Colon Cancer Survival Rates

Colon cancer survival rates indicate the chances a cancer patient has of surviving the disease for a specified length of time. The rates are by no means a definite indicator of what will happen to a patient; they can at best predict a patient's chances of what might happen to him, if a type of treatment plan is opted for, based on what has happened to other patients in similar circumstances. They serve as a guide to a patient and his family to know what they can expect if they choose a particular type of treatment or if they should consider one at all rather than just opt for pain relievers and sedation.

Colon cancer is a disease of the lower part of the digestive system affecting the colon, rectum and appendix. It is also called colorectal or large bowel cancer. It is the 2nd leading cause of cancer related deaths in the Western World.

Colon cancer when detected in the early stages is one of the most curable of cancers, by as much as 90%. Happily, the colon cancer survival rates have been steadily improving over the past 20 years, because of improved screening that makes treatment possible at the early curable stages. There are over 1 million survivors of the disease in the US today.

As with most cancers, prognosis is determined by the stage at which the disease is diagnosed, the later the stage at which the disease is diagnosed, the lower the survival rate. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute gives these overall survival rates for colon cancer in the US: 93% at stage 1, 85% at stage 2A, 72% at stage 2B, 83% at stage 3A, 64% at stage 3B, 44% at stage 3C and 8% at stage 4.

Colon cancer survival rates also vary depending on where the tumor is located. If the cancerous growth is located in the ascending colon, the 5 year survival rate is 63%, for the transverse colon it is 59% and for the descending colon it is 66%.

Treatment is mainly surgical in which the cancerous section of the bowel is removed and the two open ends are joined. If they can't be joined, a colostomy bag is necessary, in which case the bowel is brought outside the abdominal wall for the bag. Surgery is followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy which improves the survival rate by a further 5-6%.

Overall colon cancer affects men and women of all races equally however, women are more prone to developing colon cancer and men rectal cancer. Being over the age of 50 presents an increased risk factor with the risk for developing the disease increasing with each passing decade. Over 75% of cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 50 however; younger people too are at risk and cannot afford to ignore screening. Smoking, consumption of alcohol, being overweight and living sedentary lifestyles is risk factors as are having a family history of the disease and diabetes.

Since it has been proved that colon cancer survival rates have increased due to increased and improved screening techniques, it is highly recommended that the survival rates be further improved with people over the age of 40 having regular colonoscopies and rectal exams to increase the chances of early detection and treatment.

Do I Have Colon Cancer Symptoms?

Colon cancer effects 7% of Americans and can be devastating. There is no known cure for colon cancer so early and frequent screening is necessary. The majority of cases begin as simple non-cancerous clusters of cells which are known as adenomatous polyps. While these polyps are benign, over time they can develop into colon cancers.

Adenomatous polyps themselves can be small and create very few or no symptoms at all. This is why screening is so important - once your doctor notes the presence of polyps he can remove them to prevent them turning cancerous.

But what if you have not had a screening? How do you recognize the symptoms of colon cancer? The first thing to note is that a lot of people with colorectal cancer have no symptoms at all in the disease's early stages. When symptoms do appear they can vary greatly based on the cancer's location and size.

There is no substitute for early detection, but if you have been unable to get to the doctor for screening, here are some things to look for:

1. Sudden and/or unexplained weight-loss.

2. A change in your bowel movements - look for anything that is changed from normal - a change in frequency, the consistency, persistent diarrhea or constipation any change that lasts more than two weeks and cannot be associated with another illness.

3. Extreme fatigue or weakness.

4. Not feeling able to completely empty your bowel.

5. Stomach discomfort including cramps, gas, and pain.

6. Bloody stool or bleeding from the rectum.

The fact is that most of the symptoms of colon cancer are also symptomatic of other problems so this is why it is necessary to see your doctor as soon as possible.

If it turns out you do not have cancer then you need to look into other causes for these symptoms. All of the symptoms above, except for unexplained weight loss and extreme fatigue are signs of an impacted intestinal system. If this is the case, it could be that you need to undertake a program of colon cleansing in concert with colonic irrigation to remove irritants from the bowel and allow a return of normal bowel function.

The best defense against colon cancer is regular screening and early detection. Your doctor can find and remove adenomatous polyps before they develop into cancer. If you have any bowel symptoms that you are unsure of, see your doctor immediately. Your bowel health is too important to take chances with.

4 Possible Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that affects the last section of the digestive tract (usually the colon or rectum). It is responsible for over 16,000 deaths in the UK each year and is therefore one of the most dangerous types of cancer around. There are a number of symptoms which could indicate that you have bowel cancer. In this article I will be discussing these signs and symptoms and hopefully give you the information to identify this disease sooner rather than later.

Unlike other conditions where the symptoms are often clear and easy to identify, colon cancer symptoms are usually vague and more difficult to spot. As the cancer becomes more advanced and the tumour grows, the symptoms become more noticeable. However, by this time it is often more difficult to treat the cancer effectively. That is why it is essential for you to be on the lookout for signs of bowel cancer at all times. By doing this you can significantly improve your chances of identifying colorectal cancer early and getting it treated. There are many symptoms associated with this type of cancer but below I have outlined four of the most common.

1) BLOOD IN THE STOOLS OR RECTAL BLEEDING:- This is probably the number one symptom of colon cancer. With this type of cancer the tumour develops in the final section of the digestive tract. Therefore, if the tumour bleeds some of this blood usually comes out of the rectum or in your stools. The bleeding is not usually significant but if you notice any at all then you should inform your doctor immediately.

2) PAIN IN THE STOMACH:- If the tumour gets large enough it can cause a blockage in your colon. This blockage can prevent solids, fluids or gases passing through your bowel which then leads to cramps and pains. In the worst cases, the tumour can grow so large that it breaks through your bowel wall which again causes major stomach pains. Although stomach pains are associated with multiple conditions, any prolonged pains could be indicative of colon cancer. If you experience these pains for an extended period go and see your doctor right away.

3) DIFFERENT BOWEL MOVEMENTS:- If the tumour becomes large it can also have an impact on your bowel movements. The blockage created by a large tumour can prevent stools from passing through the colon leading to constipation (difficulty passing stools). It can also cause a build up of fluid behind the tumour which eventually leaks through leading to diarrhea (difficulty controlling your bowel movements because your stools have become watery). If you notice any unusual bowel movements, particularly for long periods, this could be a sign of colorectal cancer and you should consult your doctor.

4) UNEXPECTED WEIGHT LOSS:- Sometimes tumours release chemicals which increase your metabolism and cause you to burn more calories than usual. Therefore, if you experience any unexpected or unexplained weight loss you should consult your doctor and get yourself tested for bowel cancer. Even if the weight loss is not linked to cancer it is still advisable to see your doctor because any weight loss that you cannot account for is likely to have some underlying cause.

As you can see from this article the symptoms of colon cancer are not always obvious and easy to identify. However, I hope this article has shown you some of the things you should be looking out for. Bowel cancer is much more treatable if it is caught in the early stages so if you notice any of the above symptoms do not take any chances. Go see your doctor right away and get a professional verdict.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Colon cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Bowel Cancer - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Care

Bowel cancer is also known by many as colorectal cancer. It is a common cancer, slow to develop, with over 34,000 people diagnosed in the UK each year. Over 80% of people diagnosed with bowel cancer are over 60 years old. The symptoms of the disease can include changes in bowel habits, consistent diarrhoea or constipation, blood or mucus in the faeces, tiredness and weight loss or a pain or lump in the abdomen.

The exact cause of the cancer remains unknown but there are several factors that make people at more risk. Research suggests that diet may be a factor; those with a diet high in animal fat and protein and low in fibre have an increased risk of developing bowel cancer. Also those who have a high intake of alcohol may be at greater risk. People with a history of bowel cancer in the family may have a slightly higher risk of developing the disease but only 5-10% of sufferers have family members with the same illness.

If you think you have any of the symptoms of this cancer you should visit your GP straight away as early diagnosis and treatment are important for controlling the disease. The doctor will do a physical examination and refer you to a hospital specialist if they think a cancer may be present.

There are three tests that may be conducted by hospital specialists to diagnose the cancer;

Barium enema which is a special x-ray of the large bowel where a mixture of barium and air is passed through the back passage into the bowel, the doctor can then watch the passage of the barium through the bowel on the x-ray screen and any abnormal areas can be seen.

Proctoscopy / Sigmoidoscopy is where air is pumped into the bowel and then a tube with a tiny light and camera is passed into the bowel so any abnormal areas can be seen. This test may be uncomfortable but not painful.

Colonoscopies are done when the doctor needs to see the whole length of the large bowel, the bowel must be empty and a colonoscope is passed into the bowel. This is a long flexible tube with a light and camera on the end to help show abnormal areas and swelling. During the test photos and samples of the cells on the inside of the large bowel can be taken. A sedative is usually given to make the procedure more comfortable.

Treatment depends on the stage and position of the cancer. Cancers affecting the colon and those affecting the rectum are usually treated in different ways. Patients with early stage cancer contained within the bowel wall can usually be completely cured with surgery. If the cancer has spread through the muscle of the bowel wall and into the lymph nodes there is a chance the cancer may return so chemotherapy is often done along with the surgery. People with rectal cancer may also be given radiotherapy before or after surgery.

With advanced stage bowel cancer where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as abdomen, liver and lungs it is not usually possible to fully cure but treatment may be able to control it for a long time, by reducing symptoms and giving a good quality of life.

What Are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer or colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. And it occurs most often in people older than 50. With 655,000 deaths worldwide per year, it is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. When it is found early, it is easily treated and often cured. But because it usually is not found early, it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Knowing what are the symptoms of colon cancer is very important because it is easily treated if it is found early. The key is to find it as early as possible.

The first symptoms of colon cancer are usually vague, like bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue (tiredness). Local (bowel) symptoms are rare until the tumor has grown to a large size. Generally, the nearer the tumor is to the anus, the more bowel symptoms there will be.

The cecum and ascending colon are on the right side of your abdomen. Cancer in this area may bleed, causing blood in the stool and symptoms of anemia, including fatigue and weakness. The amount of blood may be small and so well mixed with stool that your stool may look normal. The transverse colon goes across your body from right to left. Cancer here may cause abdominal cramps. The descending colon and the S-shaped sigmoid colon are on the left side of your abdomen and join the rectum. Cancer here may cause narrower stools and bright red blood in the stool.

The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer in the United States is about 7%. Colorectal cancer can take many years to develop and early detection of colorectal cancer greatly improves the chances of a cure. If you or your doctor thinks you have colon cancer then you will need a test, called a colonoscopy, that lets the doctor see the inside of your entire colon and rectum. During this test, your doctor will remove polyps or take tissue samples from any areas that don't look normal.

What is Cancer Staging Useful For?

Staging is used by the doctors to evaluate how much the cancer has invaded the organism and to decide further what methods of therapy to apply.

The colon cancer staging began with the Duke's classification system which contained three stages: A, B, and C. After a while Astler-Coller brought modifications to this classification, adding one more stage: the D stage. In 1978 Gunderson & Sosin brought other modifications to the classification and a few years ago, the American Joint Committee on Cancer has come with a new classification called TNM containing four stages.

Nowadays the doctors use more often the TNM classification and the Duke's classification in staging the colon cancer.

Duke stage A refers to the fact that the cancer affects only the mucosa of the bowel and does not get further to other structures of the colon.

Duke stage B1 shows that the cancer has reached the muscularis propria of the colon but did not get through it.

In Duke stage B2 the tumor has got through the muscularis propria of the colon.

In Duke stage C1 the cancer has reached the muscularis propria and has also affected the local lymph nodes.

In Duke stage C2 the tumor has got through the muscularis propria of the colon and has also reached the local lymph nodes.

Duke stage D shows that the cancer has spread towards other tissues and organs.

The TNM staging refers to tumor, nodes and metastasis.

T1: the cancer has affected the mucosa and the submucosa too.

T2: the cancer has extended to the muscularis propria.

T3: the cancer has passed through the muscularis propria and has reached the subserosa.

T4: the cancer has affected all the colon's layers and it is spreading o the nearby organs.

N0: it means that no lymph nodes are affected yet.

N1: the cancer has affected 1 to 3 local lymph nodes.

N2: the cancer is found in more than 4 local lymph nodes.

M0: it means that no metastases are present.

M1: it means that distant metastasis can be seen.

Another classification which is more accurate contains both the Duke's and the TNM classification.

Stage I: T1 N0 M0; T2 N0 M0 means that the disease has extended in the inner layers of the colon but it has not spread to other structures yet.

Stage II: T3 N0 M0; T4 N0 M0 means that the nearby structures of the colon and rectum have been invaded but the lymph nodes are clear.

Stage III: any T, N1-2, M0 refers to the fact that the lymph nodes are affected by the disease but the distant organs are still safe.

Stage IV: any T, any N, and M1 means that metastases have appeared, and so the cancer has spread to distant organs like lungs and liver.

Recommended Treatments for the Different Stages of Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage 0 Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage 0 colon cancer (carcinoma in situ) may include the following types of surgery:

· Local excision, which is surgery to remove the colon cancer without cutting through the abdominal wall.

· A polypectomy, which is surgery to remove the colon cancer from the bulging piece of tissue.

· Resection/anastomosis, which is surgery that removes the colon cancer by taking out a section of the colon and rejoining the cut ends of the colon. This procedure is done when the cancerous tissue is too large to remove by local excision.

Treatment of Stage I Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage I colon cancer is usually resection/anastomosis (removal of colon cancer by joining the cut ends of the colon) because the cancerous tissue is usually too large at this stage to be removed by local excision.

Treatment of Stage II Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage II colon cancer may include the following:

· Resection/anastomosis

· Clinical trials of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or biological therapy after surgery

Treatment of Stage III Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage III colon cancer may include the following:

· Resection/anastomosis with or without chemotherapy.

· Clinical trials of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or biological therapy after surgery.

Treatment of Stage IV Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage IV colon cancer may include the following:

· Resection/anastomosis

· Surgery to remove parts of other organs such as the liver, lungs, and ovaries where the cancer may have spread.

· Chemotherapy.

· Clinical trials of chemotherapy or biological therapy.

· Radiation therapy may be offered to some patients as palliative therapy (to relieve symptoms).

Treatment of Recurrent Colon Cancer or Cancerous Cells

Treatment of recurrent colon cancer depends on where the cancer has recurred (come back) and the general health of the patient. Treatment for recurrent colon cancer may include the following:

· Surgery to remove cancer that may have spread to the liver, lungs, or ovaries.

· Surgery to remove cancer cells that have recurred in the colon.

· Radiation therapy as palliative therapy.

· Chemotherapy as palliative therapy.

· Clinical trials of biological therapy or chemotherapy.