Colorectal cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of the digestive system. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States with an equal distribution between men and women. colon tumors usually affects people age 40 years, with the majority of people who are provided more than 60 years diagnosed. Cancer can affect any race or ethnic group, but some studies suggest that Americans in northern European heritage mean higher risk for colon cancer.

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Colorectal cancer is more common in industrialized countries and in societies where red meat is an important component of the diet, the statement of the evidence, although "only if your diet to white meat and seafood , as in Japan, a tendency to exchange stomach cancer for colon cancer. In almost all cases, colon cancer is curable if they are caught early.

Signs and symptoms

Colon cancer usually begins with the appearance of benign tumors such as polyps. There are often no symptoms at first. If signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer seems to count, you can: a change in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation or a change in stool consistency for more than a few weeks, rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, persistent abdominal discomfort such as cramps, gas or pain, abdominal pain with defecation, a feeling that your bowels are not completely emptied, weakness or fatigue and unexplained weight loss.

Cancer Causes

Colorectal cancer, the exact cause is unknown, but it seems both inherited and environmental factors can be influenced. Studies show a concentration in areas of higher economic development, suggesting a relationship to food, especially animal fiber and low fat. Other factors that increase the risk of developing colon cancer: age over 40 years, the presence of other diseases of the digestive tract, family history and ulcerative colitis.

The development of colorectal cancer at an early age, or other sites or recurrent colorectal cancer, suggests a genetically transmitted form of the disease attacking sporadically. There is also a slightly increased risk of colon cancer in individuals who smoke.

The cell type most common colorectal cancer is adenocarcinoma, which accounts for 95% of cases.

DIAGNOSIS

The development of polyps in the colon is usually the development of colon cancer by five years or more. The American Association revised its Gastroenterologial screening guidelines in 2003 recommended that people with two or more first degree relatives of colorectal cancer or one first degree relative with colon or rectal cancer before age 60 Age should colonoscopy screening at age 40 year or early age of 10 before the era of early diagnosis of colorectal cancer in the family (whichever comes first). Those who have a first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer diagnosed after 60 Year or two second degree, colon or rectum should begin screening at age 40 with one of the above methods such as annual sigmoidoscopy. The most common tests of cancer screening is colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and fecal occult blood.

CT and barium enemas are also routinely used to diagnose colon and rectum.

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Almost all intestinal tumors are treated with surgery first, regardless of the stage. Malignant tumors of adjacent tissues and lymph nodes may contain cancer are removed.

In colon cancer, chemotherapy after surgery is generally granted only if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes (Stage III). Radiation therapy may also be able to induce tumor regression. As with other treatments against cancer, the incidence of adverse reactions depends on health status of the patient and the exact nature of the treatment.

PREVENTION

There is no absolute way of preventing colon cancer. However, it is an individual to take steps to significantly reduce the risk or the precursors of colorectal cancer, so it appears can not identify. If you reach age 50, and all those with a history of colorectal cancer in their families should consult their doctor about screening recommendations latest by physicians and organizations against cancer. You need to monitor symptoms and all sessions recommended to increase the probability of catching cancer early. The exercise is estimated to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Apparently, there is no link between bowel movement frequency or laxative use and colorectal cancer risk.

PROGNOSIS

The prognosis depends on stage of disease and the patient’s general health. If diagnosed early, before the tumor has spread from the intestine, these treatments are very effective, with about 90% of patients live five years after diagnosis. If the cancer does not return back () within 5 years he will be cured. The prognosis is poor in patients with metastatic liver and lung.

Dick Aronson has been involved in the health sector for 35 years. He has written numerous articles on the topic and runs a series of informative web sites, namely: javascript The , Go to Gastrointestinal Cancer Information Go to Health Innovations ;