Know Your Enemy: What is Colon Cancer?
The word cancer always brings worries to anyone who hears it. In
most cases, people never realize they have cancer, not until the
feel some kind of pain and have it checked out, only to find out
that they already have it. Especially nowadays, with the kind
lifestyle that is being imposed upon us, news and studies tell
us that we can get it from the foods we eat, the air we breathe
and virtually almost anywhere.
We cannot know when or why colon cancer might strike us, but we
can certainly take specific measures to significantly lessen the
chances of getting colon cancer. But first, we have to arm
ourselves with information. What is colon cancer? How would you
know if you have it?
Have you had, or do you know of any one who might be
experiencing change in their bowel movement, blood in their
stool (scientifically referred to as melena, hematochezia) or
bowel obstruction? These are some of the more obvious symptoms
of colon cancer, but it is possible for the symptoms to be less
specific. Things like abnormal weight loss, anemia, that occurs
with symptoms like fatigue, pallor and lasting discomfort are
also possible signs. If upon check-up, there is liver's
enlargement (or hepatomegaly), this could be due to the tumor
spreading.
Like a lot of cancer cases, there are also ocassions where no
symptoms are present at all. Moreover, it is highly recommended
to get check-ups for the disease from time to time.
Colon cancer, more scientifically, colorectal cancer or bowel
cancer, is characterized by harmful growths in the colon or
large bowel, rectum and appendix. Many think that cancers come
from the formation of polyps in the colon. These polyps are
commonly non-threatening, but some might progress into colon
cancer over time. Colon cancer is now the third among most usual
form of cancer and the second leading cause of death among
cancers in the Western world.
Like we mentioned earlier, diet also plays a huge role. Studies
show that if a person's usually consists of red meat, and is low
on fresh fruit, vegetables, poultry and fish invites the risk
for colon cancer. A study done by the European Prospective
Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition in June 2005 suggested
that a diet high on red and processed meat and low on fiber, are
associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. People who
preferred fish showed a decreased risk. However, the relation
between dietary fiber and risk of colon cancer remains
controversial as other studies have cast doubt on claims that
high fiber intake can decrease the risk of colon cancer.
The risk of developing colon cancer also increases with age.
People in their 60s and 70s are more suceptible, while cases
before age 50 are uncommon unless there is a history of colon
cancer in the family.
In women, usually those who've had cancer of the ovary, uterus,
or breast are at higher risk of developing colon cancer.
Smokers and physically inactive people are also more likely to
develop of colon cancer.
How do you know if you have it? There are may ways of diagnosing
for colon cancer, like a digital rectal exam or a PET (Positron
Emission Tomography) scan. One sure way is through a
colonoscopy. In a colonoscopy, a lighted probe called a
colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and the entire colon to
inspect for polyps and other abnormalities that may be caused by
cancer.
If polyps are found during the colonoscopy, they can be
immediately removed. Tissue samples can also be taken for
biopsy. Therapy is usually done through surgery, with many cases
also requires chemotherapy.