Colon Cancer Information and Treatment

Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). Colorectal cancer causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year, including about 16,000 in the UK. About a quarter of all adults in the U.S. over the age of 50 will have at least one colorectal polyp. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in US women. Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps in glandular tissue of the intestinal lining. Symptoms of colon cancer are numerous and nonspecific.

The first symptoms of colon cancer are commonly vague, like weight loss and fatigue (tiredness). Local (bowel) symptoms are rare until the tumor has grown to a large size. Other symptoms of colon cancer include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, change in bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, red or dark blood in stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating. There are several risk factors for the disease. Diet also contributes to the risk, although the cause-and-effect relationship is still unclear. People whose diets are high in fruits and vegetables seem to have a reduced risk.

Certain genetic syndromes also reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. Heavy exposure to certain chemicals, including chlorine , which in small amounts is commonly used to purify drinking water may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Smoking cigarettes is other risk factor for colorectal cancer. The first treatment of colon cancer is to surgically remove part or all of your colon. Surgery is depend on the stage and size of your tumor. Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer.

Chemotherapy is frequently utilized as a first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer to demolish cancer cells that have metastasized. It also may be used prior to surgery to increase the tumor. Eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet, and increasing physical activity can help prevent the disease. Radiation therapy may be used after surgery to kill any remaining areas of cancer or before surgery to shrink the tumor. Radiation also can be utilized to cure cancer from coming back to the place it started and to alleviate symptoms of advanced cancer. Biological treatment, also reffers immunotherapy, attempts to make your body fight against your cancer.