Colon cancer and cancer of the rectum, are also known as colorectal cancer. Colon cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control on the wall of the colon. Generally, these cells start out as polyps that grow larger and become tumors. In most cases it takes years for these polyps to become cancerous. Because it is slow in developing, this type of cancer can usually be caught early through screening. With early detection, there is no reason anyone should die from colon cancer.
Who Is At Risk For Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer can affect just about anyone. It is the third most common type of cancer in the United States. It is estimated that about 56,000 people will die from colon cancer this year alone. Below you will find a list of factors that put an individual at high risk.
· Family history of colon cancer or intestinal polyps. Risk is more than doubled if a close family member such as a parent, sibling or child has colon cancer.
· A condition known as hereditary nonpolposis colon cancer syndrome is also genetic.
· Relatives that had an early on set of colon cancer
· Individuals over the age of 50 are at an increased risk
· African-Americans are at a slightly higher risk
· Highest in developed countries such as the United States and Japan
· Slightly higher in men than women
· People with Crohn’s disease
· People with ulcerative colitis
· Genetic predisposition or disorders. These disorders include: Turcot Syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Oldfield syndrome and Gardner’s syndrome and Famillial adenomatous polposis. These syndromes are generally classified under the umbrella of Famillial polyposis syndromes. They are generally rare genetic disorders.
· Diets high in fat and red meat
· Diets low in fiber
· Obesity
· Smokers
· Diabetics
· Excessive alcohol consumption on a daily basis
· Sedentary lifestyle
· Radiation to the pelvic area may slightly increase risk
How To Prevent Colon Cancer
Your best way to combat this cancer is to lead an active lifestyle. Make sure to take in high fiber foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Reduce your intake of fatty meats. Maintain a health weight. According to ongoing studies, certain vitamins may help. Vitamins such as E, C, D, calcium, selenium, folic acid, all may help to lower your risk of colon cancer. Some studies show aspirin may also be effective. Some doctors are using hormone replacement and cox-2 inhibitors to aid in the reversal of colon cancer and polyps. No scientific proof is offered at this time for or against these types of therapies and supplements. Keep in mind, since colon cancer develops gradually from benign polyps, early detection and removal of polyps can save many lives. Removing polyps early reduces the chances of these polyps becoming tumors.
Signs And Symptoms Of Colon Cancer
Unfortunately, often colon cancer does not show any symptoms until in its later stages. Here is a list of common signs to look for.
· Blood in the stool is the number one symptom
· Bleeding from the rectum
· Abdominal pain
· Weight loss
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Constipation or diarrhea
· Change in bowel habits
· Change in stool shape or size, including narrowing stools
· Fatigue due to bleeding in stools
Screening For Colon Cancer
If you suspect you may have colon cancer or you have a family history of polyps or colon cancer, you may want to get screened. Your doctor will give you a blood test called a fecal occult blood test (FOBT). This simple blood test catches a small portion of all cancers. The American Cancer Society recommends this test be performed on all patients over the age of 50 annually. A sigmoidoscopy will also be recommend approximately every 5 years and a colonoscopy every 10 years. Combined, these tests will catch the majority of colon cancer cases. If you are at higher risk than most patients, your doctor will want to perform these tests more frequently.
Colon Cancer Stages
Colon cancer can be broken down into 5 stages. Here is a brief outline of each one.
Stage 0- Cancer is confined to outside colon wall.
Stage 1- Cancer has spread to second and third layer of the wall.
Stage 2- Cancer has spread beyond and through the colon wall. Lymph nodes are not yet invaded by cancer.
Stage 3- Cancer has spread to lymph nodes.
Stage 4- Cancer has spread to organs and is in the most advanced stage.
Treatments For Colon Cancer
Surgery
Surgery is often performed for this type of cancer. The polyp will be removed along with a small amount of surrounding tissue. If the cancer has spread, patient may require a partial removal of the bowel. In such cases your doctor will want to remove local lymph nodes to make sure the cancer has not spread.
Chemotherapy
The reoccurrence rate with this type of cancer is around 40%. Chemotherapy is often used to cut down on reoccurrence. There are several different types of chemotherapy.
Intra-Arterial chemotherapy aims high levels of chemotherapy at recurrent tumors.
Fractionated Dose Chemotherapy attempts to divide up strong doses into smaller ones which are administered over a period of days. This therapy aids in the reduction of side effects from chemotherapy because these doses are not as potent. Your doctor will want to determine what stage cancer you are in to properly treat you. Side effects such as hair loss, nausea and vomiting are common.
Radiotherapy
Generally, this form of therapy is not used on this type of cancer.
Immunotherapy
This type of cancer therapy is also referred to as biological therapy. Immunotherapy uses your body’s immune system to reduce the side effects caused by chemotherapy,
radiation and other types of treatments that may cause damage to cells. This therapy is also used to combat the cancer itself. If this type of therapy works, it can repair and increase your body’s immune system.
Additional Options
New drugs are being tested in clinical trials. You may want to ask your doctor about the options available to you. Over the past twenty years the survival rate has greatly improved.
This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended for self diagnosis nor treatment. If you think you may have colon cancer please see your physician for screening.
