subject: What Causes Heart Diseases [print this page] What Causes Colon Cancer What Causes Colon Cancer
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer or as it is sometimes referred to colorectal cancer or large bowel cancer is specific to a disease that is characterized by the appearance of cancerous growths within the rectum, colon and appendix. It is the third most prevalent form of cancer and is the third major cause of cancer related deaths in the western world. It has been stated that the cancer may materialize because of polyps that are within the colon. Though these growths are usually benign they can become malignant tumours. This kind of cancer is frequently diagnosed using colonoscopy. It is likely to be treated with surgery followed by the application of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.
What causes colon cancer?
There are several risk factors that will increase an individuals odds of developing colon cancer. Some of these are listed below with a short description of each risk factor.
A diet that has a lot of fat is a common factor in encouraging the development of the disease. Studies have indicated that a diet that is high in fat, low in fibre and that maintains excessive portions of red meat may induce the development of the disease. It is speculated that the breakdown of fat in the large and small intestines may make carcinogenic chemicals. Therefore it is recommended that a person eats vegetables and foods that are high in fibre to assist the body in the expulsion of carcinogenic waste products from the colon.
As mentioned before colon polyps seem to play a enormous role in the manifestation of the disease. These polyps manifest as a result of impairment to the chromosomes in the cell lining of the colon. This leads to the development of small benign growths. Though these fairly minute growths are benign they have the ability to mutate into cancerous growths over time. Consequently, it is important to have any present polyps assesed by a doctor to reduce the oddsthat they will become cancerous growths.
An individual may also be genetically predisposed to developing the disease. If a person has a family history of the disease then his or her chances are greater for developing the possibly inherited condition. The age the disease materialized in family members will also increase the likelihood of early onset of the disease in the individual.
If a person has ever had another type of cancer especially those of the reproductive system including breast, ovary, and uterine cancer the chance of developing the disease will be significantly higher.
People who have Chron's Disease also have an elevated risk of developing the condition. Because Chron's disease affects the intestines, wearing away overtime in this particular area will likely induce cancerous growths. It is advised that patients with the disease are often assesed by the medical practitioner to diagnose any early development of the disease.
If an individual has ulcerative colitis which will prompt inflammation of the inner lining of the colon he or she will be at an elevated risk of developing the condition. Generallythe manifestation of colon cancer in patients with this disease usually occurs after 8-10 years of being afflicted with the disease.
Early diagnosis of the disease improves the prognosis for any patient. If it is notHeart Disease
Heart Disease is defined as any disease that may possibly affect the heart. Heart disease is widely seen in most western countries and has been declared the leading cause of death in the United States. Coronary heart disease is the most prevalent form of heart disease and is roughly responsible for as much as 70% of deaths yearly. It has been determined that lowering bad cholesterol levels and controlling high blood pressure may lessen an individual's risk of developing this possibly life-threatening condition. The types of major heart disease are: cardiovascular disease, ischaemic heart disease, coronary heart disease, inflammatory heart disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, and cardiomyopathy. In many or all cases of heart related conditions medical evaluation and management and or quite often emergency treatment will be needed. It is possible to be afflicted with heart disease and be oblivious to the condition if it is asymptomatic or in other words does not exhibit any symptoms. Thus, it is very vital that people above a certain age think about having fairly frequent medical check ups at least once within any given year. The sooner the diagnosis is made the better the odds of surviving the disease for an extended period of time.
Causes and Risk Factors
In some cases the cause of heart disease may be unknown. However there may possibly be a genetic factor that contributes to the development of the disease, that is, some types of heart disease may have a familial association. It may also be incited by an infection in particular in the case of inflammatory heart disease. It has also been discovered that heart disease may develop in individuals who are affected by hypertension or high blood pressure or in people who have elevated levels of bad cholesterol.
Common risk factors will include but may not necessarily be limited to the following:
Having high levels of bad cholesterol and or low levels of good cholesterol
Not partaking in adequate physical activity or exercise.
Currently being affected by hypertension or high blood pressure
Experiencing menopause
Being obese or being greatly overweight
Having Diabetes
Smoking, especially when done in excess
Mature age or being forty years and older
Having a family history of the disease which may indicate a genetic predisposition to developing the specific condition.
Being involved in a very stressful lifestyle
Treatment
The treatment for heart disease will depend on the kind of heart disease. In manyinstances medication will be prescribed including antibiotics in defects induced by an infection, or antianginal drugs to limit angina attacks or medications that may decrease underlying high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. It may also include surgery of some form to bypass defective arteries, insert implants for example artificial valves or to transplant a heart in very severe cases.
Identified in the early stages it may travel to other organs and cause likely death.
