Colon cancer is, as its name suggests, a disease that affects the
colon. The colon is a tube shaped organ, located in the abdomen, that
starts at the end of the bowel and ends with the anus. It twists and
turns a lot, so its length is over 4 feet. The functions of the colon
are to digest the food, absorb the nutrient substances from it
(proteins and aminoacids), and to create the concentrated fecal
material, which is then stored and eliminated from the colon when the
time comes. The end of the colon is called rectum. The rectum and the
colon together form the large intestine.
When colon cancer occurs, tumors appear on the inner walls of the large
intestine. There are two types of tumors - benign tumors, also called
polyps, which are not dangerous, and malignant tumors, which are the
cancer. Polyps do not spread to other cells and tissues and they can be
easily removed. Tumors on the other hand, can spread and cause
life-threatening complications. Remember that a benign polyp will turn
into a malignant tumor if it is not treated in time.
Once a colon cancer appears it will start to spread and attack other
tissues and cells, and eventually it can reach the lungs or the liver
and form new tumors there. The causes of colon cancer are nor entirely
known, but what is known is that some people are at a higher risk of
developing colon cancer than others. Those who consume large quantities
of fats and those who had a history of colon cancer in the family are
most likely to get colon cancer. Smoking and alcohol also increases the
risks.
The disease has almost no symptoms when it is in its early stages, and
when it advances the symptoms are different from one person to another
and they depend on the size of the cancer and its exact location. The
most commonly encountered symptoms of colon cancer are:
-narrow stools
-stool that contains blood
-abdominal cramps and pain
-excessive gas
-weight loss
-change in bowel habits
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above consult a doctor as
fast as you can. He will make several tests in order to establish a
diagnose. Some people consider these tests to be embarrassing, because
among them there are rectal exams, and fecal sample tests. If the test
results indicate colon cancer than treatment must begin as soon as
possible before it spreads to other areas. The main options for colon
cancer treatment are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Surgery the most popular treatment method.
The good news is that most of the people survive colon cancer, as time
passes the survival rate increases. Survival depends on which stage of
colon cancer the patient has. If the cancer has reached the final stage
then the chances are much lower because the cancer has already spread
to other distant organs of the body.
Although the treatments are improving and the survival rate is
increasing colon cancer is still one of the leading cause of death,
because many don't know that they have it until they reach the final
stages. It is important to pay attention to its symptoms and consult a
doctor for medical advice from time to time.
