Symptoms Of Colon Cancer Explained

Symptoms of colon cancer can be sneaky, because we all have some of these symptoms once in a while. The time to be concerned is if the symptoms persist for two weeks or more. We all have bowel movements and it is alright to talk to your doctor about your bowel habits.

Changes in bowel habits can be a clue to the fact that our colon is not healthy. This doesn't necessarily mean there is a significant problem, but if these changes continue over a couple weeks, it is time to talk to the doctor. A change is anything that is different for us. It may be constipation when this has never been a problem for you before or it may be diarrhea that lasts for two weeks. The first thing to consider, of course, is what have you been eating? We all have bouts of constipation, if we aren't getting enough fruits and vegetables; so the first thing we should do is increase or start eating fruits and vegetables. Diarrhea hits if we eat too many fruits and vegetables, or too much greasy food, or if we eat something that has spoiled. You should decrease the amounts of fruits and vegetables, and or the amount of fried foods, when you develop diarrhea. A bacteria or "bug" that is going around can gives you diarrhea and, in and of itself, isn't a cause to panic about symptoms of colon cancer. But if these symptoms go on for 2 or more weeks, then it is time to call your doctor.

Diarrhea is when you have loose or liquid stool or increased number of stools in a day. Constipation is when you have hard stools or you haven't had a bowel movement for 3 or more days. Everyone's bowel habits vary from time to time and what is normal for one person is not necessarily normal for the next person. It is changes that you should pay attention to.

Bright red or very dark red blood in your stools is another sign not all is well. The most common cause of blood in stools is hemorrhoids. These are tags that form in the rectum that can fill with blood and then break and bleed. The bleeding from hemorrhoids should not last for more than a day or two at the most. So when you continue to have blood in your stools this is a symptom that needs to be reported and checked by your doctor.

Narrow stools or stools that are pencil shaped are another sign that the colon is not healthy. Again if this continues it is time to call your doctor.

Another sign of trouble is increased and persistent gas pain, bloating, a feeling of fullness with or with out decreased appetite and abdominal (tummy) cramping that continues for 2 weeks.

Again symptoms of colon cancer are not that uncommon to us. We all go through times that our colons aren't healthy, but when these changes go on for 2 weeks, it is time to go to the doctor and find out why things aren't normal. Symptoms of colon cancer can be caused by other things, so why worry? Go get checked out if you have:

• Changes in your bowel movements


• Constipation


• Diarrhea


• Blood in your stools


• Stools thinner than normal

When you are aware of what is normal and what is not normal you are better prepared to talk to your doctor about your body.

So eat your fruits and vegetables and have your colonoscopy when you are fifty and every 5 years after that.

Wishing you good colon health and God Bless you.

Stages of Colon Cancer and Treatment Options

Colon cancer is a very fatal disease, in particular, if diagnosed too late. However, treatment success for those who suffer from disease has increased, as has the survival rate. This is due to early prevention along with the development of new therapies for colon cancer. In fact, many early diagnosed colon cancer patients, if treated promptly, are reported to achieve a full recovery from the disease.

The course of therapy varies in different patients regarding the treatment of colon cancer. There are a number of factors that are considered including the state of health of patients and the location and the size of the tumor as well as the severity of colon cancer that are considered by Oncologists (doctors specialized in cancer diagnosis and treatment) in choosing a therapy. The three primary colon cancer treatments include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As the case may be, a combination of these treatments may be employed for the patient.

For early stages of colon cancer (Stage 0 & Stage I), surgery is the treatment of choice. These are the stages wherein cancer is confined locally and has affected a small portion of the colon only. The procedure may range from polypectmy to partial colectomy. Polypectomy is the surgical removal of a polyp in the colon and it is even possibly done during colonoscopy as long as the tumor (polyp) is small enough. On the other hand, partial colectomy is the resection of the affected portion of the colon and adjacent lymph nodes. The two procedures discussed do not require any other additional treatment like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The surgery alone can successfully eradicate the disease with a good prognosis as long as the malignant tissues were completely removed.

Regarding Phase II colon cancer treatments, surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended by doctors in most cases. At this stage, where cancer has penetrated the wall of the colon and affected adjacent tissue but has not yet infected the lymph nodes, or spread (metastases). At this point, an operation is generally required to removed the tumor tissues and lymph nodes. chemotherapy can also be performed, according to the presence of certain circumstances caused by cancer such as:

1. Perforation, or the presence of a hole or holes in the wall of the colon;

2. The presence of a high degree of malignancy;

3. No more than 12 lymph nodes removed surgically;

4. In the case of malignant cells that were removed from the colon show activity micro satellite instability (MSI);

5. Adjacent organs also infected by cancer.

6. The obstruction of the large intestine.

For stage III colon cancer, the malignancy typically involves the colon, nearby tissues and lymph nodes but not the distant parts of the body. The standard treatment recommended for this stage is partial colectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy as well as possible radiation therapy as the case requires. However, the surgical treatment can only be indicated for patients whose general health status can still tolerate the procedure. Otherwise, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are more likely the treatment of choice.

In the stage of colon cancer known as phase IV, operation is typically is the least favored option. Usually the best option in radiation therapy and chemotherapy. At this point, the malignancy is generally spread from the colon and lymphatic nodes and has distributed itself among other organs of the body. For cancer can often be detected in the lungs, liver, organs of the organs and peritoneum and the ovaries. Chemotherapy administered intravenous drugs or by mouth. These drugs are intended to destroy cancer cells. Metastases of other organs, malignant cells, not colon cancer tissue if heavy together with the operation. But if sufficiently large, chemotherapy drugs to reduce the size of the tumor prior to surgery. On the other hand, ionizing radiation and radiation therapy also be taken to reduce this tumor. But most often the procedures are performed in the interest of the comfort of the patent and does alleviate some of the symptoms of cancer, but certainly. Unfortunately, there is a very poor prognosis at this stage of cancer.

Overall, there are several options for colon cancer treatment. However, the best time to undergo such any of the treatment is during the earlier stage of the disease. It is significant that any individual risk for colon cancer undergoes certain diagnostic exams regularly for early detection because definitely cancer has a treatment and a good prognosis is possible.

Understanding Colon Cancer - Symptoms, Causes and Early Detection

The large intestine, also called colon, is located in the abdominal cavity where it takes the form of an inverted U. It follows the small intestine into the pit right iliac then back along the abdomen, it is experiencing in its upper part, then downhill into the left iliac fossa where it forms a loop S (sigmoid colon ).

It then continues with the rectum and then, 15 cm lower, with the anal canal and ending with the anus. Malignant tumors of intestine develop in 70 percent of cases in the rectum and sigmoid, from the mucosa (inner layer) or more often a polyp (benign tumor that has cancer).

Symptoms

We have to wait very long, often several months to see the first symptoms usually occurring by the presence of blood or mucus in black, and disorders of transit for more than three weeks, mainly characterized by alternating diarrhea and constipation. Without treatment, cancer of the colon can cause intestinal obstruction, more rarely perforation of the bowel wall. Later, chronic bleeding that occurs in the tumor causes anemia and unintended weight loss.

Causes

If we do not yet know the exact causes of colon cancer, it is believed that some severe inflammatory diseases of the bowel as well as foods rich in fat and low in fiber promote its appearance.

We also believe that five per cent of cancers rectocoliques certainly have a family, ie they are favored by inherited genes. We know for example that children, brothers and sisters of people who had colon cancer may also develop this disease. This risk is particularly high in families with a "familial polyposis."

The disorder is characterized by the presence in many colon polyps, benign tumors that almost always turn into cancer if not removed in time. The progress of genetic engineering we will soon find the gene responsible for the disease among children in these families, regularly monitor those who own and operate them if necessary, while avoiding investigations and unnecessary fears to those who do the not.

Prevention and Early Detection

If there is no really effective way to prevent colon cancer, it is strongly recommended eating foods rich in fiber and drink plenty of fluids. The systematic excision of polyps discovered during an endoscopy is in fact the main measure to prevent colon cancer.

It is also impossible to practice early detection, for example by using a self-examination. The only way to detect colon cancer is to consult a doctor without delay from onset of symptoms mentioned above, namely the presence of blood in the stool and disorders transit. It is therefore necessary to regularly observe the appearance of the stool. The presence of blood should never be attributed to hemorrhoids, at least among those who have more than forty years before fully to investigate the intestine by endoscopy (direct examination with a flexible instrument that we introduced by the rectum).

As for reviews that are to detect the invisible presence of blood in the stool in search of a chronic hemorrhage, they may be useful but are not sufficient because they do almost never detect tumors early, when it is still curable. Moreover, the presence of blood in the stool is not always a sign of colon cancer.

The only way to make a diagnosis with certainty is that allows endoscopy to examine directly, or the lower part of the large intestine (rectodoscopie) where develop almost all the tumors of the intestine or the entire large intestine ( colonscopy).

Initial Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a disease that progresses slowly and is highly unnoticeable. However, early diagnosis and medication for this type of cancer is very important. Having knowledge of the symptoms of colon cancer can be a good way to avoid the fatality of the disease through earlier treatment.

It is not easy to discover if one has colon cancer. This is why doctors advice people over 50 years old to undergo colonoscopy. Even if the results show negative signs for cancer, recurrent examinations every after ten years is also recommended. But if the findings yield a possibility for cancer - even if the chance is small - the patient should submit to colonoscopy every two years.

An early symptom of colon cancer that is often overlooked is excess gas. If you feel bloated and your stomach literally hardens after eating, then this may be a sign of a tumor growing within your system and blocking the path of the waste materials in your body. You may also suffer constipation due to the blockage and this will eventually lead to constant stomach or abdominal pains. Diarrhea and dehydration can also occur due to changes in bowel habits. If your bowel habits remain abnormal for more than two weeks, then this could already be an indication of colon cancer. These pains can be accompanied by swelling.

Bloody stools can also be indication of colon cancer. However, this symptom can also signify other health problems such as UTI or anal fissures. Blood in stools should not be disregarded because it often leads to more complicated diseases if not consulted to a doctor immediately.

Another possible sign of colon cancer is anemia. The type of anemia closely related to cancer is hemorrhage or excessive bleeding. Hemorrhage can be a side effect of past or current medication but if you suddenly acquired the sickness, you may be advised to undergo series of check ups to ensure that you don't have any other ailments.

You may also find your weight abruptly decreasing even if you are not making any effort in dieting. Furthermore, you will start losing appetite and will feel nauseated usually after a meal. These symptoms are similar to other less harmful diseases but if they continue after 24 hours or after medication, you should now seek more extensive diagnosis.

Diagnoses for colon cancer often include a stool test - both stool blood test and stool DNA test; Sigmoidoscopy - examination of the lower colon only; and Colonoscopy - examination of the entire colon. Colonoscopy is the most recommended diagnosis and the most accurate amongst the three. This method uses a thin tube with a camera on one end. The tube is inserted through the rectum and the camera captures the internal appearance of the colon to check for possible tumor growth and any other irregularities. These diagnostic procedures have increased the survival rights of cancer-inflicted people but may no longer be able to help once the cancer has already advanced to higher stage. Abrupt diagnosis after all coincides with abrupt treatment. So if you are experiencing any of these early symptoms of colon cancer, then it is best to contact a doctor now.

Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

The danger of colorectal cancer is that the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer only appear in the later stages. Most people with colon cancer do not experience any symptom at the early stages of the illness. However, when the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer do appear, it varies from person to person. The development of the symptoms really depends on the cancer location and size in your large intestine. Learn more as you read on.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer:

1. Rectal Bleeding or Blood Appearing in Stool

2. Constant Abdominal Pain or Discomfort. Most suffer from pain, stomach cramps or gas

3. Diarrhea or Constipation or even the Frequency of Bowel Movements

4. Feeling of Incomplete Bowel Movements, ie Your Bowel does not empty completely.

5. Weight Loss. This includes when you are eating properly and not skipping meals.

6. Fatigue or Weakness in Body

7. Abdominal Pain During Bowel Movement

Seeing blood in your stool does not always imply as one of the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer. There could be other causes for it. It could be due to piles, coming from minor tears in the anus. At the same time, if your diet includes beets, red licorice or other fruits and vegetables with red pigmentation, they too can make your stool look reddish.

Iron supplements as well as anti-diarrhea medicine can make your stools black and seemingly alarming. However, while blood is not the surest indication as one of the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, it is still better and safer to drop by the clinic for an examination. You never know what can happen and prevention is always better than cure.

Symptoms of the Colorectal Colon Cancer and the Hemoccult Test

Colorectal cancer - cancer of the colon or the rectum is the second most common cancer in America. It is one of the deadliest of cancers and accounts for 20% of all the cancer deaths. As much as 50% of those who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer will eventually die as per the latest medical statistics. One main reason for such a high mortality is due to the fact that the majority of colorectal cancer cases are detected at a very late stage. If detected early the mortality due this disease is entirely preventable.

One early symptom of this type of cancer is traces of blood on the surface of or mixed in the stools. This can be easily detected with laboratory testing if not visually clear. In some cases there may be pain or tenderness in the abdomen. But in most cases there will be no symptoms of colorectal cancer until the tumor grows big enough to cause obstruction or rupture of the intestine. At this stage aggressive form of treatment like surgery have to be resorted to.

In order to detect colorectal cancer early many doctors advise Hemoccult test. In this test sample of the stool is applied to a card and to which a solution of plant gum is added. The presence of hemoglobin is detected by the color change. Hemoccult test is most reliable and a simple non invasive test to detect colorectal cancer. Sometimes this test may yield false positive result if the person had recently consumed fresh fruits, vegetables, iron tablets, red meat, aspirin or vitamin c supplements. Moreover even if blood traces are found it does not always mean that the person has colorectal cancer. In fact Nation Cancer Institute states that less than 10% all positive finding with this type of test actually indicated colorectal cancer. A positive finding with the hemoccult test warrants further investigation with tests like sigmoidoscopy.

Colon Cancer Symptoms and Information

Colon cancer is a serious disease, as are all types of cancer. Noticing little changes in your body will help you to realize that something could possibly be wrong, resulting in early detection and treatment or cure of this devastating disease. There are actually several different symptoms that can be related to this cancer.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer can take a while to become detectable. Taking notice of your normal bowel habits can be of benefit in the event that something does go wrong. The following are symptoms of this cancer:

· A change in your bowel habits. Whether it is constipation, diarrhea, or any other change in the consistency of your bowel movements, these are all important signs to take note of in your daily routine and can help you catch this disease in the earlier stages.

· Rectal bleeding. Patients often dismiss rectal bleeding as just being hemorrhoids. Don't let this happen to you. Usually with cancer, the bleeding will continue. It may stop for a while, but it will always come back.

· Blood in your stool. You may notice that there is blood whenever you have a bowel movement. You may not actually notice any blood between movements.

· The feeling that your bowel has not completely emptied after a bowel movement. Tumors can actually grow inside the colon and become large enough to block a portion of the colon.

· Unexplained weight loss.

· Fatigue or weakness.

Many times, people who have developed colon cancer may not experience any signs or symptoms in the earlier stages of the disease. This is why it is important to schedule a regular exam with your physician to be checked, especially if you are within an at-risk group for developing colon cancer.

Symptoms will vary from person to person. Each person is different and the cancer within those patients is different. No two cancers will grow the same, spread the same, and affect the exact same area. This is why symptoms will usually vary from person to person. The above listed symptoms will serve only as a guideline of what to be on the lookout for.

If you feel that you may be experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, contact your physician immediately. You want to catch the cancer in the earlier stages. Chances for treatment or curability decreases in the later stages of colon cancer and the prognosis is not good. If caught in Stage 0 or Stage 1, there is greater than a 90% chance of a 5-year survival rate. If caught in the last stage, the chance is less than 10%.

It is imperative that you pay attention to your body and notice any types of changes. If you notice changes, seek immediate medical help. Even if you don't notice any of these symptoms, do whatever you can to prevent colon cancer.

Colorectal Cancer: Its Causes And Symptoms

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor which arises in the inner lining of the colon or the rectum. This usually happens when there is an abnormal or uncontrolled growth of cells in the latter part of the digestive tract which is known as the colon. Pertinently, these malignant cells may also grow in the rectum, the very end of the large intestine that opens at the anus, which lead one to suffer this malignancy.

This cancer has numerous distinct names. It is commonly termed as colon cancer or large bowel cancer, or "CRC". This disease is contemplated as the fourth common form of cancer in the United States, and the third leading cause of cancer-related in the Western domain.

What causes colon cancer?

There are numerous causes for this type of disease as well as factors that place certain folks at increased risk for this sickness. Here are some known factors:

Age

It is not directly stated that age can cause rectal cancer. However, this malignancy usually strikes in those individuals who are forty years and above.

Genes

Most colon cancer occurs when there is family medical history related to this disease or polyps. For instance, whenever your father/mother/brother or sister has developed colorectal cancer or more than one family member has had this malignant tumor, the risk to other family of acquiring this cancer is high.

Environment

Study has shown that environment a play a huge part in rectal cancer enhancement. Everything around you may influence your risk of acquiring colon cancer.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD is often characterized by conditions similar to ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease. When a person is experiencing such conditions; he or she might be at great risk of developing colon cancer.

Diet

Diet has found out to be a causal factor of colon cancer especially if your diet is high in fat and low in fiber.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

This type of cancer doesn't always present any symptoms in the early stages. Its symptoms occur when the disease has progressed into the later stages. Here are some of its symptoms:

• Change in bowel habits including constipation or diarrhea


• Blood in the stool


• Abdominal discomfort and tenderness in the lower abdomen


• Weakness or fatigue


• Unexplained weight loss


• Intestinal obstruction

Whenever you experience symptoms like blood in the stool or change in bowel habits, you must immediately see your doctor for appropriate medication.

Colon Cancer Symptoms From Eating Too Much Meat

Important news for all of us, especially those who have a higher chance of suffering from colon cancer symptoms. A new report suggests that eating too much meat, including processed meats might just up your risk of getting colon cancer. Cancer of the colon is the 3rd most common cancer, after skin cancers, diagnosed in the United States.

Doctors tell us that most all cancers of this type get started in the glands that line the colon and rectum. This type of cancer often starts out as noncancerous polyps that over time develop into cancer. Experts are coming to believe that what we put into our bodies may play a part in the risk of colon cancer - a high fat, low fiber diet, loaded with red or processed meats is not what your body needs to stay cancer free.

The AICR recommends eating just 18 ounces of red meat (beef, lamb, pork) per week as this brings only a tiny increase in risk of colon cancer. This works out to roughly five or six small portions per week.

Processed meat is a no-no as the findings of the report showed that consuming processed meat increases your risk of colon cancer two times as much as eating red meats. The larger the quantities of processed meat you eat, the more risk you have for developing colon cancer.

Those who eat 24.5 ounces a week (about 3.5 ounces a day) of red meats face a 17% higher chance of colon cancer in comparison to those who eat no red/processed meats according to the AICR/WCRF report. Those who ate 7 ounces of red meat a day, a whopping 49 ounces a week, were found to have a 34% greater chance of developing colon cancer.

Why is red and processed meat so bad for you?

No one knows exactly, some suggest chemicals known as heterocyclicamines, a by product when cooking meat at a very high temperature, might play a part. Processed meats are created by just such processes - i.e. smoking, curing or salting and adding things like nitrates - none of those sound very healthy. We also know that the body changes nitrates into nitrosamines, known to raise the risk of cancer.

Moderating your intake of red meats is a smart move. And by doing so you leave more room in your meals for good foods like veggies and whole grains. As for the processed variety, less is more.

The report also cautions against drinking too much alcohol, as this might up your colon cancer risk. Extra fat in the belly area appears to play a part in increased cancer risk, which is why experts recommend making other healthy lifestyle choices - taking in more fiber and being more active on a regular basis as being so important.

Cutting red and processed meats from the diet, as well as making other dietary and lifestyle changes (drinking less alcohol, eating more fiber, being active regularly and keeping your weight in the healthy range) could prevent just under half of all colon cancers. That's over 64,000 cases each and every year according to the latest findings.

The good news, explains expert panel members who examined all the literature on the risk of colon cancer symptoms, is that people do have an element of control over the risk of this terrible disease. You can do something to help yourself, but you have to act now, and avoiding eating too much meat is an easy place to start.

What is Colon Cancer and is it Treatable?

Most people have heard that colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the Western world. But most people don't have a good understanding of what it is or what causes it to occur. Many times in life, we learn so many complex things that the simple things we ought to remember from health class in high school seem like nothing more than a mystery to us. The problem is that quite often in our busy lives, we don't recognize symptoms and problems when they start to occur. Colon cancer is a good case in point. Simply put, the colon is the part of the digestive system that stores waste material to be excreted later through the anus via the rectum.

Colon cancer is also classified as large bowel cancer or colorectal cancer, which one can infer has something to deal with the rectum. In this sense, it involves the development of cancerous tissue abnormality in the colon, thereby affecting the rectum and the appendix. These tissue abnormalities are more commonly known as adenomatous polyps which frequent the inner walls of the colon and are similar in shape to that of mushrooms. As these polyps are seen as simple in the beginning, their development into malignant abnormalities is what is regarded as colon cancer. For this reason, colonoscopies are encouraged so that there can be an early detection of these polyps and can be removed before they cause more serious problems. Importantly, researchers have found that a lot of the cancers of the colon found their origin in polyps which were left to develop untreated over time.

The most dangerous thing about this disease is the fact that it causes damage to one's tissues and organs, the building blocks of the body. In this way, the liver and lungs may also be affected, halting the important digestive system and making it hard for the individual to breathe efficiently. This metastasis late stage process is the final sign that there is no coming back from treatment and that unfortunately, the result would be death.

Certainly, from this we cannot underestimate statistical reports that conclude that over 650,000 people die per year from this cancer, with the Western societies having the most frequent cases. It rarely takes place within Africa and Asia. Leading these statistics is the United States, which considers this disease as the fourth most common form of cancer as well as the third leading cause of death relating to cancer.

Other useful information for a person interested in the topic of colon cancer is the fact that it is treatable with surgery as well as chemotherapy in the more serious cases. Now I am going to leave you with something to think about colon cancer which was not mentioned earlier to pique your interest on further reading. In this way, more precaution and action can be taken if you happen to have this deadly disease. Genes along the chain of the colon are ultimately damaged with the development of this cancer, in particular the APC gene. What do you think the effect this will have on the body as well as children of these individuals? All the more reason to get preventative screenings early and often.

Apparent Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer - Be Watchful!

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer are visible during the late years. Those who are experiencing these symptoms should immediately consult a doctor for proper diagnosis. Ignoring such signs and symptoms and without the immediate and proper diagnosis, the appropriate management for the illness can not be started in due time and there are possibilities that these might lead to complications or metastasis.

According to updates in studies and discoveries, the numbers of victims rises rapidly for the past 30 years. Records showed that most of those afflicted sufferers were in the age range of 30-50 years old. The most visible causes of this threat were addictive smoking, aging, family history, unbalanced diet, and some problems such as history of polyps in the body.

The onset of the signs and symptoms of this illness usually appears as early as in mid-thirties of age and can be noted also on later years. In most cases, a tumor can grow for years before you see any signs of colon cancer, therefore, it is best to have regular screenings or check-up rather than taking for granted the possible signs and symptoms of the ailment. Finding out and knowing what is wrong could be scary but this helps a lot in making right decisions.

You must take into considerations the different irregularities of your body processes because it may be the signs that you might be having an illness such as cancer.

The following are the most apparent signs of colon cancer

• thin stools/loosely formed

• stomach cramps/pain

• blood-stained feces

• unexplained weight loss

• feeling tired easily

• feeling like you have to "go" when you don't/urges in defecating

Colon cancer screening is vitally important in preventing it, although it can be uncomfortable. This is because in the early stages, people with such illness (colon cancer), typically have no symptoms at all and the cancer cells has spread beyond the colon, by the time a person learned of his/her ailment, treatment can be difficult and often impossible to cure.

Colon cancer screening is the single most important step you can take to reduce your risk. Routine screening identifies growths in the colon that may turn into cancer if they aren't removed. These growths, referred to as polyps or adenomas, are precursors to the disease. This means they show up in the colon years before it develops; they serve as a sort of "early warning" system. It is very rare that it occurs without first appearing as a polyp or adenoma.

This pathway-from a single pre-cancerous cell in the colon, to a visible polyp or adenoma, to colon cancer itself-is what makes screening so effective for this disease. The time between pre-cancer and cancer give doctors plenty of time to find, and most important, to treat and to remove these growths before they eventually become malignant growth (cancer). Therefore, screening must be done as early as possible to detect cells which would later on be malignant.

Educating oneself on the issues of colon cancer will be a great help for us to be aware of its signs/symptoms/diagnosis/treatment or management and the best is knowing measures on its preventions such as eating proper diet, enough rest, healthy lifestyle and clean living.

What Are The Treatment Options And Survival Rates For Metastatic Colon Cancer

Metastatic colon cancer is one of the leading causes of death from cancers and tumors in the USA and unfortunately the survival rate for those diagnosed with it is below 10%.

If you have been diagnosed with a metastatic colon cancer then your life will change, but you should always remember that there is chance that you'll be cured and try to fight the illness as much as you can.

Colon cancer occurs when a tumor appears in the colon or in the rectum. The colon and the rectum together form the large intestine. First, only a tumor appears either in the colon or in the rectum, but if it is not treated then the tumor will spread, and in time it will affect other organs, such as the liver and the lungs, causing tumors to appear in them too. This is the final phase of colon cancer, when it has spread too much and there are too many cancerous cells in the body. It is also called stage IV colon cancer or metastatic colon cancer.

When doctors discover colon cancer they usually immediately recommend surgery to remove the part of the large intestine where the tumor has grown. After the surgery several tests are performed to see if the cancer has spread. If the result is positive and the cancerous cells are discovered in other distant places of the body then you will receive the stage IV colon cancer diagnosis.

You still have several treatment options after the metastatic colon cancer diagnose. What the best treatment for you is will be determined by several clinical trials. The treatment is very influenced by how far has the metastatic colon cancer has spread.

If it has only spread to a single organ different from the large intestine then the treatment has higher chances of success because it can be directed to that single site. The most common place where metastatic colon cancer spreads is the liver, and sometimes the lungs.

The problem is that at most patients colon cancer has spread to many other locations, and the treatment can not be directed to a single site.

The best treatment option in this situation is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is done by injecting, directly in the blood, certain substances that have the ability of killing cancer cells. Chemotherapy has severe side effects like loss of hair, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, and many more. The survival rate for chemotherapy-treated patients is not too high, but it increases each year and new techniques are continuously researched and developed.

We can only hope that the future will bring good news for those with metastatic colon cancer, and also remember that some manage to survive it and you could be among them.

Colon Cancer Signs and Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of

Although colon cancer can be life-threatening, it is known as one of the curable forms of the disease if it is detected early. Thus, knowledge about colon cancer signs and symptoms can help prevent the disease from advancing and can help a patient minimize the pain and discomfort caused by its symptoms.

Colon Cancer Signs and Symptoms

• Abnormal bowel habits

• Diarrhea, constipation, or an alternating series of both

• The feeling that the bowel is not completely emptied

• Bloody stools

• Narrow stools

• General abdominal discomfort similar to gas pains, bloating, or cramps

• Unexplained and unintended weight loss

• Constant fatigue

• Vomiting

Some of these symptoms are not common so they usually cause patients to approach medical professionals. This helps raise the number of cases that get cured in time.

What to Do When Faced with these Symptoms?

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to approach a medical professional in the soonest possible time. Doing so will increase your chances of getting cured. When you approach a doctor with colon cancer signs and symptoms, he will rule out other possible causes of the symptoms first. To arrive at an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will record your medical history and ask you a lot of questions. You will also be asked to undergo a thorough physical examination as well as other tests such as Barium Enema or a lower gastrointestinal series and a colonoscopy. Both tests will give your doctors a closer look at your large intestines and colon to check for abnormalities.

If other possible causes are negative, then your doctor will then check for the presence of cancer cells. This is usually done through a biopsy, or the removal of a small amount of tissue from the colon so that the tissue can be examined for cancer cells.

What to Do When Diagnosed with Colon Cancer?

Once your doctor diagnoses your condition as cancer of the colon, he will provide you with possible treatment options that are most suitable for the degree or severity of your illness. The main types of treatments are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of all three. You will also be given medication to manage colon cancer signs and symptoms. As your illness progresses, these symptoms will also progress in severity. Thus, this makes it even more important to get an early diagnosis of the disease so that treatment can be provided in a timely manner.

When caught early, this disease can be easily treated by the surgical removal of the cancerous growth in the colon. This approach, however, is only possible if the disease is still in its early stage. The surgery is done by inserting a tube through the rectum and into the colon and removing the tumor. If it is found in a polyp, the surgery will be called a polypectomy. If the cancer is in its advanced stages, however, surgical removal will not be enough to remove all of the affected cells, which will already have spread at this point. Thus, early detection, through colon cancer signs and symptoms, is crucial.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

The colon is an important part of the human body. It is part of the digestive system, and it is a very important part because it plays a very important role in the digestive system of the human body. It plays a major role in helping the body absorb much needed nutrients, minerals and water in the body. The colon also plays a role in ridding the body of waste in the form of stool. The colon is the last part of the large intestine; it is about 6 feet in length. Colon cancer is the cancer that affects the cells of the colon. It is a very common form of cancer in both men and women all over the world. It is the third most common form of cancer affecting humans. Although this form of cancer is life threatening, it is a very treatable disease if diagnosed early and treated in its early stages.

Therefore it is very important for us to know the signs and symptoms of colon cancer. If we feel that we might be suffering from the cancer of the colon we should get our self tested and seen to by a qualified health care professional at the earliest and start treatment to cure the disease. One problem with colon cancer is that early detection is very difficult because most of the symptoms of colon cancer are not very noticeable in the early stages of the disease. Some people might not even notice any symptoms until it is too late. Regardless of this fact we should be aware of the disease and the symptoms it might cause to know if it is affecting us, we should also get ourselves screened regularly to be sure that we are not suffering from any disease, especially if we are in a high risk group. Look out for the following symptoms and consult your doctor at the earliest if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

The biggest symptom of colon cancer is changes in the bowel movement. Bowel habits changing for more than a few days will indicate a problem. If you have diarrhea for more than a week or constipation for more than two weeks it should sound an alarm. You should also notice consistency of your bowel movement as that can also indicate a problem.

The presence of blood in your stool should be dealt with very seriously, even if it is not colon cancer, it is sign for concern and should be checked out immediately by your doctor.

Abdominal pain can be a sign of worry, and it is a symptom of the same, if you have pain for a long time get to a doctor as soon as possible. Cramps and gas for a long duration can also indicate problems with the colon.

Abdominal pain, before, during and after a bowel movement is a sign for concern as well especially if it is persistent. If you are feeling that you can not comfortably empty your bowel and it becomes regular, that could indicate a problem as well.

Unexplained weight loss always indicates some medical problem even if it is not colon cancer proper diagnosis is required for optimum health. Weakness and exhaustion due to no reason should indicate a problem with your health; it is also a symptom for colon cancer.

Although these symptoms may indicate that you are suffering from colon cancer, they could be caused by other medical conditions as well, if you see any of these symptoms or a combination of these symptoms, get yourself screened for colon cancer. Even if you are not suffering from colon cancer a proper diagnosis will lead to a cure for whatever disease or ailment is affecting you in a negative manner. Look after your health and get regular checkups to lead a healthy life.

Colon Cancer: Don't Miss The Symptoms

The colon (together with the rectum) are part of the large intestine (bowel). The colon is a muscular tube that is about five feet long. It absorbs water and nutrients from food passing through. The rectum, the lower six inches of the digestive tract, serves as a holding place for stool, which then passes out of the body through the anus. The colon is divided into four sections: the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon. Most colorectal cancers arise in the sigmoid colon -- the portion just above the rectum. They usually start in the innermost layer and can grow through some or all of the several tissue layers that make up the colon and rectum. Cancer can, however, develop in any portion of the colon. The extent to which a cancer penetrates the various tissue layers of the colon determines the stage of the disease.

What is Colon Cancer? Colon and rectal cancers are the second most prevalent type after lung cancer among men, and the third most prevalent after breast cancer and lung cancer in women. Most colorectal types grow slowly over a period of several years, often beginning as small benign growths called polyps. Removing these polyps early, before they become malignant, is an effective means of preventing colorectal cancer. If the epithelia cells (the cells in the mucous membrane of the colon) turn cancerous and begin to grow and replicate in an abnormal and uncontrolled way, the body cannot organize these cells for normal function and the cells form a mass that is called a tumor. Malignant tumors in the colon can eventually penetrate through the colon and spread to other parts of the body, crowding and destroying normal cells.

Everyone is potentially at risk of developing colon cancer at some point in their lifetime. Although colon cancer occurs mostly in mature individuals, it can also occur in younger men and women as well. Some of the risk factors include a personal history of colonic or rectal polyps, a personal or family history of colon or rectal cancer, and certain conditions, such as chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC) and Crohn's disease. Diet also appears to be a factor in the development of colon cancer.

Warning Symptoms Of Colon Cancer: There are symptoms or warning symptoms that should raise the suspicion that one has cancer. These include: Obstruction As the colon cancer grows, particularly if it is located in the transverse colon or in the descending and sigmoid colons, it may cause obstruction, leading to a build-up of pressure. This can result in pain and in swelling of the abdomen. In more extreme cases of obstruction, there may also be nausea and vomiting. Bleeding As tumors expand, they can be traumatized by the fecal stream, causing them to bleed. The blood is often hidden in the stool and not readily visible. In some cases bleeding may be visible on the stool or there is rectal bleeding. Anemia In some cases, as the tumor bleeds, it causes iron deficiency anemia to occur. Pain Once the tumor penetrates the wall of the colon and begins to invade adjacent tissue, it can cause pain, together with additional symptoms. For example, if the cancer spreads to the bladder, it may cause urinary problems. Wasting Syndrome In some cases, colon cancer can cause a loss of appetite, weight, and strength.

While the above warning signs can occur even in individuals without colon cancer, if someone does exhibit these symptoms, appropriate diagnostic procedures should be recommended in order to rule out colon cancer.

Colon cancer generally grows slowly over a period of years. Once the cancer breaks through the colon, it can enter blood or the lymphatic system grow and spread very rapidly. As the cancer grows, it often spreads into the liver and the lungs. It can also spread to the bones, especially in the pelvis. Depending on the location of the tumor, it can also spread to the clavicle.

The American Cancer Society recommends that screening for colon cancer in individuals without any symptoms commence at age 50. Screening should consist of a yearly digital rectal examination (DRE) and a fecal occult bloot test (FOBT). Sigmoidoscopies, preferably flexible endoscopic sigmoidoscopies, should occur every three to five years. For anyone with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has had colon cancer under the age of 55, screening should start by age 40.

Facts - Colon Cancer Is the second leading of death from cancer in the U.S. Over 50% of all new cases of colon cancer involve metastasis by the time of diagnosis Approximately 102,900 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year. Approximately 48,100 Americans will die from colon cancer this year. 80 to 90 million Americans are at risk of developing colon cancer If colon cancer is detected and treated early, the survival rate is high.

Screening The American Cancer Society and the American College of Gastroenteroloy recommend that screening for colon cancer in individuals without any symptoms commence at age 50. The recommended method for screening is a colonoscopy (repeated every ten years if no polyps or tumors are found and the person has no risk factors). The recommended alternative method for screening is a yearly digital rectal examination (DRE) and a fecal occult bloot test (FOBT). Sigmoidoscopies, preferably flexible endoscopic sigmoidoscopies, should occur every three to five years. For anyone with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has had colon cancer under the age of 55, screening is recommended starting at age 40.

Medical Malpractice and Colon Cancer The incidence of medical malpractice related to the diagnosis of colon cancer is alarming. It is the second most common type of cancer in the U.S., resulting in an expected 48,100 deaths this year. Nonetheless, too many men and women have their cancer diagnosis delayed when the doctors in whose hands such men and women entrust their well-being fail to perform appropriate screening tests, fail to properly interpret test results, and fail to take necessary steps when symptoms of cancer are reported. When this happens, the physician has been negligent. And the tragic result of this negligence is too often the loss of treatment options and/or the loss of chance of survival.

My law firm is devoted to explaining how medical malpractice arises in the context of a failure by a physician to timely diagnosing colon cancer; to describing what is involved in pursuing a medical malpractice claim; and to offering a convenient and free attorney consultation to those who believe they have been the victim of medical malpractice.

Why You May Have a Claim According to a report by the Institute of Medicine, medical errors are responsible for at least 44,000 deaths each year in the United States and possibly as many as 98,000 each year. The following are among the more common forms of negligence or medical malpractice by physicians in diagnosing and/or treating colon cancer: Failing to perform a routine digital rectal examination (DRE); Failing to identify a cancerous mass in the rectum or lower colon during a routine digital rectal examination; Failing to perform a screening sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy; Failure to order appropriate diagnostic examinations (such as a colonoscopy) to test for colon cancer when a patient exhibits symptoms that can be caused by colon cancer; Misinterpreting the biopsy results; Failing to react to biopsy findings; Failing to recommend appropriate treatment options; and Failing to follow-up with the patient. The above are only examples and are by no means intended to be an exhaustive list of acts of malpractice. If you suspect that your doctor failed to detect and/or properly treat your colon cancer, you should contact a competent attorney immediately.

Contact us for a Free Consultation

Please feel free to contact me directly at RJaffe@lcjLawFirm.com or 516.358.6900 if you or a family member have been diagnosed with Colon Cancer and a doctor or other medical professional discounted complaints of rectal bleeding as just hemorrhoids, failed to screen for colon cancer by recommending a colonoscopy or testing for blood in the stool and a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, or failed to follow up after an abnormal test result.

Colon Cancer Signs, Symptoms and Methods of Treatment

According to the latest facts, over 145,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer symptoms each year. Colorectal is a cancerous condition that affects the organs of the digestive system and rectum. The body's primary digestive systems is made up of a large intestinal tract and colon.

Hence, the name colorectal. Combined these two organs have the responsibility of digesting food and extracting minerals and vitamins for the blood-stream where they are distributed to other parts of the body promoting nutritional health.

Symptoms include a wide variety of signs that indicate problems may be developing. Screening for early detection will play a significant role in helping you to overcome. Symptoms can include serious pain in your abdominal region, loss of appetite, blood in your bowel movements, feeling weak and fatigued, ongoing diarrhea, or prolonged constipation.

While these are not all inclusive symptoms, if you have chronic signs as these, you should consult with your doctor for further screening. The signs could be an indication of something entirely different such as something less serious, but nonetheless, should be treated.

Doctors use different methods to diagnose colon or colorectal cancer. The screening process involves a series of tests to evaluate this condition. The first and most common is a rectum exam where the doctor inserts a finger into the rectum to feel for lumps or growths. This is usually followed by a fecal test where stool samples are taken and analyzed for abnormalities.

If abnormalities are detected, a more advanced method may be employed such as the use of digital imaging that uses a variety of technological imaging devices to see inside the body. This can include MRI's, CT's, Colonoscopy, and even Ultrasounds. A biopsy may be required once the findings of abnormalities are confirmed.

Treatment can be intrusive or non-intrusive depending on the treatment plan your doctor designs for your treatment. The stage of colorectal cancer greatly determines the methods of treating cancer in the colon. Surgery is the most common treatment. Here affected sections of the intestines are simply removed. Depending on how large a section is removed will determine if the patient has to have a colostomy - where a stoma is inserted and body waste products are passed through to a bag and discarded.

Non-intrusive treatments can involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, or Electrofulgeration. Each can be discussed with your doctor and each may have its own side effects. Prescription medications may be taken to help alleviate pain after surgery. Use the resources on the Internet site to find information on prevention, find pictures, understand the colon cancer stages, types of rectal carcinomas (cancer de colon), and find alternative treatments.

Watch For Colon Cancer Warning Signs!

The colorectal cancer symptoms are mostly non-specific and appear pronounced only when the disease is at its late stage already. The bad news is that colorectal cancer is impossible to cure during later stage and the rate of survival is very slim as well. Often times, the early symptoms are ignored by most affected individuals because the manifestations are not that bothersome. Most of the disease presentations are actually mistaken as common gastrointestinal upset symptoms and don't even give a slight hint that there is an existing cancerous tumor in the colon. Although symptoms are not always conclusive of colorectal cancer, neither they exclude the possibility that the disease exists.

The colorectal cancer symptoms aggravate as the malignancy heads toward the later stage. The asymptomatic illness suddenly becomes filled with disturbing manifestations, particularly abdominal pain that is present even during the earlier stage of colorectal cancer. This pain has something to do with the devastation cancer cells can do as the tumor becomes bigger. Aside from damaging the blood vessels, the increasing size of the tissue overgrowth puts on too much pressure on the nearby nerve endings resulting to pain. Overall, the symptom presentation of colorectal cancer is affected by the severity of the disease, location and size of the tissue overgrowth.

Furthermore, since the colon is part of the gastrointestinal tract, the rest of the symptoms also pertain to GI system disturbance. The affected individual may manifest the following:

1. Slimmer size of feces

2. feeling of abdominal fullness or incomplete bowel emptying;

3. Abrupt weight reduction

4. abdominal flatulence;

5. Feeling of incomplete elimination of fecal matter or stool

6. Feeling of need to throw up (nausea) and actual vomiting

7. Bowel movement disturbances like loose bowel movement (diarrhea) or difficulty of passing hardened stool (constipation)

8. Gastrointestinal bleeding manifested by bloody stool (melena or hematochezia)

People with colorectal cancer may also experience fatigue associated with anemia, which is secondary to GI bleeding episodes. Moreover, pallor can also be evident among individuals with colon malignancy because blood loss depletes red blood cell count. Likewise, the tumor may absorb the necessary nutrients including iron, which may result to weight loss and further aggravate anemia due to iron deficiency.

Sooner or later, metastasis of colorectal cancer becomes inevitable. The adjacent tissues, lymph nodes and other organs beyond the location of the tumor are reached and affected by the cancer cells. There are times when cancer invasion to other tissues becoms extensive and will bring about intestinal perforation. Thus, content from the colon like feces and others, spill out into the peritoneal cavity towards the pelvis causing infection.

Therefore, regular medical check-up is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses including colorectal cancer. Individuals who have predisposition to malignant diseases must consider enlisting annual health assessment into their priority list. Never wait for colorectal cancer symptoms to worsen and immediately attend all health requirements accordingly. In the presence of colorectal malignancy symptoms, never fail to seek for the expertise and advice of medical/health professionals. Moreover, diagnostic tests are necessary as confirmatory examinations like biopsy, aside from considering the disease symptoms.

Colon Infection Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

The term "colon infection" can be used in various ways to include a number of different colon disorders and conditions.

When used by doctors, however, it usually refers to a disorder caused by the Clostridium difficile bacteria - more commonly known as C. difficile or simply C diff.

Most C. diff colon infections are experienced by older adults who are in a hospital or living in a nursing home or other long term care facility. The reason they get these infections is the fact that they're taking antibiotics to cope with some other health problem.

The problem occurs because antibiotics not only kill bacteria that cause sickness - they also kill bacteria in our intestines which help us digest our food properly. Without enough of this beneficial bacteria, C. diff takes over and grows rapidly. Once C. diff gets established, it causes an infection by producing a toxic substance that attacks the lining of the cells and intestines. The resulting inflammation causes abdominal pain and discomfort.

If your colon infection is fairly mild, it will probably go away when you stop taking the antibiotic. However, in cases in which the colon infection is more severe, an entirely different type of antibiotic may be needed to kill C. diff.

There are several kinds of antibiotics that seem to produce more colon infections from Clostridium difficile than others. These include fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, penicillin and clindamycin.

C difficile bacteria is common in nature. It can be found in abundance in dirt and water, and also on plants. This bacteria, which is also found in the feces of humans and animals, tends to spread quickly in places where sanitation is poor. It floats easily in the air and can settle on surfaces where it can be transmitted to hands.

Avoiding C. diff bacteria can be done the same way you protect yourself from germs of all kinds: keep surfaces at home clean and wash your hands a lot. C diff produces spores that spread readily and can live on surfaces for months. Touching a surface where these germs have landed, and then touching your lips or mouth, could give them entrance to your digestive tract. This could start a chain of events that ends with a colon infection.

The fact that you have C. diff germs in your digestive tract doesn't always mean your going to get sick. But individuals who have C.. diff can certainly spread them to other people who will then develop a colon infection in turn.

In the last few decades, an increasing number of colon infections caused by C. difficile have been reported. A new form of Clostridium difficile bacterium has mutated which is even more aggressive. This type resists medications that were effective before, resulting in several serious outbreaks in the last ten years or so.

Symptoms of a colon infection can take a long time to appear after C. diff germs get into your system. It can be months. When colon infection symptoms do appear, they may include those detailed below.

* Mild abdomen pain and tenderness, or stomach cramps.

* Very watery bowel movements and diarrhea that lasts at least two days.

* A type of severe colon inflammation known as colitis.

* The most disconcerting symptom may be raw tissue, blood, and pus that you'll notice in bowel movements..

* Fever and nausea.

* Loss of appetite followed by loss of weight..

* Signs of dehydration

It's time to call a doctor if you have these symptoms for 2-3 days or more.

Once it's been established that your colon infection has been caused by Clostridium difficile, your doctor will probably tell you to discontinue the antibiotic you've been taking. Even though your colon infection symptoms will probably improve, there are other treatment steps that may still be required.

The good news is this. There are other antibiotics you can take that will kill Clostridium difficile without destroying the helpful bacteria in your system. The most frequently prescribed among these are known as metronidazole and vancomycin. Side effects like nausea are possible with both, and they may also leave a bitter taste. It's especially important not to drink alcoholic beverages when taking metronidazole.

There are a number of probiotics which be beneficial in restoring your intestinal tract Saccharomyces boulardii, a variety of yeast, has been effective for some patients when combined with medications.

Surgery is not usually performed, but may be done in severe cases.

Not all the treatments for a colon infection recommended above will work every time. When a colon infection returns, it's usually because the Clostridium difficile bacteria was not completely removed in the initial treatment. It can also come back because the individual has been exposed to a different strain.

Colon Cancer and Colon Cancer Symptoms

Cancer of the colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in America. There are certain signs and manifestations that most patients feel when they have advanced stage of cancer of the colon such as a substantial change in the bowel activity, regular constipation, flatulence, rectal bleeding, severe stomach pain and lethargy.

Cancer of the colon is believed to be preventable, by specialists, if regular colon cleansing is performed. Development of cancer stimulating polyps is promoted by toxins that are present, and amass within the colon wall, according to experts.

Body detox and colon cleansing can bring many health advantages. The main benefits are aiding you to shed weight, an increase in your body's energy and the purifying of your whole digestive system. Still, it also breaks up fecal waste accumulated in the colon, reduces bloating, lessens water retention as well as upholding the smooth functioning of your colon, and the rest of your body.

If recognized quickly, colon cancer can be avoided even though it is one of the most familiar forms of cancer in the world. Nevertheless, it is normal for a colon cancer patient not to feel manifestations during the early phases. As soon as the fourth stage is attained the patient will feel severe pain and this is when most symptoms are noticed.

With an average diagnosed age of 64, about 90 percent of cancer of the colon examples are from individuals over 50. Scientific research prove that by age fifty or above, the ratio of individuals who get polyps in the colon is 1 in 4.

Most scientific investigation indicates that an active way of life can decrease the risk of cancer of the colon to about 40 percent. The chance of diabetes and obesity are in addition reduced when reasonable exercise is carried out.

Cancer of the colon as well as many other forms of cancer and disease have been linked with smoking as a contributing factor. When you smoke, you can worsen the risk since the inhaled tobacco can transmit cancer-causing agents to the colon and can increase the size of the cancer polyp.

Foodstuffs that are rich in cholesterol and fat are likely to raise the risk of colon cancer. The health hazard is reduced if foodstuffs like vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts and legumes, which contain natural roughage are consumed.

How to Prevent Colon Cancer Naturally

Cancer in any form is dreadful. Not only because the word itself terrorizes our mind, the visuals we recall are too scary. Once it sets in, it is very difficult to get rid of it in totality and one has to surrender to whatever treatment methods are available. Injuries to nearby organs, side-effects, trauma for the body and mind as a whole plus social stigma are some realities that stay with the victim for the rest of his/her life.

I can suggest three mantras: One, prevention is better than cure. Two, either you change your lifestyle, or make some necessary additions to counter the cancer threat. Three, try alternative medicines or therapies.

WHY GIVE OPTION ON LIFESTYLE?

If you belong to the western world, (as per Wikipedia) chances are that you are more susceptible of catching this type of cancer. But you cannot move to the other part of the world for only this reason. Moreover, how would you know for sure that you could be a victim? Only for this reason I mentioned that either you change your lifestyle or...

IS CHANGING LIFESTYLE EASY?

Definitely not. We are all part of a society and have our stated norms of behavior, work culture, food (solids & liquids) consumption pattern, ways of recreation are all set. To some extent we can change our habits like avoiding late nights, getting full sleep, exercising etc. But today's expenses need extra work both physically and mentally. Somewhere we have to compromise which we cannot compensate with something beneficial.

A fully nourishing lunch induces sleep so some people either don't have proper lunch, or combine it with coffee and both are harmful. Work pressure forces to go either for smoking, extra cups of coffee, or for over the counter pills as they are easily accessible. Even these have harmful after-effects.

WHAT COULD BE DONE HERE?

Remember Edison, who invented the Electric Bulb? He slept for just four hours and always got up refreshed. Develop a habit of sleeping less. Easier said than done, may be your answer. To counter I present two incidents.

1. I was working on a project and could not sleep for 3 days. The fourth evening, somehow I had to accompany my boss to an overnight musical concert. When we departed, I was totally refreshed and went back to office.

2. Many of my hostel friends developed the habit of sleeping at three in the morning to get up by seven. The same pattern holds good twenty years after passing out.

It is all in the mind. You can train it the way you want. Think about the soldiers at war zone or the police personnel who hardly get time to sleep. When these people can manage why can't you? Try meditation, even a 30-minute trance is enough to compensate for a full night's sleep.

HELP YOUR BOWEL DISCHARGE EASILY.

The most common cause for rectal/colon/anus cancer is constipation. Piles is the first reaction. Eat veggies or fruits that have roughage e.g. Carrot, Radish, Lettuce. Those veggies that do not dissolve in full. Eat fruits whole, as the skin acts as roughage. If not allergic to Banana, it acts as a good bowel cleaner.

Drink plenty of plain water (not disguised as beer or canned juices). Avoid the lift when possible.

Get the wonder product "Isabgol" which is neither a fruit nor vegetable nor a medicine. It is the husk of the Psyllium plant seed. This husk absorbs water, becomes slippery and aids bowel to discharge without pressure. You can consume this either with water, curd, fruit juice or sprinkle liberal amounts in any dish as it is tasteless.

TRY ALTERNATE THERAPIES

No system of medicine is foolproof. Doctors do not admit the fallacies. For example, Homoeopathy has no medicine for high blood pressure but works wonders for skin diseases. Colitis, skin ulcers, burns & wounds are treated in no time. It has no side-effects as well. Ready made mixtures are available over the counter for hundreds of diseases that you can try.

As always, there are no shortcuts to success. Trial and error should be your mantra. Find out what suits your body, your taste and let your mind guide you. After all if you catch the dreaded disease, your mind suffers the most.

Colorectal Cancer - Types, Symptoms and Treatments

Cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer, and the cancer that begins in the rectum is called rectal cancer. Cancers affecting either of these organs also may be called colorectal cancer. It is a disease which malignant (cancer) cells first form in the tissues of the colon. Colorectal cancer occurs in rectum or the large intestine. This type of cancer occurs when abnormal tissues grow on the inner walls of the colon and rectum. These abnormal tissues commonly present in the form of polyps. Polyps grow as a projection of tissue away from the colon wall, remaining connected to the colon wall of a thin stalk. Their shape is similar that of a mushroom. Polyps are fairly common, especially in older people. The vast majority of polyps are not cancerous. However, some polyps will eventually become cancerous. Unchecked, a cancerous polyp gives rise to a tumor, which grows in size until it penetrates to bowel wall and involves adjacent organs and lymph nodes through the process known as metastasis.

Types

In general, colorectal cancers tend to be slow growing, gradually enlarging and eventually penetrating the bowel wall. When they do spread, it is usually through invasion of nearby lymph nodes. On the right side of the colon near the cecum, cancers usually grow into the space within the colon. They can become large enough to be painful and are likely to cause bleeding. In these cases anemia from chronic blood loss is often the first sign and is why a stool test for occult, or hidden, blood is important.

Most polyps and cancers appear on the left side of the colon. In the left or descending colon, where the channel is narrow, the cancer usually grows around the colon wall and encircles it. Left-sided cancer typically constricts the bowel channel, causing partial blockage.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue.

• Going to the toilet more often.

• A feeling that the bowel does not empty properly after a bowel movement.

• Pain and bloating in the abdomen.

• Blood in stools.

• Inexplicable weight loss.

• A lump in the tummy.

• Unexplained iron deficiency in men, or in women after the menopause.

Causes

• Alcohol.

• Polyps.

• Diabetes.

• Age and gender.

• High cholesterol diet.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

• Genetics.

• Lack of exercise.

• Smoking.

• Obesity.

• Numerous adenomatous polyps develop in the colon, ultimately leading to cancer.

• A family history of this cancer.

• Drug effects.

Diagnosis

A person with colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in following ways:

• It is found on a routine screening test.

• Symptoms lead a person to the doctor, and tests to find the cause of the symptoms reveal colorectal cancer.

Treatments

Treatments may include following options, alone or in combination:

• Surgery - Surgical options include:

1. Bowel resection: This operation involves cutting into the abdomen to reach the area of the colon or rectum that is affected by the cancer. The surgeon cuts out the cancer as well as the parts of the colon or rectum that are next to it. Then the two healthy ends of the colon or rectum are sewn back together.

2. Liver resection: In this operation the surgeon cuts out the cancer that has spread to the liver and also cuts out parts of the liver that are next to the cancer. Up to half of your liver can be removed as long as the rest is healthy. If the cancer in your liver is too large to remove with surgery, you may be given chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. If the tumor becomes small enough, it can be removed with surgery.

3. Lung, adrenal, or ovarian resection, depending on where the cancer has spread.

If the cancer that has returned to the intestine is large, more of the colon or rectum may have to be removed.

• Chemotherapy:-

Chemotherapy may be recommended before surgery in some cases, even if metastatic disease appears confined to the liver. Chemotherapy after surgery can prolong survival for people whose cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. The way the chemotherapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. If surgical removal of the liver metastases is successful, additional chemotherapy is usually recommended after surgery.

• Radiation therapy:-

Radiotherapy is not used routinely in this cancer, as it could lead to radiation enteritis, and it is difficult to target specific positions of the colon. It is more common for radiation to be used in rectal cancer, since the rectum does not move as much as the colon and is thus easier to target. If the therapy is given before surgery, radiation may reduce tumor size. This can improve the chances that the tumor will be removed successfully. Radiation before surgery also appears to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back after treatment.

• Targeted therapy:- The therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells. Monoclonal antibody therapy is a type of targeted therapy used in treatment of it.

• Immunotherapy: This therapy enhances the body's immune system and increases the likelihood that the cancer cells will be killed.

• Monoclonal antibodies:- These antibodies are proteins produced in a laboratory that can identify a cancer cell for destruction or prevent the tumor cell from dividing.

• Gene therapy:- This therapy involves altering genetic material. Either a new gene is introduced to enhance the ability of the body to kill cancer cells or a gene is administrated directly to the cancer cells, causing them to die. Getting the gene to the right cells in the body is a major challenge. The treatment is still experimental and in its early stages of development.

Cancer of the colon and rectum is common. The risk for development of colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis appears to depend on the duration of disease, the severity of disease, family history of it. Most importantly, patients need to be educated about the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Recent advances have allowed colorectal cancer screening guidelines to be refined. They have also suggested the improvement in quality and application of testing tools. Decreases in both colorectal cancer occurrence and mortality have already occurred and are considered attributable to screening efforts.

Colon Cancer Symptoms

There are several dreadful diseases on this earth and cancer is one of such dreadful disease which can happen to any men, woman or child in this world. There are several types of cancer and they are divided into different categories according to their symptoms and causes. Among several cancers, Colon cancer is also the one getting common now-a-days. Colon cancer is caused due to the growing of cancerous cell in the tissues of the colon. There are several Colon cancer symptoms but they can not be considered as the early sign of this disease. There are several tests which can easily make you understand whether the colon cancer in infected or not and these tests includes the fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and colonoscopies. The main symptoms on the basis of which one can go for the above mention tests are as follows:

1. Constipation

It is the condition when the person is facing difficulties for passing the stool. In the early stage the waste material in the colon becomes very mushy and this mushy waste can easily get accumulated around anything that gets in its way. But as the time get near to the end of the colon these accumulated waste material solidifies and creates problems for passing it out. There are possibilities of tumor in the rectum's far end and due to this reason the person can face difficulties in moving the fecal things through it. Therefore Constipation can also be a symptom out of several other colon cancer symptoms.

2. Thin stool

The thin stool from the body can easily indicate that some obstacles are there which don't allow the proper passing of the waste material from the body. If the stool can't remain in the mushy form and comes out through the colon region, the stool's shape can provide you information about the problem inside your body. The obstacle which stops the waste material in the body can be a tumor. So, the thin stool coming out from the body is considered as the second symptom among several other colon cancer symptoms.

3. Stomach cramps

Sometimes there becomes blockage in your stomach due to the tumor which causes problem in passing, solids, liquids, and even gas due to the blockage strictness. Finally it results in abdominal cramps that can be severe and the blockage can also stop the flow of blood to the colon. If there are Painful cramps occurring in your stomach it may also indicate that a tumor has perforate and it is a medical emergency. Thus this is also one of the colon cancer symptoms found now-a-days.

There are several other colon cancer symptoms and all these symptoms will provide you the information about the possibilities of a tumor inside the colon or the stomach but these symptoms are not accurate to judge that the person is suffering from the colon cancer. For knowing that the person is infected by the colon cancer, he/she should test himself/herself with the above mentioned tests.

Colon Cancer Symptoms - How to Know If You Have Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer is a serious disease characterized by abnormal cell growth in the colon, which creates a cancerous tumor. This kind of illness ranks third in the list of the most common forms of cancer and are most often prevalent in people over 50 years old, but can occur in patients of any age.

Cancers of the colon, or of the rectum, are highly treatable if they are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease. However, many people often are not diagnosed in time as early symptoms are not always recognized and, when they are, people are somewhat hesitant to discuss the details of their symptoms with a doctor.

The symptoms include:

1. Abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort


2. Bloody stool


3. Long, thin stool (often described as pencil-like)


4. Unintended weight loss


5. Loss of appetite


6. Changes in normal bowel habits (rectal bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, or feeling an inability to completely empty the bowel).

Each year nearly 150,000 new cases of this disease are reported. There is no identifiable cause for it, but the following are some of the factors that may increase the risk of its development:

• Gender (Both men and women are equally prone to developing the malady. However, men tend to develop the rectal version at slightly higher rates, while women are more prone to the colon variety)


• Age (The sickness can be developed at any age, but the chances are increased in people over the age of 50 years old.)


• Diabetes


• Obesity


• Cigarette smoking


• Alcohol consumption


• Poor diet


• Family history


• Personal history.

People with a family history of colorectal cancer are slightly more prone to developing it. If more than one family member has been diagnosed with the problem, the risk is even higher. Also, diets high in calories and fat, and low in fiber add to an increased risk of developing the disorder. Anyone over the age of 50 should undergo regular screening for the disorder, but anyone in any of the above risk groups should begin earlier.

Screening normally consists of an annual rectal exam, including stool samples. Some exams may require a scope to be inserted into the rectum in order to view the entire bowel. If there is cause for concern or further examination of the colon's tissue, a biopsy may be ordered for a closer analysis. If cancer is discovered, other tests, such as an ultrasound, CT scan or X-ray would be done in order to determine whether it has spread to other areas. Of particular concern is the liver as it is one of the more likely places that this dangerous disease spreads to.

Because the risk can be reduced by a high fiber diet, proper weight management (including exercise) and by not smoking, it is highly recommended that people opt for healthier lifestyles and decrease their chances of developing this type of life threatening ailment, and others, as much as possible.

Anyone who has experienced some of the previously mentioned symtoms, or who are in one of the risks groups for the disease, is advised to seek screening tests as early as possible since colorectal cancer responds very well to treatment in the earliest stages.

Colon Cancer Symptoms - Changes In Stool Or Blood In Stool

Colon cancer symptoms may not be present in many cases. However, if symptoms are seen they can include a variety of changes in the stool or bowel habits (i.e. diarrhea, constipation). Colon cancer also known as Colorectal Cancer, is a malignant (cancerous) tumor growth found in a portion of the large intestine, which is a common cancer site.

Colon Cancer Symptoms And Causes

In many cases of colon cancer no symptoms will be apparent in the early stages of the disease. Later symptoms may develop such as:

• Bloody or black, tarry stools


• Abdominal pain or cramps


• Diarrhea or constipation or narrow stool


• Unexplained weight loss


• Anemia

Most cases begin as benign (non-cancerous) polyps, which slowly become cancerous. The cause of colon (or colorectal) cancer is not well understood but risk factors include being over the age of 60, eating a diet low in fiber and high in fat and red meat, being of African American or eastern European descent, a prior diagnosis of cancer elsewhere in the body or colorectal polyps, the presence of an inflammatory bowel disease (i.e. Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), a family history of colon cancer, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol.

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, a complete cure is often possible with an early diagnosis.

Colon Cancer Diagnosis And Treatment

Observation of the aforementioned symptoms may lead to a diagnosis but many times the condition is detected through a routine physical exam. Early detection kits may be available for those at high risk, which can detect blood in the stool (available at most pharmacies).

If symptoms have appeared, a physical examination, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or barium x-rays of the large intestine may be performed to make a definitive diagnosis. Blood tests may be taken to check for anemia and a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) may be ordered to detect small amounts of blood in the stool, which could indicate colon cancer.

Treatment will depend on how much the cancer has progressed and if it has spread to other areas of the body. Surgery to remove the cancer cells is often performed. Surgery may result in a need for a colostomy, which is a diversion of the bowel through an opening in the abdominal wall. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be prescribed as well to destroy cancerous tissues.

Prognosis improves with early detection and treatment.

Colon Cancer Symptoms

The colon is part of the body's digestive system and, like many other parts of the body, can become a place for the growth of cancer. A tumor in this region is known as colon cancer. And like some other cancers, the tumor can develop without necessarily giving the patient obvious signs or symptoms, certainly at the beginning of the disease. And again like some other cancers, the patient can have symptoms which are common to colon cancer without the cancer being there at all.

The colon plays two important roles. It helps the body absorb various essentials such as minerals, nutrients and water and it also assists in ridding the body of waste products. Most of the large intestine is part of the colon and the latter part of the large intestine is made up of the anal canal and the rectum.

So what symptoms could be a sign that the patient has developed colon cancer? Well here are some of the symptoms which deal specifically with your toilet habits and your colon.

o Constipation which means the patient has trouble having a bowel movement. There could be a blockage due to the growth of a tumor.

o Unusual bowel movements which could mean [a] more movements than normal or fewer movements or [b] producing abnormal stools which may be thinner than usual or [c] discolored stools which could be red or black.

o Diarrhea

o A combination of constipation followed by diarrhea.

o Abdominal pain which could include cramps, gas or bloating.

There are other symptoms for patients with colon cancer but these are more general and can apply to the body as a whole.

o Weight loss particularly when the patient is not trying to lose weight.

o A change of skin color which can be called jaundice seen also in the whites of your eyes.

o Being sick with vomiting and nausea and generally feeling unwell.

o Losing your appetite and not being interested in food.

o Being tired and even fatigued to the extent that you have little energy.

o Anemia which is a lack of iron in your blood.

As with other cancers, having some of the above symptoms does not mean you have colon cancer and many people will suffer from an upset stomach and anemia when they do not have colon cancer. But the advice is always the same. Do not delay in seeing your doctor if these symptoms exist. It is far better to be safe than sorry and the sooner any cancer which may exist is detected, the better are your chances of beating the disease.

There will always be some people who are afraid of or embarrassed about taking a colon cancer test. There is no need to think or feel that way. Patients should know that the test does not hurt, that millions of people have been tested for this disease and that the medical staff who are involved in the test have at some time been patients themselves. It's a simple and safe procedure with potentially great benefits.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms - How to Identify Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

If you know a thing or two about colorectal cancer or colon cancer in short, the colorectal cancer symptoms often do not show up during its early stages. They often happen or show up later making it complicated to treat. Most people do not feel much pain during the earliest stages and often ignore the common signs that could signal something more serious. It pays to know more about the common colorectal cancer symptoms so that you can better protect your health and your family's well-being.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

1. Pain or Discomfort in the Stomach

2. Blood in Stool or Discolored/Black Stool

3. Change in Bowel Habits and Frequency. You may be going to the washroom more often and feeling that your bowels are still not emptied totally.

4. Weariness or Fatigue

5. Acute or Noticeable Weight Loss

Colorectal cancer symptoms often show up in the later stages and may affect the victim in different ways. It really depends on where the cancer appears and how big it is.

If it appears on the cecum and ascending colon, which is the first and second portion of the colon on the right side of your abdomen, then common colorectal cancer symptoms could include bleeding in this area, blood in stool, anemia, fatigue etc. The danger of the cancer appearing here is that the amount of blood is so little that your stool may look normal. If the colon cancer appears on the third part, transverse colon, it could cause abdominal cramps or what we call stomach cramps in laymen terms.

The fourth part or S-shaped colon and the fifth part form the descending part of the colon. Cancer here can cause the stools to be smaller and thinner. The appearance of blood is more prominent and obvious.

That said, having such symptoms are not a sure thing that you are suffering from cancer. There are many reasons why such colorectal cancer symptoms look-alike appears. It could simply mean that you re suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea causing infections, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease, bleeding hemorrhoids and rectum ulcers.

Signs of Colon Cancer

Nobody knows today how actually colon cancer happens neither most of them are aware of the warning signs. Cancer is one complicated disease which, if spotted early can be treated to save life. Talking in terms of colon cancer, it is believed that colon cancer happens because of low fiber diet. Furthermore, those who indulge in the high fat diet and high calories are under the risk of developing this disease. However, it becomes all the more critical to know the real and genuine colon cancer signs so that it can be worked upon well from one end. Cancer signs can be extremely identical to a disease called as diverticulitis so, it is advised not to assume, and Getting tested is the only sure way of finding out the real disease.

Talking about cancer warning signs, the most visible symptom is anal bleeding. However, the reality is that most of the people take it as piles and get the wrong treatment done. This is where understanding the right problem area becomes critical. Once you spot the real problem, you can immediately start the treatment by the specialist, avoiding all possible complications which may arise due to delay in the analysis of the real symptoms and disease. So go ahead upfront right in the initial stages to understand the real cause and not just assuming the possibility.

Apart from bleeding, hardness in the abdomen and pain in the lower abdomen area is the most common warning signs. This may follow with inconsistency of stool for a couple of weeks and diarrhea for several days. There symptoms may match with many other diseases as well, however, it is very important not to take those symptoms lightly or avoid showing it to a doctor who may be a specialist for cancer and charges more than what diarrhea specialist charge. Everybody wants to make money. So don't try to curb on the money aspects and show the symptoms to the real specialist.

A long constipation problem and obstruction in bowel movement are further symptoms of colon cancer. Rectal bleeding significant weight loss can be other few very visible Colon cancers warning signs. If it is already in the body, tiredness, sadness, anger and frustrations came into the picture as the emotional symptoms of cancer. Many symptoms are not visible in the early stages, and by the time you realize it, it's already too late. To avoid it, many websites and communities ask for the input from the patent side, and then they evaluate and judge and revert back to the patients with reality on their symptoms. This is a very good service for those who can't go for the extremely expensive checkup.

Hence, to conclude, please don't neglect the visible or partially visible symptoms shaping up in your body or any warning signs. It's a question of savior and death of an individual and hence, if you. Yourself track your symptoms or track it for your loved once, then always prefer to go for a specialist checkup. Don't try to give business to a local doctor who wants to make money and put you in soup without caring the disastrous symptoms which may occur.

Anemia and Colon Cancer - Recognize the Signs

Colon cancer is a serious health problem in this country. Unfortunately there may not be many obvious signs until the disease has progressed. However anemia and colon cancer are often closely linked so here is some important information to keep in mind concerning this.

If a person develops this cancer, it usually begins as a polyp which turns cancerous and then begins to grow. As it enlarges, it begins to block the colon and makes it much more difficult to produce full sized bowel movements.

A very common symptom is anemia or low red blood cell count. Keep in mind that anemia can occur for a wide variety of reasons so if you do become anemic, don't immediately jump to the conclusion that you have developed it. Medical research has suggested that for patients with anemia, it is important to look at their ferritin levels as this may be associated with a higher incidence of colon cancer.

However it is an important warning sign and you should immediately seek medical attention to help determine the cause. As said, this anemia can be caused by many factors but your medical professional can run tests to determine the cause and initiate the best treatments to treat this problem.

If your Doctor suspects colon cancer, he will most likely perform a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. For this test, the Doctor can examine the inside of the colon and detect and remove polyps. If he finds something more serious, then further treatment will be initiated.

Signs And Symptoms Of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a cancer of the large intestines. This is the lower part of the digestive system that is responsible for gathering waste products and eliminating them from the body. Often the terminology, colorectal cancer, is used to describe the cancers which occur in the lower intestines. Rectal cancer will happen in the last 6 inches of the colon.

Approximately 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually. Even though this particular cancer is very preventable it also ranks as having the second largest number of deaths due to cancer. Most cases start as a small benign clump of cells called a polyp. Over time these polyps will develop into cancer. Polyps can be small and will produce very few symptoms, if any at all.

In order to effect early diagnosis and effective treatments regular screening tests are needed to identify the polyps before they become cancerous. When signs and symptoms do appear it often means that a cancer has developed.

Cancer of the colorectal area can cause a variety of symptoms, not all of which mean colon cancer. A number of other medical problems can also cause similar symptoms. The first of which is a curable bowel syndrome which is a common digestive problem that causes stomach pain, cramping and bloating as well as diarrhea and constipation. Diverticulitis is another condition, in which pouches form on the walls of the colon and can cause similar symptoms. Infections that cause diarrhea of such as salmonella and inflammatory bowel diseases, which can cause swelling and sores in the intestines will also develop from symptoms similar to those of colon cancer.

In the early stages, colorectal cancer doesn't usually cause any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, the cancer may be more difficult to treat. Some of the more common symptoms include pain in the abdomen which can vary depending upon the area of the tumor. Individuals who have colon cancer will also experience blood in the stool or very dark stools. The color of the stool is a result of metabolized blood which made its way into the intestines. When the blood is visually evident in the stool, the tumor is often located lower in the intestines, and when this tool is darker the tumor may be located higher up.

Individuals will also experience a change in bowel habits, such as more frequent stools and feeling that the bowels are not completely empty. Because of the probable anemia, individuals will also suffer from fatigue.

In rare cases the tumor will interrupt the absorption of nutrients into the body and results in unexplained weight loss. Individuals may also suffer from diarrhea or constipation depending upon the location of the tumor and how much of the intestines it is blocking. At times the stools themselves are more narrow which indicates the tumor is lower in the rectum. Individuals can also suffer from bloating, fullness, cramps and vomiting.

At times individuals will find they suffer from nonspecific symptoms which include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and cramping.

Colon cancer can be present for several years before individual develops symptoms. It is for this reason that annual screenings are very important to prevent the development of advanced stage colon cancer which is significantly more difficult to treat. Through early detection, diagnosis and treatment individuals are often able to experience a very effective treatment protocol which doesn't affect their lifespan.