New research may link one of the species of bacteria that live in our digestive system to the development of colon cancer symptoms. Home to many species, some “good” and others “bad”, our digestive system provides these microbes a place to live, and in return they help with digestion and training the body’s immune system. In susceptible people, this otherwise harmless organism causes DNA changes that can be a precursor to cancer.

The organism, known to scientists as enterococcus faecalis, (or E. faecalis for short) lives quietly in the digestive system of most of us, and it’s true that not everyone develops colon cancer. For reasons scientists have yet to understand, in some people the organism produces an oxygen molecule known as superoxide that cause changes in DNA and prompt some of the gene action tied to cancer.

The research, conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Oklahoma City, looked at how colon cells reacted in the lab to the bacteria in the “fermentation” state. All in all, 42 genes linked to key processes in body cells were altered by the presence of E. faecalis.

“We found that superoxide led to strong signaling in immune cells called macrophages – it also altered the way some cells in the gut grew and divided and even increased the productivity of genes which are associated with cancer.” says professor Mark Huycke, the lead researcher.

Experts in the UK also agree that bacteria may be likely culprits in cancers of the colon. Dr. Barry Campbell of the University of Liverpool agrees that E. faecalis could be involved, but he also believes that there are other bacteria in the bowel that play a part in the cell changes that eventually bring on tumors. He insists, “There is not going to be only one culprit. Our own team is interested in a particular type of E. coli with this in mind. There are also many other factors which are involved, such as genetics and environment.”

And while the experts figure out what may be the root of the problem, there are things that you can do, right now, to reduce your risk. Living a healthy lifestyle where you eat right, exercise, don’t smoke or drink to excess are important first steps. Keeping your weight under control will not only reduce your colon cancer risk, it will have you looking better and feeling better too.

You’ll also want to learn all you can about colon cancer if you have a close family member like a parent or sibling with this disease. If you are at increased risk, your doctor will likely advise you to have colon screening tests before the usual age of 50. Don’t put these off, and report promptly any change in your bowel habits to your doctor. Waiting in fear does you no good… and may rob you of your chance to fight your disease.

You’ll also want to limit your exposure to toxins and radiation. While it takes a lot of radiation to get to a level that might cause cancer, you want to have tests you need but try to avoid exposure to unnecessary radiation.

Each year colon cancer claims nearly 50,000 lives, with over 100,000 patients newly diagnosed with colon cancer symptoms. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy and vaccine therapy. Clinical trials are also ongoing and yielding promising new leads all the time.

About the Author:
Over 14,000 people have joined Kirsten’s popular (and sometimes controversial) Daily Health Bulletin, so why not join them and stay up to date with the latest on treating colon cancer symptoms and general health news daily. You also get 5 comprehensive health reports free when you join – giving you all you need to treat common ailments, lose weight, look younger and
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Why Bacteria May Be the Cause of Colon Cancer Symptoms

The large intestine, also called colon, is located in the abdominal cavity where it takes the form of an inverted U. It follows the small intestine into the pit right iliac then back along the abdomen, it is experiencing in its upper part, then downhill into the left iliac fossa where it forms a loop S (sigmoid colon ).

It then continues with the rectum and then, 15 cm lower, with the anal canal and ending with the anus. Malignant tumors of intestin develop in 70 percent of cases in the rectum and sigmoid, from the mucosa (inner layer) or more often a polyp (benign tumor that has cancérisée).

Colon Cancer Symptoms

We have to wait very long, often several months to see the first symptoms usually occurring by the presence of blood or mucus in black, and disorders of transit for more than three weeks, mainly characterized by alternating diarrhea and constipation. Without treatment, cancer of the colon can cause intestinal obstruction, more rarely perforation of the bowel wall. Later, chronic bleeding that occurs in the tumor causes anemia and unintended weight loss.

Colon Cancer Causes

If we do not yet know the exact causes of colon cancer, it is believed that some severe inflammatory diseases of the bowel as well as foods rich in fat and low in fiber promote its appearance.

We also believe that five per cent of cancers rectocoliques certainly have a family, ie they are favored by inherited genes. We know for example that children, brothers and sisters of people who had colon cancer may also develop this disease. This risk is particularly high in families with a “familial polyposis.”

The disorder is characterized by the presence in many colon polyps, benign tumors that almost always turn into cancer if not removed in time. The progress of genetic engineering we will soon find the gene responsible for the disease among children in these families, regularly monitor those who own and operate them if necessary, while avoiding investigations and unnecessary fears to those who do the not.

Colon Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

If there is no really effective way to prevent colon cancer, it is strongly recommended eating foods rich in fiber and drink plenty of fluids. The systematic excision of polyps discovered during an endoscopy is in fact the main measure to prevent colon cancer.

It is also impossible to practice early detection, for example by using a self-examination. The only way to detect colon cancer is to consult a doctor without delay from onset of symptoms mentioned above, namely the presence of blood in the stool and disorders transit. It is therefore necessary to regularly observe the appearance of the stool. The presence of blood should never be attributed to hemorrhoids, at least among those who have more than forty years before fully to investigate the intestine by endoscopy (direct examination with a flexible instrument that we introduced by the rectum).

As for reviews that are to detect the invisible presence of blood in the stool in search of a chronic hemorrhage, they may be useful but are not sufficient because they do almost never detect tumors early, when it is still curable. Moreover, the presence of blood in the stool is not always a sign of colon cancer.

The only way to make a diagnosis with certainty is that allows endoscopy to examine directly, or the lower part of the large intestine (rectosigmoïdoscopie) where develop almost all the tumors of the intestine or the entire large intestine ( colonoscopy).

About the Author:Florida Abortions Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women’s Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including Medical Abortions, physical examinations, family planning, counseling, laboratory services. Orlando Women’s Center. Second, And Late Term Abortions Clinic.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Understanding Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Causes and Early Detection

Colon cancer is a condition that is rather deadly and is considered as one of the toughest cancers to catch during the early levels. When this cancer spreads it will encompass the whole colon and rectum and it can distribute to other vital organs within in the body.

There are particular kinds of measures that can be done to treat colon cancer – but the chances of survival are decreased when the person is in the late level of it. For better chances of survival it is profound to study how to distinguish the early signs of colon cancer. The earliest you can receive the treatment you call for the higher your chance is to survive and beat it.

The most common early symptoms is rectal bleeding. Still, this might usually be mixed up with hemorrhoids. This is not the time to be taking any chances or guessing your medical condition. Rather you will want to speak to your doctor and allow them to determine for you what the problem is.

Blood within your bowel movements is also a commonly misdiagnosed sign. At time the blood can be dried and it can be difficult to find or forgotten easily. This bleeding is usually a sign that there is a tumor within the colon or the rectum.

There are other more subtle signs that people never seem to observe because they are not hurtful or fearful in anyway. Narrow stools over a long period of time could be a symptom of a tumor. The narrow shape of the waste in your body is stimulated when it is trying to make its way around the tumor.

If you are feeling constipated and bloated for a long period of time then you need to confer with your doctor. Also nausea and vomiting can occur and seems to happen with no obvious reason. You may also feel that you perpetually have to eliminate a bowel – but can’t seem to. All of this is induced by the tumor in your rectum or colon.

Ensure that you contact your physician and have a thorough exam if you are feeling any of these troubles. Early detection can increase your survival rate and serve you to live your life in ease.

About the Author:Learn how to find Early Symptoms of Colon Cancer and what you can do to Prevent Colon Cancer.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Symptoms To Look For In Colon Cancer Patients

Colorectal cancer will take nearly 50,000 lives the year, and is our country’s second largest killer. Screening is available, though there is a significant effort required in terms of preparation and the time needed to perform the test. For most people, the recommendation for your first colonoscopy is at age 50, though it may be sooner if you have risk factors for colon cancer or have noted any potential colon cancer symptoms.

If you’ve heard horror stories about colonoscopy, the test used today to screen for colon cancers, new technology may just save you from being someone who can tell them. There’s a new x-ray alternative that’s currently being studied by the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) National CT Colonography Trial and is showing itself to be effective at spotting most cancers.

The long anticipated study involved 15 medical centers across the U.S. and compared the accuracy of CT colonography to colonoscopy, the current gold standard of colon cancer diagnosis. The results of this study were published in the Sept. 18, 2008, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

A “virtual colonoscopy” (known technically as CT colonography) is a cheaper, less intrusive ‘super’ x-ray used for colon screening. The new test was able to pick up nine out of ten people who had large growths or cancers also detected by traditional colonoscopies. Of the false positives detected by the new type of scan, one in four turned out to be correct.

The new screening still involves some preparatory work i.e. cleaning the colon with laxatives or suppositories, just as you do today. You then go to a hospital radiology department to have the test, which takes about 10 minutes (compared to 30-60 minutes for colonoscopy). You lay first on your back and a thin tube is inserted into the rectum, air pumped in and then the table moved though the scanner, taking pictures all the time. You will then go through the scanner again, only this time lying on your stomach. After the two scans, a computer will process the images to create a picture of your lower digestive tract.

Unfortunately, radiologists can more easily misread the virtual colonoscopy. Polyps can be spotted that aren’t there, which may lead to unneeded follow up treatment and the terrible anguish of the threat of a serious health problem. However, sometimes the testing picks up other conditions, outside the colon, that wouldn’t have come to light that need to be addressed or investigated.

One other concern involves the amount of radiation you are exposed to during the test. The dose is half that of a standard CT scan, but experts worry about what this exposure means over time. Especially since this new test should be done every five years, as opposed to every ten years for traditional colon screening.

The new “virtual colonoscopy” seems to have the most value in getting people in for screening and identifying who may need further follow up. And early detection of colon cancer symptoms does save lives.

About the Author:Over 14,000 people have joined Kirsten’s popular (and sometimes controversial) Daily Health Bulletin, so why not join them and stay up to date with the latest Colon cancer symptoms and general health news daily.
You’ll also get 5 comprehensive health reports free when you join – giving you all you need to treat common ailments, lose weight, look younger and feel healthier.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Spotting Colon Cancer Symptoms is Not Only Accurate But a Whole Lot Faster

Related articles by Cancer Treatment Pro

• Simpler Colon Cancer Screening (technologyreview.com)
• Study shows unsedated colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening well accepted by patients (scienceblog.com)
• Amgen’s Vectibix is dead in colorectal cancer (pharmastrategyblog.com)

Colon cancer is a medical problem that is quite lethal and is regarded as one of the hardest cancers to distinguish when in the early levels. When this cancer spreads it will extend to the whole colon as well as the rectum and it might spread to other essential organs in in the body.

There are certain types of measures that can be taken to address colon cancer – but the risks of survival are weakened when the person is in the late stage of it. For better chances of survival it is crucial to discover how to recognise the early symptoms of colon cancer. The earlier you can get the treatment you demand the higher your chance is to survive and beat it.

The more standard early symptoms is rectal bleeding. However, this might normally be mixed up with hemorrhoids. This is not the time to be taking any risks or guessing your medical condition. Rather you need to talk to your doctor and let them find out for you what the problem is.

Blood contained in your bowel movements is another common misdiagnosed sign. Sometimes the blood can be dry and it can be challenging to find or forgotten easily. This bleeding is usually an indication that there is a tumor contained in the colon or the rectum.

There are other more subtle signs that individuals never seem to discover because they are not hurtful or scary in anyway. Narrow stools over a long period of time could be a sign of a tumor. The narrow shape of the waste in your body is induced when it is trying to make its way round the tumor.

If you have been feeling constipated and bloated for a long period of time then you should confer with your doctor. Also nausea and vomiting can take place and seems to happen without any obvious reason. You may also experience that you perpetually have to eliminate a bowel – but can’t seem to. All of this is induced by the tumor in your rectum or colon.

Make sure that you contact your doctor and have a complete exam if you are feeling any of these troubles. Early detection can increase your survival rate and serve you to live your life in ease.

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

Cancer & Health – It’s All about The Cell