Showing posts with label colon cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label colon cancer. Show all posts

About Colon Cancer Women

Posted by Cancer Care on Tuesday, December 28, 2010


Contrary to popular misconception, colon cancer is a common disorder that affects both men and women. In reality, it is seen as the third most common cause of cancer deaths in women. Therefore, women should never underestimate the capacity of developing cancer of the inner walls of the enlargement of the colon. This is a terrible misconception is that "man's disease", one has been replaced by a team of risk factors for women on how to reduce the occurrence of colon cancer, and appropriate arrangements for screening and care, reduce its impact.What are risk factors for women in relation to the colon? Well, it was found that the woman ages, it is more likely to develop colon cancer, the risk increases to double every five years. This is not the best process of menopause, or if a family history of colon cancer.

Unfortunately, women with other cancers, including breast and uterine cancer are also good prospects and rectal cancer. But when all is said and done, there are ways in which a woman can protect yourself from developing cancer of the colon, or if it exists, to reduce the impact. These include receiving, screening, formally known as a colonoscopy.

This is a test to detect early signs of colon cancer, so it can be treated. It 'so important that women do not have high-fat diet or low fiber content, but rich in fruits and vegetables, reducing these risks. In addition, hormone replacement therapy is a good method for women who have gone through menopause to reduce the likelihood of colon cancer as well. Overall, regular exercise and a daily supplement like calcium must be taken, which can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 30-50% in women.Finally, as colonoscopy is currently the best tool for the early detection of colon in the workplace, women are aware of any such proceedings.

Colonoscopy to give doctors a clear picture of the lining of the colon to identify signs of cancer or enlargements because of this tumor. This 15-30 minute examination of a more slender, soft lighting and camera reach the anus. When the operating cost of $ 500 to $ 1000, the patient is made to take more pills or special drink plenty of fluids to rid the gut in advance so that when a person is sedated and examined, a clear description of what happens inside the colon can be obtained.There really nothing to fear, but through this process. Usually be sedated and comfortable as possible while exploring. Moreover, it is all a good reason to maintain your health. Since colon cancer is becoming so common in women, it is better to know that they are unaware until it is too late. Be active and get tested today!

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Chemotherapy For Colon Cancer

Posted by Cancer Care on Saturday, December 25, 2010


Chemotherapy uses a very strong anti-cancer therapy to destroy cancer cells of the colon. Chemotherapy, systemic therapy and treat cancer throughout the body and is therefore often used to treat or prevent the spread of cancer has already spread. This is not the only reason why chemotherapy is used so that if the doctor suggests treatment with chemotherapy drugs do not suppose that the cancer has spread and metastesized.Chemotherapy play some role in the treatment of colon cancer. used to kill colon cancer cells that can not be removed during the surgical removal of colon cancer cancer.reduces whole before surgery is performed to check tumor growth of colon cancer. is used to relieve some symptoms of colon cancer.

reduce the likelihood of recidivism

Chemotherapy is often used when surgery is performed to remove cancer cells that may be left or removed surgically. Chemotherapy can be given through the IV (intravenous) or in pill form. When chemotherapy drugs enter the bloodstream, they reach the tumor cells in all parts of the body. Some studies have shown that treatment with chemotherapy after surgery of colon cancer may increase rates for some stages of surivival cancers.In patients with colorectal cancer, chemotherapy is often helpful in relieving the symptoms of cancer .

Who is given Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer?

The general perception in the medical world is different on chemotherapy for colon cancer stage II will benefit the patient after surgery. It is generally recommended that chemotherapy at very high risk patients.Adjuvant after surgery is the standard of care for patients with colon cancer stage III. In addition, patients with stage IV cancer of the colon or rectum may

benefit from the use of chemotherapy as it often helps to shrink the tumor,

life expectancy and improve quality of life.

How is chemotherapy given to colorectal cancer?

The use of adjuvant chemotherapy typically involves monthly administration of chemotherapy drugs for usually 6 to 8 months. Usually on or a combination of the following medications given are:

* 5-FU (5-fluorouracil)

Leucovorin *

* Irinotecan

* Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)

* The combination of standard adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer consists of 5-FU and leucovorin.

Side effects of chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy can cause side effects. The type of experiments side effects depends on the type of chemotherapy drugs used, the quantity of medication is given, and how long they are administered. Side effects also depends individual.The most common side effects of 5-FU:

* Malaise

* Diarrhea

mouth sores or mouth * Sore

* The decrease in blood counts

* Overall feeling of fatigue

The most common side effects of irinotecan:

* Increased sweating

* Increased production of saliva

* Watery eyes

* Pain or cramps, abdominal

Diarrhea

* Feeling sick

* The decrease in blood counts

* Overall feeling of fatigue

* Hair thinning or loss

* The most common side effects of oxaliplatin:

* Malaise

* Numbness or tingling in the extreme relations

* Numbness of lips

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Colon Cancer Adenocarcinoma

Posted by Cancer Care on Tuesday, December 14, 2010


A form of colon cancer is adenocarcinoma. This is usually due to the lining epithelium of the large intestine. Assignment of the large intestine is to absorb water in the stools of patients with adenocarcinoma and colon cancer usually report too hard stool.Although adenocarcinoma of colon cancer is not rare, it is rare in young adults. Older than the highest probability of your suffering from adenocarcinoma cancer and especially women over 50 years of age is presumed to be the greatest risk of adenocarcinoma. Although adenocarcinoma of the colon occurs worldwide, is found mainly in places where low-fiber diet that will make America, Europe and Australia soft targets.

Adenocarcinoma colon cancer usually found in people who have some heredity of adenomatous polyps or even cancer nonpolyposis colorectal, especially if family history is of first-degree relatives. Hereditary factors may be to some extent, colon adenocarcinoma, can be found in people as young as teenagers. Some types of polyps have a malignant potential. People who have a high fat diet also low in fiber, especially with a high consumption of red meat are the ones most likely to have adenocarcinoma. Although obesity is a cause of cancer of the colon adenocarcinoma colon.Adenocarcinoma is known to spread after the invasion of the intestinal wall. The muscle layer of passage of the tumor of the intestinal wall into the lymph vessels and then spreads locally and the regional lymph nodes. Sometimes the tumor may also spread by blood to the liver and even other organs in the body, including lungs, bones and even brain.

In the case where a batch of the tumor has crossed the intestinal wall where they flow around the abdomen as small amounts of fluid and can seed covers the intestines. adenocarcinoma of the colon is known to produce small balls in the stomach to irritate the tissues due to production of large amounts of ascites. If colon adenocarcinoma is detected at an early stage then the prognosis can be very good as in the early stages of treatment by surgery is very easy and predictable. But when the muscle wall was breached by the tumor, that three-fifths of the total number of patients are able to survive another five years! The treatment of choice for colon cancer in early stage adenocarcinoma is surgery. For tumors that are still underway to reach the muscle layers of the bowel wall, this will be curative in more than 90% of cases. colon cancer surgery is usually performed to remove the primary tumor for all cancers except those that have spread to distant organs.

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Colon Cancer Stages And Information

Posted by Cancer Care on Thursday, December 9, 2010


We have two different staging systems used for classifying colon cancer. TNM system (using Roman numerals), or system of Dukes' (using the characters A through D) consists of four phases and the latest system includes five stages. This creates confusion in the field of medicine, because both phases are used to diagnose cases of colon cancer, and type of treatment depends on the stage. Early diagnosis of the disease can not be stressed enough doctors around the world. Earlier detection, the prognosis is better, regardless of which system is used.Cancer occurs when cells begin to change and grow abnormally. Growth of cells in the body begins to destroy other cells, tissues and organs have been robbed of oxygen and nutrients. Without oxygen and nutrients, these parts of the body can not survive.

Stage 0

Colon cancer can be classified as stage 0 if the cancer is still the same place where it started. It has not spread worldwide. Affects only the innermost layer of the wall of the colon. This is the first stage of colon cancer and can be detected by regular checkups and immediate actions on the symptoms and signs in place. There is no Stage 0 in the TNM system.

Stage I

colon cancer stage I, cancer affects only the superficial layers of the inner colon wall but has spread to deeper layers of the colon cancer stage 0. The prognosis at this stage of colon cancer is highest with 90% or greater chance of survival at five years. To catch the cancer at this stage, you must be in harmony with your body, notice any changes immediately, and schedule an annual review with your doctor to look for signs. Signs and symptoms may take up to 14 weeks to appear. These are the same as the Dukes class.

Phase II

At this stage of colon cancer, the cancer has spread to the superficial layers of the colon wall and now involved the muscular layer as well. The forecast at this stage is still quite good and the cancer can usually be treated surgically to remove the infected colon. Early diagnosis is extremely important at this stage as well. This step is the same class B of the Dukes'.

Stage III

The third stage of the cancer has spread through the colon wall and now affects nearby lymph nodes and / or organs. The forecast is higher for patients with three or fewer lymph nodes infected. This is one of the last stages of this cancer. This step is the same as the Dukes' C class.

Stage IV

At this stage, this cancer is the most advanced. At this stage, the cancer usually has spread to other parts of the body. The most common are liver and lungs. The forecast at this stage is the smallest, but every patient is different and so is each case of cancer. Studies have shown that patients with less than three liver masses is a better forecast than others. This phase corresponds to the category D Dukes'.

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Things You Need to Know About Colon Cancer

Posted by Cancer Care on Friday, November 19, 2010


The earliest symptoms colon cancer almost always go undetected and unnoticed by most people and it is these innocuous origins that cause the disease to spread unchecked. Colon cancer is now the second leading cause of death amongst all cancers.People over fifty years old run a high-risk of developing colorectal cancer and need to be aware about the symptoms of colon cancer. One needs to be screened soon enough as this disease develops in stages, and the sooner the diagnosis is done, the better one's chances are.Even though colon cancer is mainly prevalent in people above fifty, younger people with a family history of cancer are also at risk of developing this disease. However, the age factor remains a principle risk factor for most cancers, including colon cancer. Anyone over the age fifty is more likely to exhibit the symptoms of colon cancer, and is also highly likely that the years preceding the diagnosis were spent in a pre-cancer state. This is why medical professionals use the term the "high risk factor". If a considerable number of the risk factors put you into a category than you should get a screening by the right doctor. Some of the common risk factors for colon cancer include: age more than fifty years, a personal history of cancer of the breast, entdometrium, rectum, ovary or colon; a history of polyps in the colon or a family history of cancer of any type. Having a sibling who has had colitis or inflammation of the colon or colon cancer also puts you in the high risk category.The most common of all symptoms that are seen in someone who is suffering from colon cancer include changes in bowel movements or changes in regularity, presence of blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum. Others symptoms that could occur include vomiting, weakness and loss of appetite, pain or cramps in the abdomen, stomach pain, as well as jaundice. The most characteristic of all colon cancer symptoms is the very absence of any symptom at all. Most symptoms occur in an advanced stage of the disease, and depend on the location of the growth.There is more information on colon cancer available thanks to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that has initiated a program to help inform and screen those who are fifty and older about colon cancer. The program is even applicable to those with little or no insurance. There are five locations set up in the United States. They are Maryland (410-887-3456 or 1-866-632-6566), Jefferson and King Counties (1-800-756-5437) Baltimore, Saint Louis, Nebraska, (1-800-532-2227), Missouri (314-879-6392), Washington in Clallam, and New York, Suffolk County, (631-444-7644).For anywhere else you could call 1-800-4-CANCER.Do not ignore the symptoms of colon cancer, this is a disease that you may have and not even know, and you need to be diagnosed early to prevent any metastasis, improve your chances of prognosis, and prevent your death.

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The Main Types of Colon Cancer

Posted by Cancer Care on Wednesday, November 17, 2010


Colon cancer is one the most prevalent forms of cancer among the American population. Although inappropriate diet and unhealthy lifestyle considerably increase the risks of developing colon cancer, many forms of the disease occur on the premises of underlying genetic predispositions. Statistics reveal that more than 5 percent of colon cancers worldwide are caused solely by genetic dysfunctions and physiologic abnormalities. Depending on their underlying cause, colon cancers can be either acquired (sporadic colon cancers), or genetically-inherited.Most cases of colon cancer occur due to formation of polyps in different regions of the large bowel (colon). Colonic polyps are prominent soft tissues that can easily become malignant. There are many different types of hereditary colon cancers and many of them are primarily caused by colonic polyps. The most common types of genetically-inherited colon cancers are adenomatous polyposis and Gardner's syndrome. Non-polyposis colon cancer is also common among hereditary forms of the disease. Unlike other types of genetically-inherited colon cancers, non-polyposis colon cancer doesn't always involve the formation of polyps. Uncommon forms of hereditary colon cancer are Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and juvenile polyposis.Unlike non-hereditary forms of colon cancer, which are usually developed by people with ages over 50, hereditary colon cancers can occur in young people as well. In fact, some forms of genetically-inherited colon cancers are predominantly developed by very young children and teenagers.People who have a family history of colon cancer should pay regular visits to an oncologist, as it is very important to timely reveal the signs of large bowel disease in order to maximize the chances of recovery. Discovered in its incipient stages, colon cancer can be effectively overcome through the means of surgical intervention or specific therapies. However, if colon cancer is discovered late, patients' prognosis is generally uncertain.Colonoscopy is a very common and reliable method of revealing traces of colon cancer in patients. Through the means of colonoscopy, doctors can quickly spot potential signs of abnormalities at the level of the large bowel. Colonoscopy is very useful in the process of diagnosing hereditary or sporadic forms of colon cancer, as it can easily reveal the presence of malignant colonic polyps or extended tumors. People who have blood-relatives affected by colon cancer are very exposed to developing the disease as well. Thus, they should receive frequent examinations with colonoscopy in order to timely discover signs of malignant activity at the level of the large bowel.Both acquired (sporadic) and hereditary colon cancers are life-threatening diseases and they need to be discovered as soon as possible in order to minimize the risk of morbidity. Colon cancers have an unpredictable pattern of evolution and their development is strongly influenced by genetically-inherited abnormalities. While lifestyle improvements and healthy diet can diminish the risks of developing sporadic colon cancer, people with underlying physiological abnormalities of the large bowel are very vulnerable to developing hereditary colon cancer regardless of their actions.

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Colon Cancer Prevention Methods

Posted by Cancer Care on Monday, November 15, 2010


Most people develop colon cancer rather slowly, over one or two years. The 1st stage of development happens when a mass of tissues, growths or polyps (a cluster of benign growths) grow in the colon walls. Polyp type cancers can grow into the wall of the gut, occupy nearby lymph nodes and spread to other organs in the body. This is named "metastatic colon cancer" due to its mobility. In a few cases, the lining of the bowel might be irregular and inflamed, that may also lead to cancer.To stop colon cancer, regular testing is important after the age of 50. Before talking about colon cancer prevention, let's rap a little about what colon cancer is, precisely. Both the bowel and anus are a part of the gut. The 1st part of the gut, which is the esophagus and stomach, breaks down food to be processed into energy. Next, the broken down food travels to the small intestines / bowel, which is a narrow, 20-foot section that continues breaking down food and soaking up almost all of the nutriments. The small intestine then sends the leftover material to the five-foot-long colon (which is also known as "the huge intestine"), where it absorbs salt and water and stores waste.The 1st part of the bowel is the rising colon, which is attached to the small intestines and the appendix on the right side of the stomach. The cross colon runs from a right to the left side of the higher stomach. The descending colon travels downward on the left side and the sigmoid colon is an S-shaped portion that passes food matter down to the lower colon, the final 6 inches of the guts, that may pass food out of the body thru the anal sphincter.Nobody is truly sure what precisely causes a colon cancer cell to develop in the 1st place, or why some experience a colon cancer recurrence, but research commends a selection of life-style, hereditary and environmental components are at play. It could be not possible to fully forestall cancer of the bowel, but the North American Cancer Society announces that catching colon cancer symptoms early through screening tests is the key. Regular colon cancer screening should begin at age fifty for the majority, unless they are in a serious risk class.Every year, people should get a fecal occult blood test, which is done by sending a stool sample. A stool DNA test might also be done at that very same time, since it also uses a stool sample to collect results. Then, each 5 years, patients should get a flexible sigmoidoscopy, which involves a long, flexible tube that checks the last few feet of the gut for colon polyps, and a double-contrast barium enema that uses an xray and dye to test the higher portion of the bowel.A virtual colonoscopy employing a CT scan machine also should be done each five years. A colonoscopy process involves the insertion of a long, flexible tube, light and camera to view the whole colon and should then be done each ten years, or each 5 years if any irregularities have been found during the other screenings. Ultimately, life changes are a crucial way to stop colon cancer. It doesn't need to be said that smoking, indolence and exorbitant alcohol consumption are contributors to many varieties of adversary health conditions.Cancer of the colon prevention involves eating the proper foods, including cabbage, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, onions, potatoes, broccoli, artichokes, celery, beans, peas, multi grain products, berries, cantaloupes, mangoes, persimmons and dried apricots, for example. Limit the quantity of red beef (meat, pork, lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs, luncheon meats ), cooking meats at extremely high temperatures (frying, sauting and barbecuing) and saturated fats.

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Colon Cancer Screening

Posted by Cancer Care on Friday, November 12, 2010


Colon cancer is the second leading cause of deaths resulting from cancer. Every year, approximately 48,000 people will die in the U.S. from colon cancer. Many of these deaths would be prevented with early detection and treatment through routine colon cancer screening.
Colon Cancer Progresses Through Stages
The stage of the colon cancer determines the appropriate treatment and determines the patient's relative 5-year survival rate which is the percentage of colon cancer patients who live at least 5 years after being diagnosed. Colon cancer progresses in stages as follows:
  • Stage 0: The disease starts as a small non-cancerous growth, called a polyp, in the colon. Some of these polyps become precancerous, and over time, turn cancerous. Growth has not progressed beyond the inner layer (mucosa) of the colon.
  • Stage 1: The cancer has started to work its way through the first layers of the colon - the mucosa and the submucosa.
  • Stage 2: The cancer has advanced beyond the first two layers of the colon and is spreading deeper through the wall of the colon into the muscularis and the serosa but is not in the lymph nodes or distant organs.
  • Stage 3: The cancer has spread to one or more of the nearby lymph nodes.
  • Stage 4: The cancer has spread to other organs (typically the liver or the lungs).
Screening for Colon Cancer
In order to detect colon cancer early, everyone, even individuals who are not at high risk, that is, with no symptoms and with no family history of colon cancer, should be screened. Cancer specialists suggest that screening for such individuals start at age 50 and consist of tests that detect colon cancer in the body:
  • Colonoscopy, at least every ten years,
  • Sigmoidoscopy, at least every 5 years,
  • Double-contrast Barium Enema, at least every 5 years, or
  • Virtual Colonoscopy (computed tomographic colonography), at least every 5 years
  • These tests allow a doctor to actually see the growth or cancer inside the colon. The frequency at which these tests are repeated depends on what is found during the procedure.Cancer specialists also recommend tests that look for blood in the stool, such as:Annual Guaiac-based Fecal Occult Blood Test (gFOBT)
  • Such tests detect the presence of blood from tumors in the stool. Generally these tests are not as effective at detecting colon cancer as those that detect cancer in the body.
Stage of Colon Cancer Determines Treatments and Relative 5-Year Survival Rates
If the disease is detected as a small polyp during a routine screening test, such as a colonoscopy, the polyp can usually be taken out during the colonoscopy without the need for the surgical removal of any of the colon.When the polyp becomes a tumor and reaches Stage 1 or Stage 2, the tumor and a portion of the colon on both sides is surgical removed. The relative 5-year survival rate is over 90% for Stage 1 and 73% for Stage 2.If the disease advances to a Stage 3, a colon resection is no longer sufficient and the patient also needs to undergo chemotherapy. The relative 5-year survival rate drops to 53%, depending on such factors as the number of lymph nodes that contain cancer.By the time the colon cancer reaches Stage 4, treatment may require the use of chemotherapy and other drugs and surgery on multiple organs. If the size and number of tumors in other organs (such as the liver and lungs) are small enough, surgery may be the initial treatment, followed by chemotherapy. In some cases the size or number of tumors in the other organs takes away the option of surgery as the initial treatment. If chemotherapy and other drugs can reduce the number and size of these tumors, surgery may then become an option as the second form of treatment. If not, chemotherapy and other drugs (possibly through clinical trials) may temporarily stop or reduce the continued spread of the cancer. The relative 5-year survival rate drops to approximately 8%.As the relative 5-year survival rates indicate, the time frame in which colon cancer is detected and treated makes a dramatic difference. If detected and treated early, the individual has an excellent chance of surviving the disease. As detection and treatment is delayed, the odds start turning against the individual so that by the time the colon cancer progresses to Stage 3, the percentage is almost even. And the odds drop precipitously when the colon cancer reaches Stage 4.

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3 Ideas That Can Help You Prevent Colon Cancer

Posted by Cancer Care on Wednesday, November 10, 2010


Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that develops in the last part of the digestive system (usually the colon or rectum).
1.IMPROVE YOUR DIET:A study of 500,000 people performed by the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) in 2005 suggested that a high intake of red meat could increase your risk of developing colon cancer. The study also suggested that not getting enough fibre could increase your chances of developing this type of cancer. Finally, the study linked regular consumption of fish with a reduced bowel cancer risk.Therefore, if your diet lacks fibre or fish or you find yourself eating red meat regularly perhaps now is the time to change. You don't have to make any drastic changes to your diet but the small adjustments suggested above could really make the difference where colorectal cancer is involved.
2.DO MORE EXERCISE:Exercise stimulates a process called peristalsis in the colon. By exercising more regularly you can ensure that waste moves through your body more quickly and therefore reduce the risk of any waste sitting in the colon and leaching back into your body's tissues. Regular exercise is also believed to increase the survival rate of post treatment bowel cancer patients by as much as 50%. In a study by Meyerhart et al [1], 573 women with colorectal cancer between stages 1 and 3 were observed for the six months following their treatment.
3.STOP SMOKING:Most people know that smoking is directly linked to lung cancer. However, a lot of people are unaware that smoking can also cause other cancers including colon cancer. The reason for this is that cigarettes contain carcinogens (substances which increase your risk of developing cancer) and once inhaled they can reach all areas of the body including the colon. On top of this smoking is believed to increase the size of polyps making them more likely to become cancerous.If you do smoke then you really should consider quitting. Quitting is not going to be easy but if you want to reduce your overall bowel cancer risk and significantly improve your health you should give it a try.Colorectal cancer is a horrible disease that no one should have to endure.

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How to Detect Colon Cancer

Posted by Cancer Care on Saturday, November 6, 2010


A huge part of the difference between the survival rates associated with colon cancer is early detection. Because there are no huge indicators or very troublesome symptoms when you develop the cancer it is largely up to the individual to be vigilant in going to a doctor to get regular screenings for the causes of cancer. When you suspect that cancer might be an issue, or if you want to regularly assess your risk for colon cancer, the following screening tests are the best available tests to detect colon cancer in a patient.Two of the most common test performed to check and confirm colon cancer are a colonoscopy or a lower GI series, which is an x-ray that will show the tumor or tumors. If you go to see a doctor for regular checkups, a colonoscopy should become a regular routine part of the physical once you have reached the age of fifty. Individuals over fifty years of age have a higher rate of colon cancer and regular tests are the best way to catch them before they are allowed to grow for too long. A second easy to perform test during regular checkups is a digital rectal exam, which any doctor can perform without special equipment in a few minutes. In the case of a double contrast barium enema, several x-rays of the colon and rectum are taken after barium is taken by the patient. While this type of testing is not the most exact, nor does it catch all the possible polyps that may line the colon, it is pretty reliable as a testing method for colon cancer.Another very telling way to detect colon cancer in patients is through the use of a Fecal Occult Blood Test which tests for blood that may be in stool. Bleeding is one of the symptoms that you may have colon cancer, but in the early stages any blood that may be present is highly undetectable to the naked eye. Two different tests basically do the same thing, detect any small trace amounts of blood. These tests can be performed on an annual or biannual basis for those individuals who are at a high risk of getting colon cancer.The other often used test to detect colon cancer is known as Sigmoidoscopy and it involves using a sigmoidoscope to screen for cancerous growths that are in the rectum and colon. Through regular screening with a sigmoidoscope it is possible to catch cancer tumors before they get to large and spread to other organs in the body.All of these different tests are not generally used at the same time, but if you have not had any indication of colon cancer in the past, the less invasive tests are used to screen before more drastic tests are tried. It is vital to undergo some sort of screening though once you reach the age of fifty so that you can catch any real issues before they become big problems.
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Colon Cleanser and Colon Cancer Prevention

Posted by Cancer Care on Wednesday, November 3, 2010


The question we need to ask or answer is whether colon cleansers reduce or prevent one from having colon cancer, or what is called colorectal cancer. Promoters of colon cleansers claim that a person has about several pounds of meat in their colon which is undigested and rotting. Therefore, mucus is used to line this layer to facilitate movement of food. This mucus layer enables toxins to increase under the warmth of the undigested food and therefore increase the risk of a person contracting cancer.It is argued that a colon cleanser is the only substance that can clean the mucus layer build up since regular bowel movements are not enough to ensure that the colon is clear. There are two popular colon cleansing methods. One is using liquid or powdered medication to clean the mucus which is hardened then eliminated through bowel movements. The other method is high colonics or colonic irrigation. This is done by washing the colon with large quantity of water to remove all the rotten food build up and mucus.However medical experts, through research have shown that colon cleansers do little to prevent cancer. They say that it is better to use other methods to prevent cancer rather than wait until the colon is infected to begin buying the cleansers. If your chances of getting the disease are high due to genetic or ageing factors, then it is advisable to go for colon screening. That is if you are over 50 years old and maybe you have someone in your family line that suffered from colon cancer.The most effective way to prevent cancer is by eating healthy. Lowering your alcohol consumption, calories intake, fat and meat also go a long way in preventing the disease. You can start by eating vegetables, whole grains and fruits which are rich in fiber, folic acid and calcium.Exercising regularly at least five times a week can go along way in preventing cancer. This will also help you to keep your weight at accepted levels. Research has shown that by doing exercises, one can reduce the chances of getting the cancer by up to 40 percent. Extra fat that usually forms around the waist can cause the chances of colon cancer infection to increase.Instead of taking colon cleansers every now and then, medics advise that taking one to three baby aspirins a day will go a long way in reducing the risk of cancer. Aspirin helps in digestion but unfortunately people only take them when they have overeaten in a party to avoid constipation.If you is a smoker, then you should quit. Smoking is mostly associated with lung cancer but it has been proven that it can also increase the chances of getting colon cancer. So instead of rushing to buy colon cleanser or going for colon irrigation, it would be wise to start preventing colon cancer naturally and in the process one will maintain a very healthy body.

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5 Ways to Prevent Colon Cancer

Posted by Cancer Care on Thursday, October 28, 2010


To prevent colon cancer, here are some things you ought to think about:
1. Look for medical attention if you experience similar signs and symptoms of colon cancer
Colon cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in the world and can be avoided during the early stages if diagnosed instantly. Nonetheless, during the early phases it is quite normal for the patient not to feel any symptoms. The majority of manifestations can only be experienced during the 4th phase where one can experience terrible pain.
2. If you are fifty years old or above, request a colon cancer exam
With a normal diagnosed age of 64, about 90 percent of colon cancer examples are from individuals over 50. Scientific studies prove that by age fifty or above, the proportion of people who get polyps in the colon is twenty five percent.
3. Keep up an active lifestyle
A decrease in the chance to about 40 percent can be achieved with an active lifestyle. Regular exercise also tends to lessen the occurrence of other factors leading to it like obesity and diabetes.
4. Cease smoking
Colon cancer as well as many other types of cancer and disease have been connected with smoking as a contributing factor. When you smoke, you are likely to worsen the risk because the inhaled tobacco can impart carcinogens to the colon and can worsen the size of the cancer polyp.
5. Make certain you have a healthy diet
The chance of colon cancer is elevated if you eat foods rich in fat and cholesterol. The health hazard is decreased if foodstuffs like vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts and legumes, that incorporate natural fiber are eaten.
Keeping in mind all the above along with a daily consumption of raw apricot seeds is a plan for success in maintaining colon health and the prevention of colon cancer. If you have not had a checkup in a while, do not continue to put it off. It's a good idea to put aside a day of the week to juice along with a healthy protein smoothie's to give your digestive system a little break from solid foods while supplying your body with nutrients and protein.

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10 Rules For Prevention colon cancer

Posted by Cancer Care on Tuesday, October 26, 2010


Colon Cancer Prevention Tips
  1. Reduce your amount of alcohol consumption. If you are the type of person that likes to drink and you drink a lot, then you need to realize that excessive alcohol consumption has been proven to increase colon cancer risks significantly. However, a glass of red wine with dinner is okay because red wine contains certain antioxidants that have been proven to be effective cancer fighters.
  2. Lose weight. People who are obese are at a high risk for cancer. Many studies have been conducted on the effect of obesity and colon cancer. They have all concluded that people who are obese are at a much higher risk than those of a normal weight.
  3. Stop Smoking. Smoking can transport dangerous carcinogens to your colon. Smoking has also been proven to increase the size of polyps found in the colon.
  4. Get plenty of exercise. People who have a regular exercise regimen have been known to decrease their risk of colon cancer by as much as 40%.
  5. Know your family history. This is very important because there is a strong hereditary link in colon cancer. If any members of your family have colon cancer then your risk increases significantly. Make sure that you doctor is aware of any family history of cancer.
  6. Regular colon cancer screenings. This tip is very important if you are age 50 or older. The older you get, the higher your risk for cancer. Doctors recommend that anyone over the age of 50 have yearly screenings. An early diagnosis is the easiest to cure.
  7. Change your diet. A high fat, low fiber diet, is the perfect diet to feed colon cancer. Get away from red meats, eat more fruits and vegetables and stay away from saturated fats.
  8. Learn the symptoms. Know the symptoms of colon cancer. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. The earlier colon cancer is detected and treatment started the better your chances of survival.
  9. Take an aspirin daily. Studies have shown that taking a regular aspirin once a day can decrease the size of any colon polyps, therefore reducing your risk of colon cancer.
  10. Take a good multivitamin. This will increase your overall health and give your body the vitamins and minerals that it needs that you cannot get in foods.
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Simple Steps about Colon Cancer Prevention

Posted by Cancer Care on Saturday, October 23, 2010


Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that affects the last section of the digestive system (usually the colon or rectum). Most cancers of the colon develop from polyps (fleshy growths) in the intestine. If left untreated the cancer in these polyps spreads to the colon and in the worst cases other areas of the body too.Unfortunately it is not known what causes these polyps to become cancerous but there are a number of associated colon cancer risks. Diet is another significant bowel cancer risk factor with excessive consumption of red meats and alcohol and a low fibre intake all linked to the development of this cancer. Other factors that increase your risk of contracting this cancer include a family history of the disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, a lack of exercise and smoking.If cancer does develop it is often accompanied by a number of symptoms. These colon cancer symptoms are often quite mild in the beginning but get worse as the cancer grows. Some of the symptoms are directly associated with the growth of the cancer and include abdominal pain, bloody stools, changing bowel movements and rectal bleeding. If you suspect that you have bowel cancer based on the above symptoms you should consult your doctor immediately. If any of the tests reveal that you have bowel cancer your doctor will start you on a treatment program. Early stage colon cancer is much more treatable than a cancer that has become advanced.Surgery is the most common treatment for bowel cancer with the procedure attempting to extract the cancerous cells from the colon and then stitch it back together. Chemotherapy (the use of anti-cancer medications) and radiotherapy (the use of high energy radiation beams) are sometimes used as colon cancer treatments but are more commonly used to help shrink the cancerous cells prior to surgery and then to reduce the risk of the cancer returning after surgery.Reducing your red meat and alcohol intake whilst eating more fruits, vegetables and other fibre rich foods can also help prevent colon cancer. Giving up smoking is another important lifestyle change for the prevention of both bowel cancer and other cancers too.I hope this article has helped you learn about the symptoms and risk factors for bowel cancer BUT most importantly I hope it inspires you to actively participate in cancer prevention by improving your lifestyle. Colon cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

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Colon Cancer Treatment Options

Posted by Cancer Care on Tuesday, October 19, 2010


Among the most spread cancers, colon cancer usually occurs in men and women over the age of 50. The main causes of colon cancer are related to the patient's diet: very low in fiber and high in fat and calories. By keeping a healthy life style and good eating habits, you can prevent developing cancer of the colon even before this becomes a problem. Colon cancer treatments are varied and you can choose from a series of traditional and alternative methods of dealing with this condition. Surgery is often the number one choice the surgeon removes the tumors on the colon, even if the cancer cells are spread beyond the colon itself. This ensures less problems in the future of the patient's life, reducing chances of bowel problems or internal bleeding. Colon cancer surgery is usually categorized in four main areas: rectum resection, radio frequency ablation, colostomy and colon resection. Local excision may also be used in early stages, in order to remove the cancer cells. Intra arterial chemotherapy is another treatment worth consideration. This treatment targets tumors by delivering a powerful dose of chemotherapy. Primary systemic chemotherapy is often used before a surgical procedure in order to destroy a large majority of cancer cells. Systemic therapy is usually used with metastatic cancer, while the third method, adjuvant chemotherapy, targets any cancer cells that might have been left over after surgery. All three chemotherapy procedures are delivered through the hepatic artery and are an option if the cancer has spread to the liver.In addition to being delivered intra arterially, this type of treatment blocks the blood flow to the areas affected by cancer.

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the Popular Colon Cancer Treatments

Posted by Cancer Care on Friday, October 15, 2010


Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that affects the final part of the digestive system (usually the colon or rectum). Bowel cancer is believed to cause over 16,000 deaths in the UK each year and is one of the most common cancer types. However, it can be treated and in this article I will be outlining three of the most effective colorectal cancer treatments.
  1. 1) SURGERY:- This is one of the most popular colon cancer treatments particularly if the cancer is still in the early stages. The aim of surgery is to remove the cancerous cells from the bowel. Generally, the side effects of colorectal cancer surgery are minimal. You may experience some pain or eating problems post surgery but this generally goes away a few days after the surgery.
  2. 2) CHEMOTHERAPY:- This type of colorectal cancer treatment involves using drugs that can kill cancer cells. It may be used as an alternative to surgery, particularly if the colon cancer has become more advanced and surgery is no longer an option. It may also be used before surgery to shrink the tumour (so that there is less chance of complications during surgery) or after surgery (to eliminate any cancer cells that the surgery may have missed and to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back). There are a number of side effects related to chemotherapy including nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea and hair loss. However, these side effects should subside when your chemotherapy treatment ends.
  3. 3) RADIOTHERAPY:- This type of bowel cancer treatment involves using high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiotherapy; internal (where radioactive material is placed directly into the tumour) or external (where radioactive beams are aimed at the tumour). Generally, radiotherapy is not a popular colorectal cancer treatment with surgery and chemotherapy usually given priority. However, in some cases it may be used instead of surgery, especially if the cancer has become too large for surgery to treat effectively. It may also be used in conjunction with chemotherapy to help shrink tumours in the colon before surgery. Like with chemotherapy, any side effects of radiotherapy normally disappear once the treatment stops.Colon cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

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colon cancer Nutrition

Posted by Cancer Care on Wednesday, October 13, 2010


Colon Cancer also known Colorectal cancer. Colon cancer 2nd most deaths for cancers in the US. Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps. Cancer of the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer. It is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Colorectal cancer causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year. Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from adenomatous polyps in the colon. Colon cancer often causes no symptoms until it has reached a relatively advanced stage. In countries where the people have adopted western diets, the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Polyps greater than 1 centimeter have a greater cancer risk associated with them than polyps under 1 centimeter. Polyps with atypia or dysplasia are also more likely to progress on to colon cancer. The risk of cancer is much higher in sessile villous adenomas than in pedunculated tubular adenomas. Cancer is found in 40% of villous adenomas, as compared to 15% in tubular adenomas.Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer. High-fiber foods are also rich in phytonutrients, which appear to protect against several forms of cancer. Calcium and vitamin D also seem to help protect against colorectal cancer. The jury is still out on antioxidants and the prevention of colorectal cancer. Vegetables high in folate, like leafy greens, seem to offer particular protection from colon cancer, especially for those who drink alcohol. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain phytochemicals that may prevent damage to colon cells.
Colon Cancer Treatment and Nutrition Tips
  1. Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer.
  2. Radiotherapy may be recommended Treatment fot colon cancer.
  3. High-fiber foods help move waste through your digestive tract faster.
  4. Calcium and vitamin D also seem to help protect against colorectal cancer.
  5. Taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C or carotenoids, may reduce cancer risk but other studies have failed to back up these results.
  6. Vegetables high in folate, like leafy greens, seem to offer particular protection from colon cancer, especially for those who drink alcohol.
  7. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain phytochemicals that may prevent damage to colon cells.
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