A new study shows that a type of antidepressant could decrease the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Still, people with high risk shouldn’t start taking them yet. People should wait until solid evidence that this is true will be revealed and just after that they should go to a doctor and ask for the right medicine.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, an antidepresant, seems to stop or at least reduce the growth of the cancerous cells, this way inhibiting the development of the colon cancer. Experts recommend to avoid taking these drugs for their cancer-preventing properties because the were no solid proofs that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors really stops cancer.

An older test conducted on a group of almost 17,000 people, from which 3500 were diagnosed with colon cancer showed that people who used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors daily for at least five years earlier had a lower colorectal cancer risk rate. The researchers concluded that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors decreases the risk of colon cancer by stopping the evolution of the tumor cells.

There still are experts that don’t agree with this study saying that it is inconclusive, mainly because most of the colorectal risk factors, factors like obesity, smoking, lack of exercise and so on, are causes for depression to. Their main argument is that if you get rid of the depression and start having a healthy life then the risk of colon cancer is reduced.

But both sides agree on a simple thing: further studies are required to elucidate the role played by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the prevention of colorectal cancer. Besides, antidepressants are know for creating addiction and a large field of health problems. Surely they are not as worse as colon cancer but if they aren’t controlled those problems will become even worse.

Most physicians don’t yet agree on prescribing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors against colorectal cancer. There aren’t yet any concludent proves to support the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and the physicians are well aware of the risks imposed by the excessive use of antidepressants.

About the Author:For more resource on different colon cancer subjects please click this link http://www.colon-cancer-center.com. You can also find valuable information about stage3 colon cancer or even about colon cancer diet
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Can Regular Antidepressants Keep Colon Cancer Away?

Colon cancer is one of the most diagnosed forms of cancer in the United States. Although colon cancer has the highest incidence in people with ages over 50, the disease can also be developed by young adults and even children. Despite the fact that it can occur in both sexes, colon cancer predominantly affects the male gender. In most cases, colon cancer is a life-threatening disease that requires immediate treatment.

According to the factors that lead to the development of colon cancer, there are two main types of the disease: hereditary colon cancer, which occurs due to genetically inherited physiological abnormalities of the large bowel; and acquired (sporadic) colon cancer, which occurs due to inappropriate diet and unhealthy lifestyle.

Oncologists claim that acquired colon cancers have an unpredictable pattern of progression, usually evolving latently. Unlike hereditary colon cancer, acquired colon cancer can be very difficult to diagnose. The presence of acquired colon cancer in patients is usually discovered long after the disease becomes serious, rendering medical treatments and therapies ineffective in overcoming it.

While most people with underlying hereditary predispositions to colon cancer can’t effectively prevent the occurrence of the disease, healthy people can avoid colon cancer by following a proper diet and by making lifestyle improvements. Research results indicate that the leading cause of acquired colon cancer among the American population is obesity, followed by physical inactivity and the excessive intake of red meat and other meat products that are rich in saturated fats. Doctors claim that by reducing the consumption of processed meat and by increasing the intake of fiber-rich foods, one would be able to decrease the chances of developing sporadic colon cancer or colorectal cancer by up to 50 percent. Doctors also inform that people who exercise regularly and maintain a normal body weight are very unlikely to develop colon cancer.

In order to minimize the risk of developing colon cancer, one should reduce the intake of saturated fats, proteins and simple carbohydrates (foods containing sugar), in favor of unsaturated fats
, complex carbohydrates and fiber-rich foods (fresh fruits and vegetables). Doctors state that margarines, cooking oil and processed foods considerably add to the risks of colon cancer and thus they should be avoided from any diet.

To completely eliminate meat products from one’s diet can be very frustrating. However, this is rarely necessary. In small amounts, properly cooked meat products don’t increase the chances of developing colon cancer. A healthy diet can include low-fat meats, as long as they are prepared through other methods rather than frying. Instead of frying the meat, consider broiling, grilling, steaming or roasting it. This way, you will be able to eliminate unhealthy fat, the substance that greatly contributes to the development of colon cancer.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/inappropriate-diet-as-a-major-cause-of-colon-cancer-68723.html

Symptoms of colorectal colon cancer

Colon cancer or colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. And it occurs most often in people older than 50. With 655, 000 deaths worldwide per year, it is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer – related death in the Western world. When it is found early, it is easily treated and often cured. But because it usually is not found early, it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Knowing what are the symptoms of colon cancer is very important because it is easily treated if it is found early. The key is to find it as early as possible.

The rudimentary symptoms of colon cancer are usually superficial, parallel disconsolate, weight loss, and tiredness ( exhaustion ). Local ( bowel ) symptoms are rare until the tumor has grown to a big size. Much, the nearer the tumor is to the anus, the other bowel symptoms finished will equate.

The cecum and ascending colon are on the good side of your intestines. Cancer in this area may filter, causing roseate in the leak and symptoms of anemia, including prostration and weakness. The amount of rubicund may buy for humble and in consequence hardy mixed with admit that your make public may gaze standard. The rambling colon goes across your body from good to isolated. Cancer here may cause abdominal cramps. The descending colon and the S – shaped sigmoid colon are on the troglodytic side of your tummy and join the rectum. Cancer here may cause narrower stools and bright red blood in the stool.

The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer in the United States is about 7 %. Colorectal cancer can take many years to develop and early detection of colorectal cancer greatly improves the chances of a cure. If you or your doctor thinks you have colon cancer then you will need a test, called a colonoscopy, that lets the doctor see the inside of your entire colon and rectum. During this test, your doctor will remove polyps or take tissue samples from any areas that don ‘ t look normal.

The symptoms include:

Abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort
Bloody stool
Long, thin stool (often described as pencil-like)
Unintended weight loss
Loss of appetite
Changes in normal bowel habits (rectal bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, or feeling an inability to completely empty the bowel).

Each year nearly 150,000 new cases of this disease are reported. There is no identifiable cause for it, but the following are some of the factors that may increase the risk of its development:

Gender (Both men and women are equally prone to developing the malady. However, men tend to develop the rectal version at slightly higher rates, while women are more prone to the colon variety)
Age (The sickness can be developed at any age, but the chances are increased in people over the age of 50 years old.)
Diabetes
Obesity
Cigarette smoking
Alcohol consumption
Poor diet
Family history
Personal history.

People with a family history of colorectal cancer are slightly more prone to developing it. If more than one family member has been diagnosed with the problem, the risk is even higher. Also, diets high in calories and fat, and low in fiber add to an increased risk of developing the disorder. Anyone over the age of 50 should undergo regular screening for the disorder, but anyone in any of the above risk groups should begin earlier.

Screening normally consists of an annual rectal exam, including stool samples. Some exams may require a scope to be inserted into the rectum in order to view the entire bowel. If there is cause for concern or further examination of the colon’s tissue, a biopsy may be ordered for a closer analysis. If cancer is discovered, other tests, such as an ultrasound, CT scan or X-ray would be done in order to determine whether it has spread to other areas. Of particular concern is the liver as it is one of the more likely places that this dangerous disease spreads to.

Because the risk can be reduced by a high fiber diet, proper weight management (including exercise) and by not smoking, it is highly recommended that people opt for healthier lifestyles and decrease their chances of developing this type of life threatening ailment, and others, as much as possible.

Anyone who has experienced some of the previously mentioned symtoms, or who are in one of the risks groups for the disease, is advised to seek screening tests as early as possible since colorectal cancer responds very well to treatment in the earliest stages.

About the Author:Symptoms of colorectal colon cancer
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Symptoms of colorectal colon cancer

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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:
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Why Bacteria May Be the Cause of Colon Cancer Symptoms

This is a 9 minute video for people who have had bowel cancer surgery and now have a colostomy. So many people with a colostomy do not know about colostomy irrigation and how it can get freedom and normality back into ones life.

This colon cancer video is an instructional guide on how to do a colostomy irrigation and I hope should be a great help to those who have had bowel cancer surgery.

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