Articles on Cancer

The medical science has done such a phenomenal job in the recent past that, it has been
successful to a great extent, in controlling the spreading of cancer. However, there was a time
when this disease was considered to be the most dangerous one even in its early stages. Because
of the lack of experience and required drugs, there was no hope for a cancer patient to survive.
Again, with the advent of latest technologies and many other drugs, many cancer patients have
been saved from death. As a matter of fact, there have been various measures taken towards
the prevention of the same and thus, reducing the risk to a great level. Of all the many kinds of
cancers, Colon Cancer Causes maximum trouble to a patient. One of the major causes for this
type of cancer has been constipation. Listed below are the reasons why the experts think in this
way.

• With the passage of the stool, there is a movement in the bowel on a regular basis.
However, when there is no stool passage for a continuous period of 3 to 4 days, the colon
cancer can take place.
• With the absence of movement in the bowel, other diseases like heart attacks etc. may
also disturb your health.
• The cleaning of the colon is very important as there are many harmful bacteria, which
gets deposited there. If it does not pass through stool, the Colon Cancer Symptoms tend
to appear.
• Colon Cancer Causes deep trouble to your entire body system especially the stomach
portion. Thus, increased level of constipation is extremely dangerous for you.
• The waste materials that get deposited in the colon of the body are very harmful.
Extraction of those waste materials from your body is very important, in order to save
you from the symptoms of colon cancer.

With the above mentioned consequences of constipation, it is quite evident that it causes
colon cancer. Thus, if you ever feel like suffering from this problem, you should immediately
consult your doctor. This is simply because; you should not neglect these little issues as they
may take a bigger shape like the colon cancer.

Get Rid of Constipation and Colon Cancer:

The Colon Cancer Treatment completely depends on the stage of the cancer as it differs in
different stages. In order to treat the cancer, you should look forward for the treatment of the
symptom, if you want to prevent the cancer from going to a further stage. As far as the colon
cancer is concerned due to constipation, you should work out well in order to get rid of this
constipation problem. If you are able to do that, you will be able to enjoy your life in your
desired manner.

With the help of the entire article, it is quite clear that, no matter how bigger the disease is,
the prevention of it I always in your hands. Hence, you should never avoid these little issues
as it can take the shape of a dreadful and dangerous disease.

Life is something, which has been presented to you by god, and you should respect this gift and
live life with full enjoyment. There are patients suffering from various critical diseases, whose
life span is limited, but this does not means that they will leave the hope for living. Similarly,
colon cancer is also a very dangerous and life threatening disease. Again, if you are suffering
from this disease, the first thing for you to know is that the cancer is in which stage. It is very
important for you to ascertain these facts as your treatment will depend upon these outcomes
only. The Colon Cancer Treatment is not done everywhere too. Hence, you should consult your
physician regarding this, in order to get the best treatment.

There are cases where the colon cancer is detected in its first or second stage. In those
conditions, the risk of life is not that much and it can be cured with proper treatments. However,
there are cases too, where the cancer is diagnosed only after reaching the fourth and the final
stage. The danger of life here is the maximum, but there are certain procedures to be followed
here. Listed below are the certain things to be done both medically and mentally, in order to
make the survival easier.

• First of all, you do not need to get impatient and lose hope in any case as this will fill
negative energy in you. This negativity can kill you even before your death. Thus, you
should stay positive and follow the guidelines.
• You should immediately consult an experienced doctor who is a specialist in the colon
cancer cases. This is because only he will be able to show you the correct path.
• In the advanced stage of colon cancer, the tumor tends to spread in the body. If possible,
these tumors are also removed with the help of surgeries in many cases. This can
certainly reduce the symptoms of cancer.
• If required, even chemotherapy and the radiation therapy are done on the patient to
minimize the risk factor. Again, these should be done by the specialist doctor.
• Instead of taking things into a depressive way, you should try to enjoy your remaining
life joyfully. This will let you create memories with your loved ones.

With the help of the above-mentioned points, it is clear that panicking is not the solution
for these kinds of dangerous diseases. Whatever may be the Colon Cancer Causes, but the
fact is that the Colon Cancer Symptoms are visible and you will have to treat it, rather than
running from it. In case of the final stage cancer, the normal life span ceases to 5 years after
its detection. Thus, you should try and co ordinate with your doctor and do everything, which
pleases your mind.

If proper precautions are taken along with the proper medication, you can even break this
barrier of 5 years and live freely. All you need to do is just be positive and think positive.
This will certainly make you feel better and help you forget your colon cancer for a while.

Colon Cancer Prevention

With a number of illness and diseases coming up, you will find medical field continuously
searching for several way of treating them. And with the presence of advance technology
in almost all the fields, is has been possible to see treatment options, which have been quite
effective in treating a lot of different diseases, especially the ones related to cancer. However,
there are certain diseases including colon cancer that can be prevented as well, if you can
manage to change your lifestyle. Colon Cancer prevention is possible, but you need to know
about the disease first.

Colon Cancer Information

Almost a third of cancer cases in US are contributed by Colon Cancer. However, since the
cases have been increasing at an alarming rate, it means that people are not yet aware of this
dreaded disease. This cancer mainly happens due to abnormal functioning of large intestine. The
large intestine starts growing and you will find the cancerous cells to be developing in different
sections of your colon. As per a recent data, around 50 percent of the cancer cases in US find
themselves engulfed by death. The figure drops down to almost 35 percent in Canada, but it is
still quite alarming. With such high number involved, there is a need to have an awareness about
the disease. People should know the methods for Colon Cancer Prevention.

Colon Cancer Prevention Methods

One of the areas, which greatly influence the occurrence of colon cancer, is your lifestyle. You
must have an eye out on your diet. You should know the type, which you are having on a regular
basis. In case it comprises of high fat and low fiber meals, like red meat, your colon is going
to get a beating. In case you are not sure about the type of food, which is going to suit you the
best, it is best to recommend a dietician or even your doctor. They are the best judge in the
determining the kind of food, which you should have to keep your colon healthy.

As a part of colon cancer prevention, you will find a lot of doctors offering you with diet, which
is rich in fiber and includes fruits, grains and vegetables. Of course, they will not stop you from
having red meat. However, they would expect you to reduce its amount. Yes, it can be a difficult
thing to change your habits immediately, but if you want to get rid of colon cancer, you need
to be strict on different grounds. The change in your food habits can be done at a gradual pace,
but you should make it a point that the enticing site of high fiber meal does not engulf you again
over the long term.

Other than the diet, exercising can also help in colon cancer prevention. There is a scope to jog
around in most times of the day. Again, you might even get yourself some equipment to keep
working out whenever you find time in a day.

Remember, colon cancer prevention is possible, but only if you are ready to lead a healthy
lifestyle.

There are a number of cases, where you will not find the colon cancer symptoms to be present.
However, if in case they were present, you would find considerable changes in the bowel or stool
habits. Also referred to as Colorectal Cancer, this is a kind of a malignant tumor growth, which
takes place in our large intestine, a common site for cancer.

Colon Cancer Symptoms

There are a number of cases, where you will find that there are no symptoms present, especially
in the early stages. However, in such cases, when the symptoms start developing later on, they
include:

- Tarry Stools, which may be bloody or totally black
- Pain in Abdominal region and having cramps all the time
- Constipation, Narrow Stool or Diarrhea
- Unexplained and Uncontrollable Loss in Weight
- Anemia

Colon Cancer Causes

There a number of cases in which you would find the beginning to be with benign growth. This
starts to become dangerous with time. The colon cancer cause cannot be understood clearly.
However, there are a lot of risk factors, which can be taken into consideration:

Risk 1: The person’s age is above 60

Risk 2: Your Diet includes less of fiber and more of fat, especially the red meat

Risk 3: You are a person of Afro-American or Eastern European Descent

Risk 4: Presence of Crohn’s Disease or similar other Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Risk 5: You have had Colon Cancer cases in the Family

Risk 6: You smoke a lot of Cigarettes and drink a lot of alcohol

In case you go by the figures, Colon Cancer contributes majorly to the cancer-caused deaths in
the US. However, in case it is caused at an early date, there is a possibility of a complete cure.

Colon Cancer Diagnosis

In case there is colon cancer symptoms observed in a patient, the next step would be to diagnose
and find out, if it was a false alarm or not. In some cases, you will find that the disease is caught
through normal physical examination only. However, in some cases Colon cancer diagnosis
is important. There are tools, which can help in finding out that if there is blood present in
your stool. In case there are colon cancer symptoms appearing on your body and system, your
large intestine will have to go through physical examination, colonoscopy, barium x-rays and
sigmoidscopy for definitive colon cancer diagnosis. You might also have to go through Blood
Test for checking anemia. You may even have to go through FOBT (Fecal Occult Blood Test)
for detecting small amounts in stool indicating colon cancer.

Colon Cancer Treatment

Colon Cancer Treatment is dependent upon the progress of the cancer. Again, it depends on
which organs have it spread. There are surgery conducted for removing the cancerous cells. You
may even find doctors taking the help of Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy for destroying
cancerous cells.

So, you should have an eye out for Colon Cancer symptoms and make sure that the right move is
taken at the right time.

Colitis or inflammation of the colon is considered to be a predisposing factor for colon cancer. About 5% of individuals with ulcerative colitis develop colon cancer. Disease duration and extent of colon damage increases the risk of colitis colon cancer. Patients with disease only in the rectum have the lowest risk. When part of the colon is involved, it is of intermediate risk and when the entire colon is involved, it is known as pan colitis and is of the greatest risk.

Other risk factors for colitis colon cancer include family history of colon cancer and crossing 50 years of age. The risk for cancer begins after 8-10 years of colitis.

It doesn’t matter if inflammatory bowel disease is an active disease or gone into remission; patients with IBD in remission have the same risk as those who have the active disease. For patients with chronic ulcerative colitis, a colonoscopy may have to be done to rule out the possibility of cancer, and have to be repeated at regular intervals. It is important for colitis patients to make yearly appointments with the gastroenterologist in order to check for changes in disease activity.

Prevention: Colon cancers are most often advanced before they are detected. The most effective way of prevention is to detect the cancer early and remove the polyps before they turn malignant. Many health organizations have suggested screening guidelines:

• Digital rectal examination and stool occult blood testing- All individuals above the age of 40 should have annual digital examination of the rectum and stool examination for hidden blood. The prostate gland is examined at the same time. Tumors of the rectum and colon bleed slowly into the stool and the small amount mixed with the stool is not visible to the naked eye. A patient testing positive for stool occult test has a 30-45% chance of having a colon polyp and a 3-5% chance of having colon cancer.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is recommended every 3-5 years after the age of 50. Using a viewable tube the rectum and the lower colon is examined. If a polyp or cancer is found, a complete colonoscopy is recommended.
• Genetic counseling and testing: Blood tests are available for hereditary colon cancer syndromes. When identifying family members of high risk, colonoscopies can be begun early to prevent cancers.
• Diet and colon cancer: Reducing fat intake and increasing fiber in the diet helps in the prevention of colon cancer. It has been said that high fiber intake leads to bulky stools which gets rid of the potential carcinogens in the intestines. It also leads to the rapid transit of feces through the intestine thus minimizing time of interaction between the carcinogen and intestinal lining.

Colon bowel cancer poses a major problem in the western world, ranking the second most common cause of cancer related deaths. The first six feet of the large intestine is called the colon or large bowel thus cancer affecting this region is called colon bowel cancer. There may also be involvement of the last six inches of the large intestine i.e. the rectum and anal canal.

Signs and symptoms caused by colon bowel caner may also be seen in other disorders. They include:

• A change in bowel habits
• Diarrhea/ constipation; a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
• Blood in the stools
• Cramps or fullness; frequent gas pains, bloating
• Idiopathic Weight loss
• Narrower stools than usual (ribbon shaped stools)
• Lethargy
• Vomiting

Diagnosis: Early diagnosis is better in treating colon cancer. Investigations carried out include

1. Fecal occult blood test: the stools are examined for the presence of blood with a microscope.

2. Digital rectal exam: the rectum is examined for lumps or any other abnormalities by palpation.

3. Barium enema: a barium containing liquid is put into the rectum and x-rays are taken to observe for abnormalities.

4. Sigmoidoscopy: this is a procedure which involves the use of a sigmoidoscope (thin tube like instrument) to look into the sigmoid colon and remove polyps and tissue samples which show signs of cancer.

5. Colonoscopy: a colonosope is another instrument used to look into the colon through the rectum and also helps in polyp removal.

6. Virtual colonoscopy: a series of CT x-rays which make a series of pictures of the colon. These detailed images put together may show the presence of anything unusual in the colon.

Treatment: Different types of treatment options depend on

1. Stage of the cancer

2. The patient’s general health

3. Whether the cancer has recurred

There are three standard treatments used in the treatment of colon bowel cancer: chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Psychotherapy is an additional treatment provided which has shown longer survival rates in patients.

Surgery: This is the most common treatment option and can be done for all stages of cancer. Different surgical options exist depending on the extent of involvement such as

• Local excision: done at an early stage and the cancer is removed.
• Resection: when the cancer is larger the cancer and some of the healthy tissue around it is also removed.
• Resection and colostomy: when the colon is not sutured back together an opening is created and a bag is placed to collect the waste matter.
• Radiofrequency ablation: a special probe with electrodes is used to remove the cancer cells.
• Cryosurgery: an instrument is used to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue.

Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to stop the cancerous growth of the cells by killing the cells or preventing cell division. Chemotherapy depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.

Radiation therapy: This type of treatment makes use of high energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or make them from growing.

Colon cancer or cancer in general is an aggressive and invasive disease that requires a number of different treatments, thus a colon cancer doctor is available for every treatment. A number of different treatments exist for colon cancer: chemotherapy, radiation and surgery etc.

With the guidance of colon cancer doctors for the various therapies, treatment proceeds. The main specialists involved would be:

• A medical oncologist, who looks into the medical treatment and prescribes chemotherapy; also consults with other surgeons and radiotherapists for other treatments for cancer,
• A radiation oncologist treats the patient with the therapeutic applications of radiation therapy.
• A surgeon (colorectal/ general surgeon / surgical oncologist) performs surgery. The colon cancer doctor who deals with surgery (formerly known as proctology) is trained to diagnose and treat various diseases of the intestinal tract, colon, rectum, anal canal and perianal area by medical and surgical means. The specialist also deals with organs and tissues in the primary intestinal disease such as the liver, urinary and female reproductive system). The surgeon is expected to deal with conditions such as hemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses, and fistulae. They also perform endoscopic procedures to evaluate and treat problems before diagnosis, such as the cancer, polyps and inflammatory conditions. The surgeon has to establish the diagnosis and provides the preoperative, operative and post operative care to surgical patients.
• Gastroenterologists: they are physicians with special training in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. They also perform colonoscopy which is a test that uses a long thin tube that moves through the colon and rectum and produces images of the entire colon. This can be viewed on a computer screen.
• Pathologists: they deal with the cause and nature of disease and contribute to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment with the application of knowledge gained by the lab work of the biologic, chemical and physical sciences.

In addition a patient may also want to seek out others help; a dietician may help in deciding the right nutrients during the treatment. Therapists, social workers or psychologists may help the patient and other family members in dealing with stress and emotional effects of cancer and the treatment process. It has been observed that psychotherapy helps in longer survival after an average of four hours of individual bed side therapy and support in the peri operative period.

Most cancer treatments work best when they complement each other. So the colon cancer doctors need to work together to determine the best strategy.

Cancer of the lower part of the digestive system is called colon cancer. The colon cancer story begins when healthy cells in the colon become altered and continue dividing even when not needed. Over a long period of time these cells become cancerous.

Even though the exact cause is not known, the risk factors that initiate the colon cancer story are as follows:

ª      Older age: colon cancer can occur in young people but about 90% of people diagnosed are older than 50.

ª      Previous history and family history: a greater risk is to be in those patients who have already had colon cancer or adenomatous polyps. Colon cancer is more likely to develop if a parent or sibling in the family has the disease.

ª      African- American race: African Americans are more likely to develop colon cancer than other races.

ª      Inherited syndromes: genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis and lynch syndrome also called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer increases colon cancer risk.

ª      Inflammatory intestinal conditions: chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis and crohn’s disease increase the risk of cancer.

ª      Low fiber- high fat diet: this disease maybe associated with a low fiber high fat diet. Even though studies show mixed results, an increased risk maybe present.

ª      Diabetes: insulin resistance and diabetes may increase the risk of cancer.

ª      Sedentary lifestyle

ª      Obesity

ª      Smoking

ª      Alcohol : heavy consumption increase the risk of cancer

ª      Radiation therapy: radiation used to treat previous cancers of the abdomen increases the risk of colon cancer.

Colon cancer is a preventable disease. Early detection through screening programs has helped in the decline of colon cancer in developed countries.

Colorectal cancer can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy or radiation or a combination therapy. The method used depends on the location of the cancer and the degree of its spread. When the cancer is localized to the colon or rectum, surgery is all that would be required. For early stage cancer a colonosope maybe sufficient to remove the cancer whereas other cancers may require a surgical resection where a portion of the colon containing the cancer is removed along with the normal surrounding tissue and lymph nodes and the remaining colon is repaired.

Radiation maybe used along with surgery. Using either external beams or surgically implanted radioactive pellets, radiation causes shrinkage of the tumor or destroys small amounts of cancerous tissue before surgery.

Chemotherapy is indicated when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and also as an adjuvant therapy to primary surgery and radiation.

Also referred to as colorectal cancer, cancer of the colon is a form of disease that begins in the colon/ large intestine or the rectum. It is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of death among cancers.

Early colon cancer is one of the most curable cancers but is fatal in the late stages. Colorectal cancer has four distinct stages, along with a fifth stage that is a recurring stage.

Stage 0: This stage comprises of early colon cancer where the cancer involves only the lining or mucosa of the rectum and is within the polyp. When the polyps are removed the chances of progressing into malignancy is removed.

Stage 1: Early colon cancer is also seen in stage 1 where a little more than the inner lining of the colon is involved. Treatment involves surgery where the cancerous portion is resected and the healthy non cancerous tissues of the colon are reconnected.

Stage 11: When the cancer has spread outside the colon to the tissues (metastases) but has not spread to lymph nodes. Resection may have to be done to treat this stage.

Stages 111 and 1V comprises of aggressive and later stages of cancer with a minimal survival rate.

Earlier the treatment, greater the prognosis of the disease. As in other forms of cancer, colon cancer does not manifest itself until the disease begins to spread. Thus early symptoms which indicate colon cancer should be known:

• Pain in the lower abdominal area (stomach pains may be accompanied with swelling indicating perforation of the colon.)
• Diarrhea which lasts for more than several days
• Vomiting
• Obstruction of bowel movements
• Blood in the stools
• Weight loss
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Abdominal mass or hardness
• Constant tiredness

With proper screening and increased awareness colon cancer can be detected in its early stages or even before the development of symptoms. Regular screening can often find colon cancer early and the polyps can be removed before they turn malignant.

Colon cancer screening tests: there are different tests that are used for screening colon cancer.

1.    Tests that can find both polyps and cancer

§  Flexible sigmoidoscopy

§  Colonoscopy

§  Double contrast barium enema

§  Virtual colonoscopy

2.    Tests that mainly find cancer.

§  Fecal occult blood test

§  Fecal immunochemical test

§  Stool DNA tests

A patient suffering from colon cancer is dependent on many factors, the important one being how early the cancer is detected. More than 90% of patients who had the disease diagnosed at its early stages survived the ordeal. Sadly at present, only less than 40% of sufferers are diagnosed early.

There are usually no early warning signs and symtoms of colon cancer, thus it is important to get screened. Detecting the cancer early gives a greater chance of prognosis.

It is important to note that the symtoms of colon cancer are also seen associated with many other kinds of diseases and infections. It may be often difficult to detect colon cancer until it has reached advanced stages and when the tumor is prominent. As the disease progresses the following signs and symtoms may be noticed:

• Constipation: the path of solid waste may be obstructed while passing into the rectum and thus constipation may occur. This usually happens when the tumor is at an advanced stage.
• Stomach cramps: when there is diarrhea or constipation it may also result in stomach cramps. Cramps can also occur in advanced stages when the tumor pushes against the bowel walls, resulting in discomfort.
• Narrowing of the stools: when a tumor starts growing and obstructs the path of feces, there isn’t sufficient space for the stools to pass thus narrowing of the stools occur.
• Fatigue: a feeling of constant tiredness even after you have received proper rest maybe a sign of colon cancer.
• Unexplained weight loss: a sudden weight loss not contributed by any physical strain or disease may be one of the symptoms of colon cancer.
• Blood in the stools: even in small amounts, the presence of blood in the stools is a dangerous sign as it could be due to bleeding of the tumor. A fecal occult blood test will have to be performed as the blood itself may not be visible at times.
• Feeling the need to pass stools but unable to do so: this maybe a symptom experienced in the presence of a tumor especially in the lower end of the rectum.
• Vomiting and gas: nausea, vomiting and gas are also common symtoms when the tumor is obstructing the colon; and the rectum may trap air and cause irregular bowel movements.
• Anemia: chronic bleeding may occur leading to anemia before it is realized. This especially happens when the colon tumor is in the right colon which is more spacious than the left.

Colon cancers can occur at any age and no one can be considered too young to develop this cancer. However, about 90% of the people with this disease are older than 50.

Colon cancer refers to the uncontrolled multiplication of cells from the inner lining of the colon or the rectum which results in the formation of a mass, blocking the passage thus affecting the functioning of the colorectal system.

eople affected may have the disease without any symptoms of colon cancer but it is always good to know what to look out for, especially after the age of 50.

Most of the symptoms of colon cancer encountered by patients are of the following:

• Constipation: usually constipation or having bowel movements less than three times a week is your body’s way of suggesting a change in diet or exercise; but is also a common symptom faced when a tumor in the colon or rectum makes it difficult for the waste to pass through.
• Thin stools: in the beginning of the colon, waste material is slushy and easily moves around the colon, but toward the lower part of the colon and rectum the stools solidify and are difficult to pass when there are obstacles. Thus how it looks when it leaves your body gives an inside look on what’s going on. Thin stools may indicate that your waste is squeezed by an obstacle on its way out, indicating a tumor.
• Bloody stools: when the tumors bleed, they show in your stools. This is termed hematochezia. If the tumor is at the upper part of the colon, the blood is dry and difficult to detect; however at the end of the colon, the blood may appear fresh and bright red on the stools.
• Stomach cramps: the larger the tumor the more it obstructs the passage of stools; depending on the severity of the blockage, solids, liquids and even gas may be prevented from passing by, which results in stomach cramps.
• Sense of fullness: when a tumor is found at the end of the colon, close to the rectum, a sense of fullness is commonly felt. This is because the body senses something which it may not be able to get rid of, thus the sensation can’t be relieved.
• Unexplained weight loss: effortless weight loss is a symptom of something wrong in the body. In case of colon cancer it indicates that the tumor is releasing chemicals that increase the body’s metabolism.
• Lethargy: the tumor can lead to iron deficiency anemia which cause lethargy in patients. When tumors bleed, it results in the loss of iron. This symptom is mostly seen in tumors involving the upper part of the colon.
• Gas and bloating: when the tumor starts growing and blocking the passage, you may feel bloated. When the blockage resolves itself all that air, will need somewhere to go and you’ll be gassy.
• Nausea and vomiting: although this is a common symptom found in many disorders, it is also seen in colon cancer.

The early stages of the disease may go on without any symptoms of colon cancer and it’s recommended that regular screenings may alert you for the presence of the tumor.

Colon cancer, commonly known as large bowel cancer, is characterized by dangerous mushroom shaped cancerous growths in the rectum, colon or appendix.

There are usually no early warning signs of colon cancer; thus it is important to get screened. When the cancer is detected early, there are more chances of survival. Beginning at the age of 50, most people should have a colonoscopy every 10 years. This procedure involves the use of a very small camera to examine the entire colon and rectum. These not only find tumors early but can also prevent colon cancer by removing polyps.

There are various signs of colon cancer and they depend on where the cancer is located. Most of the signs that occur may be non specific i.e. they may also occur in case of other diseases, thus diagnoses may be difficult at times. A person may also have colon cancer for a few months before any of the signs develop.

Signs of colon cancer may be divided into:

¨      Local: where signs persist in local areas only

¨      Constitutional: when they have an effect on the whole body in one way or the other.

¨      Metastatic: these signs are caused by the spreading of the colon cancer to other organs in the body.

Local symptoms are likely to be observed if the cancerous part is located near the anus. This may result in changes in bowel habits leading to diarrhea or constipation. If the growth is in a position to block the passage of stools, it causes constipation, water retention, nausea, cramps in the stomach, indigestion and eventually diarrhea. When the cancerous part involves the rectum, a change in the shape of stools are noted, particularly a change in the diameter. Tenesmus or a feeling of unfinished defecation is also a common sign. Presence of blood in the stool and increased mucus are also some early signs of colon cancer.

When the cancer if found to affect the left colon, signs include vomiting, abdominal cramps or bloating and weakness.

When the cancer is advanced it is readily palpable on physical examination of the stomach. Other local signs also include blood in the urinal or vaginal discharge.

Constitutional symptoms: these include iron deficiency anemia which is characterized by weakness, fatigue and palpitations. The patients are anemic due to the slow but extended blood loss over a period of time. Unexplained weight loss is a more subtle sign, if one is not attempting to lose weight. Reduced appetite and fever are also noticed.

Metastatic symptoms: when the colon cancer spreads to other parts of the body metastatic symptoms develop. They include pale stools accompanied by jaundice. This may be because the cancer spreads to the liver.

A patient should not ignore these innocuous ailments and discomforts as they are also the signs of colon cancer.

Colon cancer is common in the western world and rare in Asia and Africa. A high incidence is also detected in those countries who have adopted western diets. Colon cancer can be present for several years before the presentation of symptoms. Colon cancer symptoms may also vary depending on where the tumor is located in the bowel. Symptoms are numerous and non specific. They include the following:

• Bleeding from the rectum: after a bowel movement, blood may be spotted on the toilet tissue. Other diseases other than colon cancer may cause rectal bleeding, but it should never be ignored. Bright red blood indicates a tumor in the rectum.
• Constipation: when there is a presence of a tumor in the colon, the patient may face difficulties in moving the fecal matter through the colon due to the obstruction and thus may feel constipated.
• Changes in bowel habits: if diarrhea and constipation last for more than two weeks or bowel habits go back and forth between diarrhea and constipation consultation should be made with a doctor.
• Thin stools: thin stools promptly indicate obstructions of the passage of stools. They are found to be ribbon shaped stools.
• Pain in the abdomen or rectum: discomfort, dull/vague pain or sharp pain in the abdomen or rectum indicates a number of possible causes. It does not always mean that cancer is present but it is better to be consulted. Stomach cramps due to cancer may be felt due to blockage strictness of solids, liquids and gas.
• A feeling that a bowel movement cannot be completed.
• Unexplained weight loss
• Low red blood count/ anemia
• Paleness, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath
• Yellowish coloring of the skin or white of the eyes.

Symptoms may vary according to where the tumor is located in the large bowel. The tumors that develop in the right colon can grow to larger sizes before they cause any symptoms because the right colon is spacious. Right colon tumors also cause iron deficiency anemia due to slow loss of blood over a long period of time. Since the left colon is narrower than the right, cancers of the left colon are more likely to cause partial or complete bowel obstruction.

Colon cancer symptoms may be confused with those of a number of other digestive disorders. It also does not mean that you have cancer when you have one or more of these symptoms.

Early detection of colon cancer helps in determining colon cancer survival rate. Survival rates indicate the chances a patient has of surviving the disease for a specified length of time. The chances of surviving colon cancer have increased considerably over the years due to the advancing medical technology and newer methods of treatment. Years ago studies have shown that the survival rate was just 8% but in 2009, 30% of the people live 5 more years after the disease is diagnosed.

Colon cancer survival rate may depend on several factors as explained below

• Depending on the tumor location: in the US, the survival rate of 5 years for tumors in the ascending colon is about 63%. In the transverse colon it is about 59%, and in the descending colon, it is about 66%.

• Colon cancer survival rates also differ with the country; in the US, the survival rate is about 62%, while in Europe, it is only 43%. This may depend on the quality of care rendered or the colon cancer screening programs. But it is best to acknowledge that the earlier the colon cancer detected, the easier it is to treat.

• Stage at diagnosis: when detected in the early stages it is one of the most curable of cancers by as such as 90%. There are over 1 million survivors of the disease in the US today. Research shows that in Australia, the five year survival rate for stage 1 colon cancer is 93% but it is only 53% for stage 3 colon cancer. Later the disease is diagnosed, the lower the survival rates.

• A study conducted in Boston revealed that moderate exercise can increase the survival rate of colon cancer patients. This is one factor which is in your hands, unlike the other factors stated above which cannot be controlled by the patient.

• Treatment is mainly surgical, where the cancerous portion of the bowel is removed. Surgery may be followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy which improves the survival rate by a further 5-6%.

Men are said to have a 44% chance of developing the disease at some point in their life as compared to women whose chances are 37%. Generally a person, irrespective of gender has a 6% chance of developing colon cancer during his/her lifetime.

Colon cancer survival rates given here are generalizations based on research and studies conducted and your individual chances of survival may be quite different.

Colon cancer is now considered the most important cancer in the United States; this is a disease of the developed world. It accounts for approximately 90% of all intestinal cancers and is the second highest cause of cancer deaths for men and women each year.  Although colon cancer is one of the most preventable of cancers, most often it is diagnosed only when it reaches an advanced stage.

Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep the body functioning normally, but when this growth gets out of control, the cells continue dividing and the new cells are not needed. In the colon and rectum, this may develop into precancerous polyps in the lining of the intestine. With time, these polyps become malignant and may penetrate the walls of the colon and spread to the lymph nodes and other organs in the body.

Colon cancer polyps:  polyps may be mushroom shaped or flat, large or small. There are different types of polyps some of which are stated below:

• Adenomas: these have more potential of turning malignant and are usually removed during screening tests like sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.
• Hyper plastic polyps: these are hardly a risk factor for colon cancer.
• Inflammatory polyps: these polyps are often found to occur after a bout of ulcerative colitis; and some have the potential to turn cancerous; so having ulcerative colitis increases the overall risk of cancer.

Prevention of colon cancer

The following suggestions may help in the prevention of colon cancer:

• Grain fed, hormone injected meats, pasteurized dairy products and packaged, processed foods should be minimally consumed as they are acid forming and rob the body of protein digesting enzymes needed for destroying cancer cells.
• Foods that lower body ph like most of the  simple carbohydrates such as white rice, pasta, white flour, refined white sugar and artificial sweeteners deprives the cells of oxygen and feed cancer; thus minimize such foods.
• It’s always good to eat enzyme rich raw fruits and vegetables and drink raw chlorophyll containing juices from deep green leafy vegetables and complex carbohydrates such as beans, lentils etc. Raw cauliflower and broccoli are also beneficial cancer killers. Five or more servings of fruits and vegetables are recommended every day. Raw nuts and seeds should also be incorporated in the daily diet. Fish, grass fed meats and poultry are also excellent choices to keep the cancer away.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and normal body weight. Exercise helps stimulate movement of the bowel and reduces the time exposed by the colon to harmful substances. At least 30mins of exercise is recommended most days.

There are many suggestions to prevent colon cancer as they can occur at any age and no one is too young to develop it.