subject: Colon Cancer Symptoms [print this page] Colon cancer is just one of the hundreds of cancer types which may inflict anyone. This is painful as it affects the rectum and even the internal organs. Colon cancer is a preventable disease. Although this is the most common type of cancer suffered by people above 50 years old, there are numerous ways how to effective prevent it. A major function of the colon is to extract fluids from what remains of food after its nutrients have been absorbed in the small intestine. The colon also provides a temporary storage place for solid wastes, as well as a channel for their removal from the body. Research also showed that that colon cancer is aggravated by unhealthy diets such as ready meals and fast food.
Colon cancer then develops from dead cells that have been accumulated in a lump over a period of time. There are signs that may be heeded as to whether cancer of the colon or large intestine is present or a condition that may lead to it, may be present in the body. In general, any persistent change in bowel habits should alert you. If your diet contains too much high fat and red meats with little fiber, you are definitely at a high risk of developing colon cancer. Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, blood spots in stool or any unusual bowel related activity/uneasiness can be a symptom of colon cancer.
One indication that you may have cancer of the colon may turn up when a routine test for invisible traces of blood in the faeces is positive. Bear in mind that many other conditions besides cancer can lead to the presence of small amounts of blood in the faeces; these conditions can include haemorrhoids (piles), non-cancerous tumours or infections. Treatment of recurrent colon cancer depends on where the cancer has recurred (come back) and the general health of the patient. Couch potatoes are also at a higher risk. After all, living a sedentary lifestyle allows waste to hang around in your colon longer. Exercise, on the other hand, speeds the passage of intestinal contents, limiting the amount of time potential carcinogens come in contact with the large intestine.
Studies show that, as folic acid levels increase, the risk of precancerous polyps in the colon and colon cancer itself decrease. In one study, women who had taken folic acid supplements had a 75 percent reduction in the risk of colon cancer, compared with women who didn't supplement - but only when they had been supplementing with folic acid for more than 15 years. In countries where the people have adopted western diets, the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps.
Both acquired (sporadic) and hereditary colon cancers are life-threatening diseases and they need to be discovered as soon as possible in order to minimize the risk of morbidity. Effectiveness of the treatment of colon cancer is governed by how early it is detected/ diagnosed. There are various ways of treating colon cancer and researchers are always looking for newer and better ways of treating colon cancer.
