What You Need to Know About Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, also known as Colorectal Cancer or Rectal Cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women in the United States. It is estimated that this year there will be approximately 108,070 new cases of Colon cancer and 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer in the United States. These cases will result in approximately 49,960 deaths.

Colon Cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), which is the lower part of the digestive system; it also includes rectal cancer which is cancer in the last 6 inches of the colon. This is where food is processed to create energy for the body. It is also where the body disposes of solid waste matter. After food is swallowed it is deposited in the stomach where it is broken down. It then travels into the small intestine where it is broken down further and the nutrients are absorbed into the body. The food is then feed into the large intestine (colon) which absorbs more nutrients and water from the food and stores any waste matter. The waste matter then passes through the Rectum, which is the last 6 inches of the colon, before being expelled from the anus. There are several layers of tissues that line the walls of the colon and rectum. It is in these layers of tissues that Colorectal cancer starts. The cancer begins in the inner layer and spreads outwards. The stage of the cancer therefore depends on how deep it extends into these layers. There is no single cause of colon cancer, nearly all colon cancers usually begin as small, benign groups of cells called polyps. These Polyps may be large or small and depending on size produce maybe produce little or no symptoms. These Polyps eventually may develop into cancer.

The exact cause of Colon cancer is unknown, however there are certain known factors that can increase you risk of cancer. These include: age, genetics, ethnic background, dieting exercise, smoking, and diabetes. Colon cancer is dangerous because it often has no symptoms. The following symptoms however, may indicate Colon cancer: Abdominal pain and tenderness, blood in the stool, Change in bowel habits, intestinal obstruction, unexplained weight loss, or unexplained anemia.

Due to increased and improved Screening techniques Colorectal cancer cases and deaths have been declining for about the last 15 years. With proper screening polyps are usually found and removed before they become cancerous. Colorectal cancer can also be found at earlier stages where it is more easily treated.

Colorectal cancer screenings are tests that look for Colorectal cancer in patients who do not have any symptoms. These tests can detect colorectal cancers at very early stages which dramatically raise the chances of successful treatment. Certain screenings are also able to detect polyps in the colon which maybe become cancerous. The two most common tests are the Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (flex-sig) and the Colonoscopy. The Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is a flexible lighted tube which is about .5 inches thick. The tube is about 2 feet long and when inserted rectally it allows the doctor to examine the bottom half of the colon for cancer or polyps. If an adenoma polyp or Colorectal cancer is found you will need a Colonoscopy to check the rest of the colon. In a Colonoscopy a longer version of a sigmoidoscope is used which then allows the doctor to check the entire colon for cancer or polyps. With either test if Polyps are found they may be removed during the test.

Many treatment choices are available for Colorectal cancer. These treatments include: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other targeted therapies using monoclonal antibodies. Different therapies may also be combined depending on the stage of the cancer.

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