Embedded Files
The American Cancer Society suggests colon cancer as the leading cause of most cancer-related deaths in the USA. The good news is that early diagnosis can help in a complete cure of the problem. Colon cancer generally starts with the formation of anomalies in the glands in the lining of the colon and rectum.
The risk factors for colorectal cancer may include the following.
You are 60 years old or above
You are African American
You eat processed foods
You have cancer elsewhere in your body
You have polyps in your colon or rectum
You have inflammatory bowel disease
What you eat contributes a lot to whether or not you will develop cancer. The likelihood of cancer development is higher when you eat high-fat and low-fiber foods. Eating red meat or processed foods also increase the risk of cancer in the colon or rectum. Smoking and alcohol consumption are also among the top reasons for colorectal cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms
In many cases, colorectal cancer progresses without showing any signs or symptoms until it enters advanced stages. You may, however, have to look for the following symptoms.
Pain in the abdomen
Blood in feces
Change in bowel habits
Narrow stools
Unusual weight loss
Signs and tests
Signs and tests
You can go for regular screenings to get the colon cancer detected before it starts building symptoms. At this stage, cancer is generally in its most curable state.
The doctor will do some physical exam by pressing your belly. It is a part of the general procedure, but it rarely helps determine any conclusive cancer evidence. The rectal exam may help the doctor spot cancer formation in the rectum, but not in the colon.
The doctor will be able to get conclusive evidence of colorectal cancer with the help of imaging tests, including colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. The blood test may be required to check for the Complete blood count (CBC) and liver functionality.
If the doctor finds cancer in your colon or rectum, he will perform more tests to determine how much cancer has spread. It is called cancer staging.
There are a total of five stages of cancer, ranging from Stage 0 to Stage IV. Every next stage adds to the severity of cancer.
Treatment
Treatment
The doctor devises a treatment plan based on several factors, including the cancer stage. The overall treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Surgery for Stage 0 cancer may include the removal of the cancer cells only, generally during the colonoscopy. Stage I, II, and III need more advanced surgical treatments.
Almost all patients with stage III cancer receive chemotherapy for six to eight months after surgery. This treatment kills cancer cells that remain in the body after surgery. In many cases, chemotherapy may improve symptoms in stage IV cancer patients to prolong their survival. Whether or not you should receive chemotherapy to treat stage II cancer is a matter of debate.
Radiation may become necessary when cancer has started spreading to lymph nodes and other organs. Generally, radiation is a treatment option for colon cancer. It can also be used in combination with chemotherapy to treat stage III rectal cancers. An ostomy may also be a part of the colorectal treatment plan.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse