or colon. In this stage it hasn’t arrived at the outer walls of the colon yet. Stage 1 is also known as Duke A or colorectal cancer.

Stage 2

In this stage it has dispersed more profoundly into or through the colon or rectum. Potentially it might have affected additional tissue also. In this stage it has not arrived at the Lymph nodes (bean-sized structures which can be found in the entire body that assists in combatting all forms of infections and diseases. Stage 2 is also known as Duke B.

Stage 3

Once you’re in this stage it has now spread to the Lymph nodes though it has not spread to nearby regions of the body. Stage 3 is also known as Duke C.

Stage 4

In this stage the illness has spread through the Lymph node system to additional nearby tissue. This is most commonly known as metastasis. The organs that are most probably affected are the lungs and liver. Stage 4 is also known as Duke D.

Survival rates for early stage detection is approximately 5 times that of late stage cancers. Staging is crucial because the spread of infection at diagnosis is the most potent predictor of survival, and treatments are frequently altered based on the stage.

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

Colon cancer warning signs should not be looked at lightly. As we get older, it’s crucial to know about and be able to distinguish colon cancer warning signs. Many colon cancer warning signs are not evident in the early stages and being mindful of the problems could prove vital to a better medical prognosis.

Cancers of the colon and rectum are most frequently discussed collectively under the name colorectal cancer, but its more common name is colon cancer. Cancer happens when abnormal cells develop out of control on the wall of the colon. In some cases, symptoms may be from a condition other than cancer, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and occasionally diverticulosis.

In the colon andrectum, this exaggerated growth could cause precancerous polyps(adenomas, or adenomatous polyps) to take form in the lining of your intestine. Over a long period of time (spanning up to several years) a few of these polyps may become cancerous. In later levels of the disease, cancerous polyps may get through the colon walls and disperse to lymph nodes and additional organs.

Once you have warning signs of any illness you had better visit your physician for diagnosis.

Some very early cancer symptoms are:

* Blood in your stool or darkened stools
* Change in bowel habits, either loose stools or constipation
* Pain in your stomach or pain during bowel movements
* Feeling exhausted when you have had adequate rest

Possible symptoms later on are:

* Pain in the lower abdomen area
* Feeling very tired
* Infrequent cramps along with difficult bowel movements
* Sickness if you are undergoing certain drugs or having radiation treatments

Cancer of the colon is generally not visible to the naked eye, but if you are aware of your health conditions, you could use early cancer symptoms to your advantage. Among the early warning signs of cancer is trouble in passing stools. Known as constipation, it is thought to be a very early warning sign of cancer in your body.

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

Related articles by Cancer Treatment Pro

• N.B. will fund costly colon cancer drug (cbc.ca)
• New developments in pancreatic cancer @AACR (pharmastrategyblog.com)

Colon cancer surgery is a major medical procedure. After an individual has colon cancer surgery there are several diet options that can prevent the colon cancer from reoccurring. One of the biggest contributing factors to colon cancer is dietary fat. A diet that has a high fat consumption greatly increases the amount of bile acids that are released into the digestive tract. Once bile acids have entered the colon the acids can actually turn into secondary bile acids. These secondary bile acids can promote the growth of a tumor in the colon. It is very important that after colon cancer surgery, to prevent the cancer from reoccurring, to eat a diet that is low in fat.

Another great way to prevent colon cancer is to eat a diet that is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are praised as an important substance in fighting colorectal cancer and other cancers of the body. Antioxidants give the body’s immune system a boost that acts as a defensive line against harmful free radicals.

Foods that are rich in antioxidants are vegetables and fruits. Even some types of tea are rich in antioxidants. Two very important antioxidants are selenium and beta-carotene. These two antioxidants are responsible for helping the body repair the damage caused by dangerous free radicals. Doctors recommend that an individual eat foods that are rich in antioxidants instead of taking a supplement.

Folic acid, calcium and vitamin D are both valuable resources in the fight against rectal cancer. Folic acid helps to form new tissues and cells in the body. Plus folic acid is in charge of keeping the red blood cells healthy. Foods that are rich in folic acid are dark leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits. Recent studies have proven that both calcium and vitamin D play a big part in fighting off colon cancer. It is important to eat foods such as yogurt, cheese, milk, sardines, salmon, mustard and dark green leafy vegetables.

After colorectal cancer surgery an individual should pay attention to their fiber intake. Fiber is believed to improve the health of an individual by moving waste through the digestive tract at a faster speed. There are many foods that are good sources of fiber. Some of these foods are berries, prunes, whole grain cereals, fresh fruits, vegetables, brown rice and beans.

When following a special diet after rectal cancer surgery, make sure to choose foods to eat that come from natural plant sources. Also, limit the intake of high-fat foods. Many high-fat foods come from animal sources. Make sure to exercise on a regular basis in order to maintain a healthy weight. After colon cancer surgery it is in an individual’s best interest to limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages. All of these suggestions can help in the fight against colon cancer.

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

Related articles by Cancer Treatment Pro

• Folate-Rich Diet Cuts Women’s Colon Cancer Risk (informationonhealth.blogspot.com)
• N.B. will fund costly colon cancer drug (cbc.ca)

In coping with colon cancer or any other cancer for that matter, you can develop different coping skills to face the disease effectively. Cancer of the colon is a disease stemming from the growth of cancer cells in the colon and rectal area. This cancer basically starts from the abdomen with the ability for the cancer cells to spread as the condition becomes more complicated. This type of cancer is also commonly referred to as bowel or colorectal cancer, and is the name given to cancerous growths in the rectum, appendix and colon in ether benign or malignant form.

Patients who receive a diagnosis of 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 one 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.

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

Related articles by Cancer Treatment Pro

• Daily Aspirin May Prevent Some Colon Cancers (inquisitr.com)
• GeneNews publishes positive ColonSentry(TM) validation data in leading International Cancer Journal (newswire.ca)