Colon Cancer Causes and Symptoms


The colon is the part of the large intestine that stores waste material. Colon cancer develops when harmful cells begin to grow abnormally inside the colon, which can be initiated from a number of causes.

Colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of death among cancers in the Western world.

Colon cancer causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year. Studies have shown that the cells that lead to colon cancer were once polyps, benign tumour inside the colon. When the polyps are left untreated they can become cancerous.

colon cancer is mainly diagnosed through colonoscopy and therapy is usually through surgery, which in many cases is followed by chemotherapy.

Frequently, the patient may be asymptomatic. This is one reason why many organizations recommend periodic screening for colon cancer disease with fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy.

Symptoms


When colon symptoms do occur, they depend on the site of the lesion. Generally speaking, the nearer the lesion is to the anus, the more bowel symptoms there will be, such as:

• Change in bowel habits
• change in frequency (constipation and/or diarrhea)
• change in the quality of stools
• change in consistency of stools
• Bloody stools or rectal bleeding
• Stools with mucus
• Tarry stools
• Feeling of incomplete defecation
• Reduction in calibre of faeces
• Bowel obstruction

Causes


The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer in the United States is about 7%. Certain factors increase a person's risk of developing colon cancer:

• The risk of developing colon cancer increases with age. Most cases occur in the 60s and 70s, while cases before age 50 are uncommon unless a family history of early colon cancer is present.
• Family history of colon cancer also increases the risk of developing colon cancer.
• Smokers are more likely to die of colon cancer than non-smokers.
• Studies show that a diet high in red meat and low in fresh fruit, vegetables, poultry and fish increases the risk of colon cancer.
• Physical inactivity may increase the risk of developing colon cancer. People who are physically active are at lower risk of developing colon cancer.
• Exposure to some viruses (such as particular strains of human papilloma virus) may be associated with colon cancer.
• Heavy alcohol use may also increase the risk of colon cancer.

Chemotherapy


Colon Symptoms Chemotherapy is used to reduce the likelihood of metastasis developing, shrink tumor size, or slow tumor growth.
Colon Symptoms Chemotherapy is often applied after surgery , before surgery , or as the primary therapy if surgery is not indicated.

Health Tip:


You can help maintain colon health by cleansing with an herbal fiber supplement. An annual cleanse is a great way to jumpstart your healthy-eating or detoxification plan.

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