Colon cancer also known as colorectal cancer is cancer cells that are present in the long tube known as the large intestine and rectum. Some tumors found in this area are called polyps are not cancerous; however, tumors that are malignant are cancer. The polyps can be removed without the worry of spreading the disease, as they are not cancerous. Cancer of the colon or rectum on the other hand, can spread to other areas of the body and tissue. This occurs when cancer cells break away from the tumor and travel to other areas of the body, which is called metastasis, and can spread to the liver or the lungs. After metastasis occurs, the prognosis for a full recovery is dim.

The causes of Colon Cancer

As with practically all cancers, the exact causes are not known, however, risk factors that are present may help lead scientists to the answer. The risk factors for developing colon cancer include the following.

Diet

Individuals that eat a diet high in fat are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer. Those that eat a balanced diet and include such things as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables decrease their chances of developing colon cancer.

Colon polyps

Physicians believe that untreated polyps develop into colon cancer. In the majority of cases, these polyps are benign; however, over years without being removed the cells can change due to chromosome damage, which can become cancerous.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis can be a cause of colon cancer. This disorder brings on inflammation to the inner lining of the colon. In the majority of individuals with ulcerative colitis their chances of colon cancer begins to increase after 8 to 10 years of living with the disorder. Research shows colon cancer and individuals with ulcerative colitis include after 10 years 2.5% had colon cancer, after 30 years the rate rose to 7.6%, and after 50 years, it had risen to 10.8%.

Heredity

Past history of relatives with colon cancer increases the risk of this type of cancer. However, 80 percent of all patients do not have a family history of the disease.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Many people do not realize they have colon cancer due to the fact that the symptoms may not be present for many years after the development of the cancer cells. The symptoms can differ according to the location of the cancer or the tumor. The right colon is very large and in most cases, the symptoms are not apparent except for the possibility of becoming anemic due to iron deficiency due to the cancer. The left colon on the other hand is smaller and can cause partial or complete obstruction of the bowel bringing on constipation, diarrhea, cramps, bloating, and abdominal pain.

The main symptoms that are present with colon cancer include weakness, fatigue, change in bowel movements, shortness of breath, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, cramps, bloating, abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and diverticulosis.

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If you have been asking this question, you should read this article on what causes colon cancer and all cancer in general.

As far as reasons go, there are many reasons why colon cancer is such a large part of Western society. What it is that actually causes cancer? As with all things there is also one primary reason for cancer. This was discovered back in the first half of the twentieth century. The foremost biochemist of his day, Doctor Otto Warburg, discovered the prime cause and prevention of cancer. Even though the medical industry does not use his work, he nevertheless received the Nobel prize for his discoveries. Doctor Warburg would tell you that the primary cause of colon cancer is the lack of oxygenation of the cells in the body. In other words; what causes colon cancer is a low level or amount of oxygen that reaches the cells of the colon. Sure, polyps can develop and then turn cancerous, but they are not the primary cause, they are secondary or even later in importance.

Did you know that smoking is also a risk factor? Of course this is not going to be the primary cause of colon cancer, but smoking is destructive to more than just the lungs in the human body. Being overweight can help to cause colon cancer because an overweight person will usually have a low Ph ( another way to say low oxygen ) level. The familiar Ph paper can be used to test the oxygen level of more than just soil or water. It can also be used to test the acid alkaline level of the human body. A low oxygen level correlates to an acidic Ph level. Farmers have an optimum level of “positive hydrogen” ( Ph ) and it results in a good crop for them. The human body has the exact same optimum level as good soil. It is close to seven. If you will keep your body at the optimum or balanced Ph level, it will be very hard or impossible for cancer to form in your colon.

Colon cancer cells ( and all cancer cells ) are cells that live and operate with little or no oxygen. Normal healthy cells need and use oxygen to live. Colon cancer cells, like all cancer cells, burn sugar for energy. Normal healthy cells burn oxygen to make energy. Which is happening inside your body, including your colon ? If you learn to keep your weight under control, and exercise regularly, you will help to oxygenate your cells and prevent colon cancer. You will also be preventing other cancers from growing. When a cancer cell burns sugar to make energy, it throws off even more acid into the body. If you will make sure this process never starts, you will have defeated colon cancer. If the answer to your question; “What causes colon cancer ?”, seems too simple, it is not. The most powerful information is always distilled into the smallest answer by competent men or women. Doctor Warburg was one such man. Use his accomplishments in good health.

Explore other great cancer articles like Stages of colon cancer, Diagnosis of colon cancer and How to avoid colon cancer. Written by Nilgesz Csaba
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Colon cancer causes are often a result of irritable bowel movement symptoms, and may be responsible for conditions such as diarrhea, constipation, migraines and skin problems, among many others. Colon cancer is a major illness and one that causes life altering effects. This form of cancer is one of the most common in the nation. Most colon cancer patients suffer from polyps, which are abnormal cells that form clusters. When normal cells begin to transform, a potential problem arises. As time progresses, these growths get bigger and can lead to the development of cancer.

A vast majority of sufferers have a family history with the disease. In addition, the risk of developing colon cancer increases with age and is most common in those ages 50 and up. Certain individuals simply carry the genetic makeup, which may be identified through a series of tests, that may lead to colon cancer.

While there are no certain ways to pinpoint perfectly who develops cancer, or why, there are several risk elements that may increase an person’s chance of developing the illness. Among them being, a previous battle with cancer, a family history with colon cancer, poor diets, smoking and obesity. With so many risk elements, one may wonder if there is anything that they can do in order to prevent colon cancer. Studies show that a lot of physical activity or exercise and a low-fat, high-fiber diet may help to reduce the risks. In addition, certain medicines may also help to prevent the disease.

As is the case with many ailments, symptoms are often very similar to those of other diseases. It may be extremely difficult to get an accurate assessment of what’s wrong when so many illnesses carry the same symptoms. For this reason, it’s important to seek medical attention if an person experiences abnormal bleeding, weakness, pale complexion or abdominal expansion without weight gain, nausea, any alter in bowel movements or weight loss. Each person is different and, as such, symptoms may vary slightly. Because symptoms may either present themselves as severe or barely noticeable, it is recommended that patients be screened regularly for the presence of colon cancer causes.

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You or a family member have been diagnosed with colon cancer and you want to know what caused this cancer. Doctors don’t know the exact cause of colon cancer, but they do know that it usually starts as small growths on the inside of the colon called polyps. These polyps can take years to grow large enough to be seen during a routine colonoscopy and then it takes several more years for those polyps to become cancerous.

While the exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, there are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing this cancer. A risk factor is something that can raise the chances of you developing cancer or another disease. Some risk factors, such as age, cannot be changed while others, such as diet, can be modified and reduce the risk. The risk factors for colon cancer range from age to hereditary diseases.

The first risk factor for colon cancer is the most common. It is your age. Approximately 90% of all colon cancer cases are found in people over the age of 50. Many of these cases have no other risk factors, making this the most important factor in developing this cancer. This is why many doctors suggest getting a colonoscopy as part of your annual exam starting at age 50.

Another risk factor for developing colon cancer is your family’s medical history and any hereditary diseases that may affect the development of colon polyps. If a member of your immediate family (parents, siblings, or children) has had colon cancer, you are more likely to develop it. The risk depends upon how many relatives have had it, how old they were when they were diagnosed and if the history spans multiple generations. This is referred to as a strong family history of colon cancer and may be caused by genetic mutations. These mutations are more common in certain ethnic groups, such as Jews of Eastern European heritage. If this is your case, you may want to have a blood test to check for any genetic mutations.

These genetic changes can cause several conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (AFAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). All of these genetic conditions can develop into colon cancer, if left untreated. These conditions are rare and few of the people diagnosed with colon cancer actually have them.

Your medical history also contributes to your risk of developing colon cancer. Your risk is higher if you have had any cancer in the past. Large polyps, even after removal, can increase your chances of developing colon cancer. There are also certain diseases that can increase your risk of colon cancer, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

The final – and easiest to change – risk factors are diet, exercise and habits. A high fat, high calorie and high protein diet has been shown to increase the chances of you developing colon cancer. This type of diet may also contribute to another risk factor, weight. Lack of exercise also contributes to your risk. You can minimize these three risk factors by making some simple changes such as eating more fruits and vegetables and beginning exercise. These two changes will help you lose weight and improve your diet. Smoking and drinking also contribute to colon cancer risk. Some studies have shown that smoking increases your chance of developing colon cancer. Alcoholics are also at an increased risk for colon cancer because of their alcohol consumption. Studies have shown that drinking more than 2 drinks a day increases the risk of colon cancer.

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

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