Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. It is also known as Colorectal Cancer or Bowel Cancer or Rectal Cancer. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last several inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps become colon cancers.
Causes
Greater than 75-95% of colon cancer occurs in people with little or no genetic risk. Other risk factors include older age, male gender, high intake of fat, alcohol or red meat, obesity, smoking and a lack of physical exercise. Approximately 10% of cases are linked to insufficient activity. The risk for alcohol appears to increase at greater than one drink per day.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:
1. A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool
2. Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
3. Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
4. A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
5. Weakness or fatigue
6. Unexplained weight loss
7. worsening constipation
8. Loss of appetite
9. Nausea and vomiting
Diagnosing
If your signs and symptoms indicate that you could have colon cancer, your doctor may recommend one or more tests and procedures, including:
1. Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy
2. CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis
3. PET and MRI which may be used in certain cases.
Treatment
The type of treatment your doctor recommends will depend largely on the stage of your cancer. The three primary treatment options are:
1. Surgery
2. Chemotherapy
3. Radiation and
4. Palliative care
Prevention
Most colorectal cancers should be preventable, through increased surveillance and lifestyle changes.
1. Lifestyle :
Current dietary recommendations to prevent colorectal cancer include increasing the consumption of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and reducing the intake of red meat.
2. Medication :
Aspirin and celecoxib appear to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer in those at high risk. However it is not recommended in those at average risk.
3. Screening :
More than 80% of colorectal cancers arise from adenomatous polyps making this cancer amenable to screening. Diagnosis of cases of colorectal cancer through screening tends to occur 2–3 years before diagnosis of cases with symptoms. Screening has the potential to reduce colorectal cancer deaths by 60%.
Causes
Greater than 75-95% of colon cancer occurs in people with little or no genetic risk. Other risk factors include older age, male gender, high intake of fat, alcohol or red meat, obesity, smoking and a lack of physical exercise. Approximately 10% of cases are linked to insufficient activity. The risk for alcohol appears to increase at greater than one drink per day.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:
1. A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool
2. Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
3. Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
4. A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
5. Weakness or fatigue
6. Unexplained weight loss
7. worsening constipation
8. Loss of appetite
9. Nausea and vomiting
Diagnosing
If your signs and symptoms indicate that you could have colon cancer, your doctor may recommend one or more tests and procedures, including:
1. Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy
2. CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis
3. PET and MRI which may be used in certain cases.
Treatment
The type of treatment your doctor recommends will depend largely on the stage of your cancer. The three primary treatment options are:
1. Surgery
2. Chemotherapy
3. Radiation and
4. Palliative care
Prevention
Most colorectal cancers should be preventable, through increased surveillance and lifestyle changes.
1. Lifestyle :
Current dietary recommendations to prevent colorectal cancer include increasing the consumption of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and reducing the intake of red meat.
2. Medication :
Aspirin and celecoxib appear to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer in those at high risk. However it is not recommended in those at average risk.
3. Screening :
More than 80% of colorectal cancers arise from adenomatous polyps making this cancer amenable to screening. Diagnosis of cases of colorectal cancer through screening tends to occur 2–3 years before diagnosis of cases with symptoms. Screening has the potential to reduce colorectal cancer deaths by 60%.
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