What Causes Colon Cancer?

If you have been asking this question, you should read this article on what causes colon cancer and all cancer in general.

As far as reasons go, there are many reasons why colon cancer is such a large part of Western society. What it is that actually causes cancer? As with all things there is also one primary reason for cancer. This was discovered back in the first half of the twentieth century. The foremost biochemist of his day, Doctor Otto Warburg, discovered the prime cause and prevention of cancer. Even though the medical industry does not use his work, he nevertheless received the Nobel prize for his discoveries. Doctor Warburg would tell you that the primary cause of colon cancer is the lack of oxygenation of the cells in the body. In other words; what causes colon cancer is a low level or amount of oxygen that reaches the cells of the colon. Sure, polyps can develop and then turn cancerous, but they are not the primary cause, they are secondary or even later in importance.

Did you know that smoking is also a risk factor? Of course this is not going to be the primary cause of colon cancer, but smoking is destructive to more than just the lungs in the human body. Being overweight can help to cause colon cancer because an overweight person will usually have a low Ph ( another way to say low oxygen ) level. The familiar Ph paper can be used to test the oxygen level of more than just soil or water. It can also be used to test the acid alkaline level of the human body. A low oxygen level correlates to an acidic Ph level. Farmers have an optimum level of "positive hydrogen" ( Ph ) and it results in a good crop for them. The human body has the exact same optimum level as good soil. It is close to seven. If you will keep your body at the optimum or balanced Ph level, it will be very hard or impossible for cancer to form in your colon.

Colon cancer cells ( and all cancer cells ) are cells that live and operate with little or no oxygen. Normal healthy cells need and use oxygen to live. Colon cancer cells, like all cancer cells, burn sugar for energy. Normal healthy cells burn oxygen to make energy. Which is happening inside your body, including your colon ? If you learn to keep your weight under control, and exercise regularly, you will help to oxygenate your cells and prevent colon cancer. You will also be preventing other cancers from growing. When a cancer cell burns sugar to make energy, it throws off even more acid into the body. If you will make sure this process never starts, you will have defeated colon cancer. If the answer to your question; "What causes colon cancer ?", seems too simple, it is not. The most powerful information is always distilled into the smallest answer by competent men or women. Doctor Warburg was one such man. Use his accomplishments in good health.

Alternative Colon Cancer Treatments

Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, well-know surgeon and inventor of Kellogg's Corn Flakes, believed most health issues are due to a poorly functioning colon, hence his creation of a bran cereal to aid in colon function. There are many colon cancer treatments to revive an under-performing colon. This means you no longer have to rely solely on the conventional medical treatments that have serious side effects.

Alternative Colon Cancer Treatments

There are many different alternative colon cancer treatments that you may choose to undergo. Most of which you can try on your own. Though you will need to talk to your doctor before trying any of these treatments. One of these treatments is called oxygenation. The oxygen treatment is rooted on the idea it can eliminate cancerous cells. It is also comforting to know that there are no man-made chemicals in this treatment unlike in chemotherapy.

The Royal Society of Medicine did a major study and found that a multifunctional large intestine (colon) is the substantial contributor to 85% of all disease and illness. Considering this, another treatment to purify the colon is detoxification. Harmful toxins are flushed out by this method. Some believe that the toxins enable cancer to spread more quickly. So this method is thought to prevent further spread. The detoxify cure can be self-administered or assisted by a medical staff.

There are also vitamins and homeopathic remedies, watermelon cleanse & celery seed tea, that are said to help the fight. There are many different ones that you may use some may be used in conjunction with others and some may be used alone. This will depend on the type of herbal remedy that you are under going.

Colon Cancer Prognosis - Is There Any?

Cancer is a very sad and painful subject to talk about especially if you or someone you know has been affected by it. There are so many types of cancer today that it's sometimes quite difficult to say for sure which one is the most harmful. All forms of cancer, regardless of whether it is the cancer of the lung, liver, cervical, or any other organs in our bodies, share a similar trait - that is, they are all deadly diseases and the earlier they are detected and treated, the greater will be chances for recoveries and survival. In this respect, colon cancer is not an exception. As a matter of fact, colon cancer prognosis is very much dependent on the stages the cancer is in when detected and treated.

Colon cancer is now the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer as its sometimes called, is the result of cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. It is sometimes the result of adenomatous polyps in the colon. The adenomatous polyps are mushroom-like growths that are often benign but can turn malignant resulting in cancer of the colon. This type of cancer is often diagnosed through a colonoscopy.

As stated above, the colon cancer prognosis is very much dependent on the stage that it is in. In stage A (the cancer has only penetrated the most superficial layer of the bowel or mucosa), the survival rate is about 90% over a 5 year period. In stage B, the cancer has penetrated the muscular layer of the bowel walls. In this stage, the survival rate is between 55% to 85% over a 5 years period. In stage C, the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and has a survival rate of between 20% to 55%. In stage D, the cancer has spread to other areas in the body, typically to the lungs and liver. This stage has the worst prognosis with only about a 5% survival rate over 5 years.

Notwithstanding all these numbers, the actual chances of recovery it still very much dependent on the exact stage the cancer is in. Sometimes, each stage could have multiple sub-stages within with corresponding multiple sub-ranges of survival rates. For example, even in stage B, you actual survival rate could be 80% instead of 55% as normally perceived. This differences come about because not all cancer cells develop in exactly the same way and the same rates. Hence, no matter what the prognosis level is, there are always several stages of treatment for one to start on.

Sometimes, it is almost better to not know the numbers given to colon cancer prognosis but to battle the cancer as you see fit. If you are a strong person with reasonable good health and are willing to go the long haul to fight the cancer, the fight will be well worth it. Always remember, even at stage D, you still have a chance for survival.

Colon Cancer and Exercise

The role of exercise in cancer is the subject of many studies and considerable debate at present. There have been at least 30 studies have examined the association between physical activity and developing colon cancer.

At least 29 studies have focused on the relationship between colon cancer and exercise. These studies were conducted in diverse population groups in various countries including China, Denmark, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States. Of these, 14 reported a significant relationship between exercise and colon cancer. Specifically, increase in activity led towards a decrease in colon cancer risk. Four of the studies showed no relationship.

Just looking at a couple of the studies highlights some interesting observations. Researchers looked at 17,000 people, aged 30-79 years who were followed prospectively for the occurrence of colon cancer. They found that physical activity based on self-reported stair climbing, walking and sports play was not associated with a change in risk for colon cancer. On the other hand, highly active individuals had half the incidence of those that were less active. The main bottom line is that in this large study, vigorous activity was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of developing colon cancer.

Another study looked at colon cancer risks among Chinese men and women living both in the People's Republic of China, and the Western United States. This study looked at exercise and diet as risk factors for colon cancer. The findings indicate that the group that spent the most time sitting (reflecting sedentary lifestyles and occupations) had the highest incidence of colon cancer. Other interesting findings were that a diet high in saturated fat was also a risk factor, and that those who were most sedentary and consumed the most saturated fat had a four fold higher incidence of colon cancer than those who were the least sedentary and consumed the least saturated fat.

What You Should Know About Colon Ulcers

A colon ulcer is a sore that appears inside the lining of a person's colon. Often people who have a colon ulcer will suffer from bleeding and infection and as a result of this inflammation the cells within the colon begin to deteriorate. Unfortunately a colon ulcer may be the first signs of a much more serious condition known as Ulcerative Colitis or Colon Cancer or even Crohn's Disease (an inflammatory bowel disease).

So if you have at some time suffered from at least one colon ulcer and are now starting to experience unusually severe abdominal pain, constant fevers, loss of weight, loss of appetite and fatigue then it would be wise to make an appointment to see your doctor. Although these are common symptoms of a colon ulcer they could also lead to the diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis. As yet it can not be proven what actually causes this condition, but doctors have certainly found that the immune system is affected. For many people suffering from colon ulcers they can be treated with drugs which puts the condition into remission or for the more severe cases then surgery may be the best course of action.

A very small percentage of people who are diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis are at risk of developing colon cancer in the future even if pre-cancerous cell are not found that the time of them being tested for a possible colon ulcer. Also it will depend on how severe the damage is to your colon and the more severe the damage then the chances of developing colon cancer is increased. However, a doctor can carry out a colonoscopy which can determine at any time if you have any pre-cancerous cells present in your colon. So the earlier that this cancer can be diagnosed then it will make it easier for it to be treated effectively.

Now we are going to look at Crohn's Disease which is an inflammation of the bowel and is very much like Ulcerative Colitis but can cause a lifetime of discomfort and complications to the person affected. As yet there has been no definitive evidence as to what causes this disease, but in most cases where people have been diagnosed with this disease it has been found that someone in the family also suffers from an inflammatory bowel disease as well. Yet again this form of disease can be treated with either drug therapy, surgery or them having a more restrictive diet.

So for anyone who is diagnosed with a colon ulcer it is advisable that they get a thorough examination carried out by their doctor in order to check to make sure that there aren't any more serious conditions involved. Also by diagnosing the condition of a colon ulcer earlier on then you will find that recovery from such an ulcer will be much easier.

Stage Two Colorectal Cancer Turned Terminal After Chemotherapy

Henry (T 546, not real name) is a 52-year-old male. Sometime in August 2004, his problem started with changed bowel habits and there was blood in his stools. An endoscopy revealed sigmoid colon cancer. Henry underwent a surgery to remove 10 inches of his infected bowel. It was a Stage 2 cancer. CT showed that his liver and spleen were normal in size and appearance. Both kidneys and adrenal glands were also normal in appearance. The urinary bladder was normal. There was no pelvic mass or lymph node enlargement. The lung bases did not show any nodule. Based on these findings, the doctor concluded that there was NO evidence of distance metastasis.

Following standard protocol, Henry underwent six cycles of chemotherapy. The treatment lasted six months and was completed in February 2005. A follow up CT scan on 18 March 2005 revealed "possible metastasis in the left lung base" but the liver, both kidneys and urinary bladder were all normal.

In October 2005, Henry suffered severe pains due to suspected urine infection. A CT scan on 8 October 2005, indicated "left hydronephosis", which according to the doctor could be due to "a mid ureteric stone." However, the CT of the chest revealed at least five well defined nodules in both lung fields. This result clearly showed that Henry suffered multiple lung metastasis.

Earlier, the doctor suspected kidney stone. But it was not to be. A more detailed examination showed tumor in his left kidney. A biopsy report dated 31 March 2006 indicated moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the left lower ureter. This was suggestive of metastasis from colonic primary. Henry was asked to undergo another surgery to remove the infected kidney but he declined.

On 4 April 2006 a colonic biopsy showed recurrence of the colon cancer. The doctor had to install a stent in his colon to prevent tumour from blocking the passageway. CT scan also showed presence of a 1.5 cm nodule in segment 8 of his liver. There was a tiny hypodense focus in segment 3 suspicious of a new lesion.

On 15 July 2006, a CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis was done. It showed a 2 cm mass in the mid rectum extending up to the rectosigmoid junction. The report confirmed once again a recurrent carcinoma of the rectosigmloid region with local infiltration and metastasis to the lungs, liver and left ureter.

Henry underwent three cycles of chemotherapy and each treatment cycle cost him about RM 15,000. Unfortunately the treatment was not effective. The oncologist suggested more chemotherapy using a different drug regiment. This new treatment costs RM 25,000 per cycle. Henry had two cycles of this treatment and became completely bald. He developed acne with pus all over his face and some parts of his body. He was given antibiotics by a dermatologist but his condition worsened.

On 7 March 2007, MRI of the lumber spine indicated multiple focal bony metatasis involving the sacrum and illium. There was also direct involvement of the urinary bladder. A biopsy of the bladder tumor done on 30 March 2007 indicated a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and was likely to be an extension from a colorectal tumor. In essence, Henry ended with more cancer spread -- this time to his urinary bladder and bone.

Henry said his doctors installed three stents in his body -- two colonic stents and one stent for his kidney to prevent further tumor blockage. Henry was asked to undergo more chemotherapy or radiotherapy. He declined and came to seek our help instead.

Comments: This is a sad story indeed. Let me point out that Henry started off with a Stage 2 colorectal cancer without any metastasis whatsoever. After surgery and chemotherapy his fortune turned for the worse. Compare this story with other cases that I have related earlier. These people had more serious cancer than Henry but they declined chemotherapy. And they did not have any recurrence or metastasis. The question is: "Why not recurrence or metastasis."

This has always been my hunch all along after observing patients for more than a decade: "Could chemotherapy have caused all these metastasis and havoc?" I have no way to argue because I have no data to support by observation. However, let me alert you to the three quotations below:

A small, insignificant column in The Star on 7 April 2007 had this heading: "Study: Treatment may fuel cancer's spread." The study reported in the Journal of Clinical Investigation by Dr. Carlos Arteaga and colleagues at Vanderbilt University, USA, showed that treating cancer with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation may sometimes cause tumors to spread. In their work they used doxorubicin (a common chemo-drug used for breast cancer) or radiation and found that these treatments raised levels of TGF-beta, which in turn helped breast cancer tumors to spread to the lung. The researchers wrote: "The repopulation and progression of tumours after anti-cancer therapy (such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery) is a well-recognised phenomenon." Is this research relevant to Henry's case?

Andrew Weil wrote (in Health and Healing): "There is never ending struggle. Patients are sucked into same way of thinking, finding themselves more and more dependent on the system giving one treatment after another." How true are these words as applied to Henry's case?

Professor Jane Plant (in Your Life in Your Hands) wrote: "This sounds like a battle between the disease and the treatments -- with the patient as the battle ground. Conventional cancer treatment can process patients to the extent that they no longer understand what is really being done to them."

Let me end by these words: For colon cancer, the way to go could be just a change of one's lifestyle and diet besides taking herbs. It could prove to be far more effective and humane than the so-called scientific medicine. Read the cases I have presented so far and make your own conclusion.

Note: After three weeks on herbs, Henry reported that his health had improved and he decided to continue taking the herbs.

Avoiding Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is known by many other names including bowel cancer and colorectal cancer, but whatever name it is called, the result is the same. A person who has this disease will suffer constipation, diarrheic, abdominal pain and anemia among other symptoms. But there are actually many ways to prevent having colon cancer. A basic lifestyle change that involves your diet and physical activities is one of the most effective ways to avoid having this disease. You should note that eating foods that are low in fiber but are high in fat every day increases your risks of having colon cancer. Likewise, eating a lot of fruits and vegetables can prevent colon cancer because these foods are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can fight cancer.

Smoking and drinking should also be avoided if you want to prevent colon cancer. Note that stopping these habits will also prevent other kinds of diseases such as cancer of the lungs and heart problems. Lessening your alcohol intake may do wonders for your health and reduce the risks of complications. On the other hand, smoking increases the risk of dying by thirty to forty percent for people who already have colon cancer so quitting this habit can actually save your life.

Aside from being conscious of your daily intake of food and avoiding bad habits that can be detrimental to your heath, having a pro-active lifestyle can also prevent all forms of cancer including colon cancer. It is believed that just doing thirty minute of physical activity everyday can significantly reduce the risks of acquiring colon cancer. The reason for this is because exercise will help keep your weight under control and keep your metabolism at a normal rate to keep your bowel movement regular. Some researchers also observed that around fifteen percent of colon cancer cases could easily have been prevented if those affected had taken the time to exercise everyday.

As in any other cancer cases, colon cancer should also be detected early to prevent it from becoming worse. Because of this, it is essential that you undertake screening tests regularly because colon cancer has no symptoms at its early stages. Note that screening tests are especially important for people who are in middle but younger people are not exempted particularly if they have a family history of having colon cancer. It is also recommended that people who are between the ages of forty to fifty undertake the faecal occult blood test every two years to be on the sage side.

To conduct a faecal occult blood test, you need to collect samples of your faeces so that it can be tested in a laboratory for some traces of blood. The reason why this test is important is because small bowel tumors can turn into cancer if it is left untreated. These tumors actually bleed in your bowel but it does not bleed enough for you to notice so laboratory tests are required.

Another way to detect if you have colon cancer is through colonoscopy. This is also the most effective way to determine whether you have colon cancer or not because it allows your doctors to examine your whole bowel for signs of tumors. This procedure is normally conducted in hospitals and you need to clean out your bowels before you can take this test.

Looking For Info About Colon Cancer Symptoms?

It isn't necessary for a person who is suffering from colon cancer to experience the symptoms in the initial stages of the disease. In fact, even when the colon cancer symptoms appear, they generally vary according to the size of the cancer and its location in the large intestine.

Hence, it would be a good idea to get the regular screenings done than to depend upon the few warning symptoms that may alert you for colon cancer. Nonetheless, it isn't even harmful to know these symptoms that indicate the presence of colon cancer, though at a later stage.

Constipation may be a symptom of colon cancer. The tumor in rectum or at the bottom of colon can become an obstacle for waste to get through the colon that causes constipation.

Another symptom for this cancer is thin stool. Once the stool has undergone its slushy stage, it starts to take shape. So, the shape of the stool when it is excreted from the body can provide clues about its movement inside the body. For instance, thin stool suggests that the waste has been squeezed on its way by some obstacle. In case of colon or colorectal cancer, this obstacle is tumor at the bottom of colon.

Furthermore, at times even a tumor can lead to bowel obstruction. This is basically a blockage in your colon that restricts the passage of solid, liquid and sometimes even gases. This may cause severe and painful abdominal cramps especially when the flow of blood to colon is restricted.

You may also find some blood in your stool. Unexplained or effortless loss of weight may also be noticed as another symptom that suggests the presence of colon cancer. Vomiting, nausea, lethargy, bloating and gas and a feeling of fullness are a few other symptoms that can be added to the list. However, these symptoms may not necessarily indicate colon cancer and can be due to other medical conditions as well.

Though you may stay alert for these colon cancer symptoms, but it is necessary to keep in mind that at times these symptoms may not appear in patients at all. So, anyone over the age of 50 years is recommended to get regular colonoscopy screenings done. Also, people who have a high risk for this condition may even get themselves checked in the early stages of their life.

Cancer Symptoms - What You Should Look For

Cancer symptoms may vary depending on the type of cancer. There are however some general symptoms that all cancer patients may manifest or experience regardless of the type of cancer that they may be suffering from. One such symptom is persistent fatigue. Fatigue is experienced by all patients especially in the advanced stages although in some cases it may occur in the early stages depending on which type it is. When someone experiences persistent fatigue, he or she should immediately see a physician because it is usually a sign of both malignant and benign conditions.

Weight loss is a symptom of many diseases but could also be a cancer symptom. This can occur with or without losing appetite and therefore precautionary check by a doctor may be good. Pain is not an early sign of cancer but it occurs when the cancer spreads and begins to affect areas such as the bones and the nerves. People suffering from ovarian and colon cancer experience lower back pains while shoulder pains could be a sign of lung cancer. Headaches may be a sign of a brain tumor. Stomach pains are associated with stomach and pancreatic cancer.

Persistent fever or fever that comes and goes could be a sign that the immune system is affected. Fever is also a cancer symptom associated with leukemia and lymphoma, the two types of cancer that affect blood. When one experiences diarrhea, blood in the stool and constipation, it is crucial to see a physician. Usually such changes in the bowel are associated with colon cancer. A persistent chronic cough with blood or mucus may be a symptom of lung cancer and it is therefore prudent to see a doctor immediately.

It is important to note that the above are just general symptoms and therefore when a person experiences any of them should not straight away conclude that it is cancer. It is however advisable that you seek medical advise immediately.

Causes of Cancer - Symptoms and Treatment

Most cancers are named for where they start. For example, lung cancer starts in the lung, and breast cancer starts in the breast. The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another is called metastasis.

Cancer Causes

Symptoms and treatment depend on the cancer type and how advanced it is. Treatment plans may include surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy. Causes of cancer cells are the building blocks of living things. Cancer grows out of normal cells in the body. Normal cells multiply when the body needs them, and die when the body doesn't. Cancer appears to occur when the growth of cells in the body is out of control and cells divide too rapidly. It can also occur when cells "forget" how to die. There are many different kinds of cancers. Cancer can develop in almost any organ or tissue, such as the lung, colon, breast, skin, bones, or nerve tissue. The mutation in the DNA changes these instructions so that the cells carry on growing. This causes the cells to reproduce in an uncontrollable manner, producing a lump of tissue known as a tumor.

Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of cancer depend on the type and location of the tumor. For example, lung cancer can cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, while colon cancer often causes diarrhea, constipation, and blood in the stool. Local symptoms occur when the cancer is contained in one part of your body. These include changes in bowel or bladder habits, a sore that does not heal, unusual bleeding or discharge, thickening or lump in the breast or any other part of the body, indigestion or difficulty swallowing, obvious change in a wart or mole, or nagging cough or hoarseness.

Cancer Treatment

Treatment varies based on the type of cancer and its stage. The stage of a cancer refers to how much it has grown and whether the tumor has spread from its original location. If the cancer is confined to one location and has not spread, the goal for treatment would be surgery and cure. If the tumor has spread to local lymph nodes only, sometimes these can be removed.

Complementary medicine techniques such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga could be a helpful addition to your regular medical treatment. If all of the cancer cannot be removed with surgery, the options for treatment include radiation, chemotherapy, or both. Some cancers require a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Why Colon Cancer is So Deadly

Over 108,000 estimated people will be diagnosed with Colon Cancer in 2008. Nearly a third or more will die from the same disease. It's one of the most deadly forms of cancer due to it's normally late symptoms and it's ability to spread to other organs so quickly. The best prevention is to recognize any changes within your body that could possibly be a sign of this disease.

Colon Cancer, which forms in the large intestine, is a grouping of cells that grows into the cell walls of the Colon. Once it's penetrated the wall it then normally can and does pass to nearby organs which does not help the treatment of this cancer. The most commonly diagnosed spreading is to the Liver.

So what causes this type of Cancer you may ask?

This type of Cancer is caused primarily by hereditary circumstances, however it's not the only cause of this disease. African Americans are known to be more disposed to this type as well as any nationality that chooses to eat a diet in high fats.

You know what they say, everything causes Cancer these days so it's always best to live and eat as naturally as you can. All these extra ingredients definitely don't help and I have a feeling other types of foods don't help either.

What Are The Main Symptoms?

The main problem here is that once symptoms are showing themselves, it's normally in a more progressed state. However this does not mean you can't fight it as a large majority do fight this disease and are surviving even to this day. The main concern is getting to it before it has a chance to spread to any nearby organs or lymph nodes.

Common symptoms include:

A change in bowel habits.

Blood in the stool.

Loss of appetite.

Increasingly bad stomach pain.

Lack of energy.

Please, if you have any of these symptoms please contact your Doctor and find out the next steps involved in diagnosing this illness.

Bowel Cancer Symptoms - Discover the Warning Signs That Could Save Your Life!

Bowel cancer symptoms include a wide range of undesirable signs, some of them include frequent and regular abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. If these things are left untended one may even go as far as to experience bleeding in the anal orifice or hints of blood in the stool. Feelings of pain while defecating should also be given attention to as it can also be a sign of a developing tumor.

Bowel cancer, also known by its other two names, colorectal cancer and colon cancer, describes cancerous growths that stem from the colon, rectum and appendix. Most cases begin with adenomatous polyps found in the colon. Although these mushroom-like growths are usually benign, they can sometimes develop into cancer if they're left unchecked.

If ever gastrointestinal bleeding is present, then melena or black stool may also be present. Black stool with a tar like appearance implies that the malignant growth is located somewhere at the beginning of the large bowel. If the tumor grows large enough you may even experience bowel obstruction. This may present itself as constipation, abdominal pains and vomiting, sometimes even without nausea.

Some bowel cancer symptoms may be a bit odd in comparison, and almost unrelated. They are, however, an ever greater cause for concern because it means that the disease is most likely spreading. A sudden pallor to the skin, fatigue and frequent heart palpitations could mean that the tumor has already caused iron deficiency anemia.

Diagnosis of colon cancer is usually done through a colonoscopy followed by a surgical procedure and possibly even chemotherapy when malignant growths are found. In order avoid having to go through anything more dire than these signs, go to your doctor as soon as you suspect that you may be experiencing bowel cancer symptoms. Catching this disease early can mean the difference of life or death.

Detecting Colon Cancer in its Early Stages Can Save Your Life

Symptoms of colon cancer do not appear in all the patients when the disease is in an early stage but only after it has advanced in gravity. This is why doctors recommend that after a certain age people should ask for screenings regularly.

Colorectal cancer can give a lot of symptoms but they all match other diseases too like: inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulosis, and irritable bowel syndrome. All these diseases can be treated but they first must be diagnosed in order to apply a right treatment.

Patients come at the hospital because they are constipated, or have diarrhea for more than a week. Sometimes people observe that their stool is much thinner than before and that it comes with blood. They might be feeling abdominal pain, cramps, and bloating. Most of the patients loose a lot of weight in a short period of time and they feel that they have not defecated sufficiently.

Cancer determines cells to divide in an uncontrollable way. Generally the cells of the body divide only when needed, like when they grow old and other cells need to be produced in order to replace them or when they are in a small amount and the body needs more of them. Because the cells are produced in an increased number, a mass of unknown tissue will form, known as a tumor (this tumor can be benign or malign). Doctors believe that this type of cancer is developing from polyps situated in the large intestine. These polyps are considered to be benign but left untreated for years they can transform in malign tumors.

There are several types of polyps: adenomas, which can become cancerous but are easily removed during a colonoscopy; inflammatory polyps which appear after an ulcerative colitis and can also become cancerous and hyperplasic polyps which rarely transform into cancer.

If the cancer passes to a next stage it can affect the local lymph nodes and then get into the blood stream and affect other organs giving metastases.

The colorectal cancer can affect old people as well as young people but most of the cases are recorded at those aged over 50. There are several factors that increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer: those who have a family history of colon cancer or other type of cancer is at risk; those who drink alcohol and follow an improper diet can develop this disease. Also, people who suffer of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, and familial adenomatous polyposis are exposed at a greater risk than others. There is a type of nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome which also occurs in the same family members but now people who are at risk can be identified through genetic screening.

Those who have adopted western diets, are obese, are smoking and also follow a diet that is rich in proteins and fats and low in fiber are at risk to develop colorectal cancer.

Bowel Cancer - How Can You Help Cure it?

Bowel Cancer affects the large bowel and the rectum, which are the lower parts of our digestive system. The exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown but people who have a family history of the disease come under the high-risk category of developing bowel cancer. Bowel Cancer is becoming more and more common as years are passing by the number of patients with this type of cancer increasing rapidly and it does not matter whether the patent is young or old or whether you are a women or a man. Colorectal cancer can be detected at an early stage by monitoring stools, and especially by keeping vigilant for bleeding during defecation.

In cases of early bowel cancer, bright red blood drips are seen after defecation rather than at the same time. In any case, if you suspect the beginning of bowel cancer, you must get yourself checked thoroughly by your doctor as soon as possible. Citrus fruits and dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, spring greens, green peppers, and broccoli can help combat and prevent bowel cancer. In addition, deep orange-yellow fruit and vegetables, such as carrots, peaches, oranges, and bananas are also helpful. A capsule based on pure concentrated fish oils, omega-3 fatty acids, can help prevent bowel cancer. In a British study, 80% of patients given the super omega-3 capsules had a reduced risk of developing the disease The patients were given a highly purified form of Omega-3 oil, which can effect changes in cells known to cause bowel cancer.

Participants had an increased risk of the cancer because they were prone to developing polyps, tiny growth cells in the bowel that can turn cancerous. The research team, led by bowel cancer surgeon Roger Leicester at St Georges Hospital in South London, showed that the consumption of purified fish-oil in capsule form restored cell production to normal levels. The capsules contain a pure estrified form of Omega-3 oils called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Said Doctor Leicester "These results are very exciting, we showed that this particular very pure concentrated form of fish oil could affect the abnormal cell activity and production of polyps." St George's researchers are planning more trials to see if the oil can reverse or prevent the production of polyps.

Studies have already shown that people who eat meat regularly have a higher risk of bowel cancer than fish eaters and vegetarians. Research also shows that a diet high in olive oil protects against bowel cancer. Doctor Leicester said that any fish diet, but particularly oily fish, which are high in Omega-3`s, will help prevention. "We think fish-oil capsules could eventually be given as a preventative treatment against cancer." Another trial that brings further credence to the benefits of Omega-3 is: 30 patients who had had bowel polyps took part in a 3-month trial. Samples of the colon lining were taken and examined at the start. They were randomly given Omega 3 oil capsules or no treatment and then at the end of the trial, further samples were taken. In the group who had taken the oil, it was found that their cell generation rate had fallen by nearly 25% - so they were producing a lot less cells in their bowel. The rate at which cells had died had increased by over 100% - resulting in fewer cells again. The levels of the fatty acids in the cells were doubled -indicating that the Omega 3s play a part in cell regeneration.

Colon Cancer - 10 Rules For Prevention

If you are worried about getting colon cancer, rest assured that there are things that you can do to lower your risk. In fact, colon cancer prevention measures are very simple, but they may require a lot of will power on your part. Keep reading to learn about the things that you can do to lower your risk.

Colon Cancer Prevention Tips

1. 
   Reduce your amount of alcohol consumption.
   
   If you are the type of person that likes to drink and you drink a lot, then you need to realize that excessive alcohol consumption has been proven to increase colon cancer risks significantly. However, a glass of red wine with dinner is okay because red wine contains certain antioxidants that have been proven to be effective cancer fighters.




2. 
   Lose weight.
   
   People who are obese are at a high risk for cancer. Many studies have been conducted on the effect of obesity and colon cancer. They have all concluded that people who are obese are at a much higher risk than those of a normal weight.



3. 
   Stop Smoking.
   
   Smoking can transport dangerous carcinogens to your colon. Smoking has also been proven to increase the size of polyps found in the colon.



4. 
   Get plenty of exercise.
   
   People who have a regular exercise regimen have been known to decrease their risk of colon cancer by as much as 40%.



5. 
   Know your family history.
   
   This is very important because there is a strong hereditary link in colon cancer. If any members of your family have colon cancer then your risk increases significantly. Make sure that you doctor is aware of any family history of cancer.



6. 
   Regular colon cancer screenings.
   
   This tip is very important if you are age 50 or older. The older you get, the higher your risk for cancer. Doctors recommend that anyone over the age of 50 have yearly screenings. An early diagnosis is the easiest to cure.



7. 
   Change your diet.
   
   A high fat, low fiber diet, is the perfect diet to feed colon cancer. Get away from red meats, eat more fruits and vegetables and stay away from saturated fats.



8. 
   Learn the symptoms.
   
   Know the symptoms of colon cancer. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. The earlier colon cancer is detected and treatment started the better your chances of survival.



9. 
   Take an aspirin daily.
   
   Studies have shown that taking a regular aspirin once a day can decrease the size of any colon polyps, therefore reducing your risk of colon cancer.



10. 
    Take a good multivitamin.
    
    This will increase your overall health and give your body the vitamins and minerals that it needs that you cannot get in foods.

So there you have ten very important colon cancer prevention tips. Follow these tips and make lifestyle changes today so you can reduce your levels of risk.

Colon Cancer Causes Are Linked to Unhealthy Eating Habits

Colon cancer causes are often a result of irritable bowel movement symptoms, and may be responsible for conditions such as diarrhea, constipation, migraines and skin problems, among many others. Colon cancer is a major illness and one that causes life altering effects. This form of cancer is one of the most common in the nation. Most colon cancer patients suffer from polyps, which are abnormal cells that form clusters. When normal cells begin to transform, a potential problem arises. As time progresses, these growths get bigger and can lead to the development of cancer.

A vast majority of sufferers have a family history with the disease. In addition, the risk of developing colon cancer increases with age and is most common in those ages 50 and up. Certain individuals simply carry the genetic makeup, which may be identified through a series of tests, that may lead to colon cancer.

While there are no certain ways to pinpoint perfectly who develops cancer, or why, there are several risk elements that may increase an person's chance of developing the illness. Among them being, a previous battle with cancer, a family history with colon cancer, poor diets, smoking and obesity. With so many risk elements, one may wonder if there is anything that they can do in order to prevent colon cancer. Studies show that a lot of physical activity or exercise and a low-fat, high-fiber diet may help to reduce the risks. In addition, certain medicines may also help to prevent the disease.

As is the case with many ailments, symptoms are often very similar to those of other diseases. It may be extremely difficult to get an accurate assessment of what's wrong when so many illnesses carry the same symptoms. For this reason, it's important to seek medical attention if an person experiences abnormal bleeding, weakness, pale complexion or abdominal expansion without weight gain, nausea, any alter in bowel movements or weight loss. Each person is different and, as such, symptoms may vary slightly. Because symptoms may either present themselves as severe or barely noticeable, it is recommended that patients be screened regularly for the presence of colon cancer causes.

Hemorrhoids And Colon Cancer

If you suffer from hemorrhoids and are concerned about whether or not this condition can lead to colon cancer, you might want to read this article to help put some of your fears to rest.

To understand the differences between the two and whether or not there is a link between them, one needs to understand what each one is and what causes it. To some degree, they are linked but not in the way most people think. So let's start with hemorrhoids first.

A hemorrhoid is a swollen vein or group of veins inside the anus. Some hemorrhoids are internal, meaning can't be felt on the outside with a finger after bowel movement (in most cases) and some are external. External hemorrhoids are on the very end of the anus and almost always protrude after a bowl movement and, with severe hemorrhoids, sometimes protrude all of the time.

The swollen veins are not unlike varicose veins that some women have on their legs. They can be very painful depending on the severity but aren't always. Sometimes a person can have hemorrhoids and not even know it if they're mild enough. It isn't usually until they notice some bleeding after a bowel movement that they even suspect that they have hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are caused by a number of things. The most common are obesity, pregnancy, chronic constipation and/or diarrhea, and poor diet leading to the latter two.

Colon cancer is a completely different animal. Colon cancer is a malignant tumor inside the colon. The tumor can be on the veins of the anus but doesn't have to be. Colon cancer is also caused by poor diet and in some cases pure heredity. Sometimes it just runs in the family and is almost unavoidable regardless of what you do. This is why many women are now doing testing for cancer genes to have preventative mastectomies like Angelina Jolie just did.

The only similarity between the two (hemorrhoids and colon cancer) is the bleeding in the stool, which is why if you first have this symptom you should see a doctor immediately to determine which it is. However, having hemorrhoids themselves does not have to lead to colon cancer. There is absolutely no link between them, at least none that has been proven or established yet.

Having said all that, and I am sure this has put your mind somewhat at ease, hemorrhoids are still no walk in the park. Left untreated, they can become quite serious and quite painful. I should know. I suffered from stage 4 external hemorrhoids for over 10 years. There were times when I was in pain for 4 or 5 days straight because of one bowel movement. When the doctor gave me the "good" news that I didn't necessarily have to get colon cancer form these hemorrhoids, there were times I almost wished I could get colon cancer so I could be rid of the suffering. If you've never had external hemorrhoids you can't imagine how bad they are.

However, if all you're concerned about is whether or not you can get cancer from your hemorrhoids, you can rest easy. No link has been established yet.

If, on the other hand, you'd like to actually get rid of your hemorrhoids, you can read about how I got rid of mine in my signature. It's a short 10 page report that won't take long to read and it's free. I think you'll find it an interesting read if nothing else.

To YOUR Health,

Steve Wagner

Colon Cancer Prognosis

The earlier you can detect cancer, the better the prognosis will be. As with any other form of cancer, the early stages are the easiest to treat and possibly cure. Later stages of the developing disease can spread and cause many more problems, making it harder for the doctors to treat. The importance of early detection cannot be stressed enough by medical professionals.

Cancer cells are cells that have transformed and are growing abnormally. They can cause lumps, masses, and tumors in the body. They can grow extremely large and spread to other areas of the body. If you catch them in the "small" stages, it is more likely that the cancer can be surgically removed or treated with great results.

Stage I

In Stage I of this cancer, the prognosis is very good. A person has a greater than 90% chance of a five-year survival rate. In this stage, cancer has usually only penetrated the superficial part of the bowel wall.

Stage II

The chance of surviving Stage II of this cancer for five or more years, depending on the TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors, is from 55% to 85%. In this stage, the cancer has usually penetrated the muscular layer of the bowel wall.

Stage III

The chance of surviving Stage III of this cancer for five or more years is between 20% and 55%. In this stage, the disease has usually worked through the bowel wall and has infected nearby lymph nodes and organs. Patients who have three or fewer infected nodes have a better prognosis than those who have four or more infected nodes.

Stage IV

The chance of surviving Stage IV colon cancer for five or more years is less than 5%. In this stage, the cancer has usually spread to other areas of the body, such as the lungs. Not all Stage IV colon cancer patients are in the same condition; therefore, the prognosis can be different. Studies have shown that patients with less than three masses on the liver can have a 20% to30% chance of surviving five years.

You can now see why early detection of colon cancer is so important. It really does play a big role in the prognosis.

Treatment - The most common treatment for the early stages of colon cancer is the removal of the section of the colon that contains the abnormal cells. The colon is then rejoined and sewn back together. There are new studies being done on the effectiveness of different treatments for late stages of colon cancer. Your physician will be able to effectively tell you what you can expect in treatment options, because every cancer patient and every case of the disease is different.

Scheduling a regular exam is in your best interest and will help you to detect colon cancer in the earlier stages. Signs and symptoms can take weeks or months to become obvious, so if you are in the risk categories for developing colon cancer, regular exams are very important. Contact your physician immediately if you suspect that anything may be wrong.

Stage 4 Colon Cancer - Don't Give Up Hope If You Reach This Stage Of Colon Cancer

Once colon cancer reaches the level of stage 4, this is the point, statistically, when the rates of survival decrease rapidly. The average five-year survival rate at this stage tends to be around 20 to 30 percent. Whilst these figures make the outlook look bad, an end to all hope should not be dismissed with stage 4 colon cancer. The importance of screening and early detection at this time is paramount.

If stage 4 colon cancer has been diagnosed, this means that the cancer has now manifested itself in other parts of the body. It is almost certain that the cancer has invaded the lymph node system and could possibly be found in the liver, lungs, bones and even the brain. Even at this stage, it is still possible for people to live past the projected five-year period. It all depends on the location of the spread of the stage 4 colon cancer. However, overall, the prognosis for stage 4 survival is not overly optimistic.

Even now, when stage 4 colon cancer has been diagnosed, there are several medical procedures and treatments that can be used to lessen symptoms. In areas where tumors can be removed, surgery can be performed to remove these tumors. If surgery isn't an option, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used to help. Whilst there may not be a 'cure' for stage 4 colon cancer, doctors strive to help those diagnosed to live their lives, if not a little longer, then at least a little more comfortably.

Prevention is of paramount importance in ensuring that people do not end up with stage 4 colon cancer. This in itself is not going to prove 100% effective for everyone, but to help avoid this cancer, here are a few things that people can do:

Reduce the risks. Not all of the risks can be removed. Some can though, and they simply involve changing your lifestyle habits. Smoking, over indulgence of alcohol and a diet that is high in fat and low in fiber are all risks that can be eliminated. Other personal risk factors that can be addressed are obesity and lack of exercise.

Undertake a screening program. The normal check up procedure of screening starts around the age of 50. However, if the risks are deemed high in a person, then screening will start at an earlier stage. Both men and women are prone to colon cancer, so both can expect to have their physicians request screening exams every few years.

The importance of screening programs and risk reduction are highlighted by the fact that symptoms of colon cancer do not generally appear until the later stages. The best form of defense can be installed by making these two things a priority. By doing so, one can help to reduce the chances of stage 4 colon cancer forming.

Stage 4 colon cancer is not good and if diagnosed with this cancer, it doesn't mean that all hope is lost. With the proper medical treatment and care, the chances of beating the five-year survival rate could be improved. Avoiding this situation in the first place by employing the combination of preventative measures and undergoing regular screenings is obviously the best step to take. These actions alone won't guarantee that you won't reach stage 4 colon cancer, but they will help in decreasing the chances for advancement of the colon cancer.

Treatments Available For Stage 4 Colon Cancer

Colon cancer reaches stage 4 when it is no longer limited to the colon and surrounding lymph nodes, but has metastasized to other organs. At this stage, the cancer may have spread to the lungs, liver or stomach. There are several treatments available to prolong the lifespan of a patient suffering from stage 4 colon cancer. These have various risks as well as benefits. Depending on the individual case, some treatments be more appropriate than others. Patients should be able to make an informed decision about their cancer management after discussing all options with their physician.

When cancer of the colon is diagnosed at an advanced stage, surgery is often necessary. In a surgical resection, or colectomy, a surgeon removes the cancerous part of the colon. The remaining healthy colon sections are joined together and can function normally after healing. If an entire tumor cannot be removed without harming organs, as much of it as possible is cut out in a procedure known as debulking. This lessens pain and can increase the effectiveness of other therapies.

Chemotherapy is helpful in some cases of stage 4 cancer, depending on the site of the tumor. Chemotherapy treatment destroys rapidly growing cells in the body, with cancer cells as its prime target. Unfortunately, other normal cells which have a rapid growth rate tend to be harmed in the process. This can lead to hair loss, nausea, fatigue and other side effects, some of which can be controlled with medication.

Radiation therapy is sometimes used to treat advanced cancer of the colon in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy. It kills off cancer cells with high energy rays or particles. There is a risk that adjacent healthy cells could also be destroyed, so radiation is seldom used to treat cancer that has spread to a vital organ.

Monoclonal antibody therapy is a promising new drug treatment that avoids many of complications associated with chemotherapy. Monoclonal antibodies block the growth signal receptors on the surface of cancer cells to stop them from growing and spreading. Side effects are similar to the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Anti-angiogenesis therapy is an exciting advancement in cancer treatment. Used with chemotherapy, it can extend the lifespan of colon cancer patients by up to five months. It works by inhibiting the production of new blood vessels within a tumor. Without an adequate blood supply, the tumor can't grow.

Once cancer of the colon has metastasized, it tends to be thought of as treatable rather than curable. The length and quality of life for an individual diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer depends on a number of factors and can't always be predicted. Some people respond exceptionally well to the available treatments and can outlive their original prognosis by months or even years.

Colon Cancer Survival Rate - Are You A Survivor?

The colon cancer survival rate of a patient may be determined by the type of treatment plan he/she is using. Knowing that colon cancer has about an asymptomatic stage followed by 4 disease stages, we should also know that not all colorectal cancers are detected at the earliest stages. In actuality, the truth behind most cancers is that they are only diagnosed once the symptoms become severe to the point that it has affected the daily livings of the patients. Like what is commonly said-cancer is a traitor disease: it strikes when u least expected it and only makes itself known when you have started experiencing all its crazy bout of symptoms. In most cases, the average detection point of colon cancer is when most of the painful symptoms are experienced because this is the time when patients seek medical advice and check up to diagnose the disease. Usually, people get help when the cancer is at the 2nd to 3rd stages.

Since this article will tackle about the colon cancer survival rate with the treatment plan as the determinant variable, we will base our colon cancer survival rate from the stages where most patients ask for help - stages 2 and 3. This is also the time when these is a boost of treatments available to try combating the proliferation of cancer.

Colostomy

The most common treatment advised once the cancer has grown enough to appear on medical laboratory tests and confirm diagnosis is to subject the patient to a colostomy or colon surgery. Surgery is considered a crucial part in increasing your colon cancer survival rate. Since the cancer has not yet infected bigger parts of the colon (or parts beyond the colon) at this time, your five-year colon cancer survival rate is around 70-90%. Patients who were able to survive the surgery and began to display acceptance of the post-operative consequences showed a higher and long-term prognosis after surgery. There is also a number of cases where patients were able to return to their normal lifestyle and survive the cancer. However, there is one major downside of this treatment. Since colostomy means your solid intestinal waste will be excreted from no longer out of your anus but will be out of a surgically made hole on your stomach, it can be extremely inconvenient for many patients. Bowel excretion through your stomach is going to be forever, hence, lifetime maintenance is also needed. For many colon cancer sufferers, the consequences of the surgery seem to be more dreadful than the disease itself, therefore a lot of patients would never dare try the surgery.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the next treatment of choice for colon cancer (and probably as well as for most cancers). It is done by the use of medications to destroy or stop the proliferation of the cancer cells in hopes of prolonging your life. Often, after surgery, a patient may also be subjected to a series of chemotherapy to kill the remaining microscopic cancer cells. Recent studies have shown that with the surgery and chemotherapy combined, there is delay of tumor recurrence therefore increasing your colon cancer survival rate as well (average percentage is around 90%). The effect may not be as substantial if the patient will only rely on chemotherapeutic drugs (average percentage of 60-80%).

Radiation Therapy

Updates have been made in the treatment of colorectal cancer and radiation therapy is now limited to patients whose origin of cancer has started at the rectal part of the colon. Without radiation, there is about 50% risk percentage for patients with rectal cancer, making your colon cancer survival rate a dire 50% as well. Risk is then lowered for 7-10% for patients who had surgery and undergone radiation therapy as well.

How Bowel Cancer Symptoms Differ From IBS Symptoms

The symptoms of bowel cancer and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often get confused by many - often leading one to think that a different disease may be present than actually is. However, the symptoms are clear between the diseases when properly understood by an individual who maybe suffering from one or another.

Bowel Cancer (colorectal cancer, or colon cancer) - is basically any form of cancer that affects the colon (large bowel), or rectum (back-passage) - usually very slow-growing (10 years) before metastasis (spread) becomes apparent, and often starts as benign (non-cancerous) growths (polyps) that are present on the bowel wall.

Polyps are small growth like spots on stalks (most produce no symptoms at all) that become more prevalent as an individual gets older (most polyps are non-cancerous; however, one type, an "adenoma" can become cancerous ([malignant] when left undetected, its cells can multiply to form a tumor in the bowel which causes pain and bleeding).

Symptoms of bowel cancer may include:

• 
  Abdominal pains (gripping, but usually not chronic).


• 
  Anal bleeding and pain - loose stool (often containing blood [sometimes constipation - feeling the need to strain when not necessary]).


• 
  A right-hand-sided lump in the back-passage or abdomen.


• 
  Sensation of being bloated.


• 
  Sickness.


• 
  Weight-loss.

Further growth in the bowel wall and back-passage gives cancer cells the ability to travel into the bloodstream or the lymph node system - thus contaminating other organs in the body (the liver and lungs being the most common [metastasis]).

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - is a digestive disorder that a large part of the population suffers from (estimated to be around 15%); however, because of it being such a delicate (embarrassing) illness - is little spoken of. Although, IBS offers similar symptoms to bowel cancer.

Symptoms of IBS may include:

• 
  Chronic abdominal pains.


• 
  Major disturbances within the functioning process of the bowel (diarrhea at a moments notice [up to 3-time a day] and often preceded by constipation), chronic constipation 3-times a week [sometimes alternating between the two], and mucus in the stool).


• 
  Anxiety or depression.


• 
  Back aches.


• 
  Headaches.


• 
  Heart fluttering (palpitations - sensations of heart beat-skips).


• 
  Insomnia (problems getting to sleep).


• 
  Sexual problems (pains during sex or a reduced sexual desire).


• 
  Unpleasant tastes in the mouth.


• 
  Urinary problems (a frequent or urgent need to urinate, trouble starting to urinate, or trouble emptying the bladder).

IBS involves the malfunction of how the intestinal system works (a functional disorder that does not show in any visible disease process or tissue damage [it is more of a bowel interference]).

Note: Symptoms given for both bowel cancer and IBS include possible secondary symptoms - and where both illnesses may affect an individual in different ways.

How to Detect Bowel Cancer Symptoms

Bowel cancer or colorectal cancer is the most common internal cancer that occurs in humans. Bowel cancer is also the second most frequent cause of death after lung cancer. Typically, bowel cancer occurs in the colon (large intestine) and the rectum (back passage). However, in some very small number of cases of this disease, it can also occur in the small intestine. Frequently, the colorectal cancer develops from polyps that grow inside the lining of the intestine wall. When the polyps become malignant, they turn into cancer. Untreated, bowel cancer can grow through the wall of the intestine and spread to other parts of the body.

While death mostly occurs in advanced stages of this disease, the chances for recovery for this cancer are very high if it is detected in its early stages. The success of the recovery can be more than 90% of all cases. Early symptoms of bowel cancer resemble minor intestinal problems such as constipation, gas, and so forth. It is very important for you to notice any changes in your bowel habits and digestion and seek medical help...

If you have any of the following symptoms for three weeks or longer, it could be a sign of colorectal cancer, and you should see your doctor immediately. These symptoms include:

- Rectal bleeding

Your back passage bleeds without any apparent reason. The blood can be found in your stool or on your toilet paper following a bowel movement. Along with that, you may also find other symptoms such as lumps, itchiness, straining and soreness around the rectum. Hemorrhoids can also cause these same symptoms. Make a habit to look into the bowl prior to flushing to watch for these symptoms.

- Changes in bowel movement habits

You may experience constant constipation or diarrhea due to the disturbance of muscles. Constipation is usually followed by a feeling of not feeling completely empty even when you already have passed the stool. Meanwhile, diarrhea causes more frequent bowel movements and often with lots of clear, jelly-like mucus.

- Pain in abdominal area

Abdominal pain can be constant or periodic. For some people, it lingers and does not go away. For some others, it comes and goes at unexpected times. When the pain becomes serious, you should contact your physician to get immediate help.

- Anemia

If you bleed often while passing a stool, there is a chance you suffer from anemia. This shows up as unexpected fatigue and breathlessness.

- A lump found in your abdomen or tummy, especially on the right side.

- Unexplained and unexpected weight loss; often along with an unexplained loss of appetite.

Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer

Chemotherapy is the use of very strong anticancer drugs to kill colon cancer cells.

Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment and will address cancer that is in the entire

body which is why it is often used to prevent spread or to treat cancer that has

already spread. This is not the only reason why chemotherapy is used so if you

doctor suggests treatment with chemotherapy drugs do not assume that your

cancer has spread and metastesized.

Chemotherapy plays a few roles in the treatment of colon cancer.

used to kill colon cancer cells that might have not been removed during surgical

removal of the colon cancer.

reduces the size of the tumor before surgery is performed

used to treat colon cancer by controlling the growth of the tumor.

used to relieve some of the symptoms of the colon cancer.

reduce the likelihood of recurrence

Chemotherapy is often used after surgery is performed to eliminate cancer cells that

may have been left behind and not removed by surgery. The chemotherapy can be

administered through an IV (intravenously) or in pill form. Once the chemotherapy

drugs enter the bloodstream they can reach cancer cells in all parts of the body.

Some studies have shown that using a regimen of chemotherapy after surgery for

colon cancer can increase the surivival rates for some stages of colon and rectal

cancers.

In patients with advanced colorectal cancer chemotherapy is often useful in relieving

the symptoms of the cancer.

Who is given Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer?

The general opinion in the medical community differs on whether chemotherapy for

Stage II colon cancer will be beneficial to the patient after surgery. It is usually only

advisable in very high risk patients.

Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery is the standard of care for patients with Stage

III colorectal cancer. Also patients with Stage IV cancers of the colon or rectum can

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

increase life expectancy and improve the quality of life.

How is Chemotherapy Administered for Colorectal Cancer?

The use of adjuvant chemotherapy typically involves monthly administration of the

chemotherapy drugs for usually 6 to 8 months. Usually on or a combination of the

following drugs are administered:

5-FU (5-fluorouracil)

leucovorin

irinotecan

oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)

The standard adjuvant chemotherapy combination for colon cancer consists of 5-FU

and leucovorin.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy can produce some side effects. The type of side effects experiences

depends upon the type of chemotherapy drugs used, how much of the drugs are

given and the period of time they are administered. The side effects also depend on

the individual.

The most common side effects for 5FU :

the feeling of being sick

diarrhea

sore mouth or mouth ulcers

drop in blood cell count

overall feeling of tiredness

The most common side effects of irinotecan :

increased perspiration

increase in the production of saliva

watery eyes

pain or cramps in the abdomen

diarrhea

overall feeling of being sick

drop in blood cell count

overall feeling of tiredness

hair thinning or loss

The most common side effects of oxaliplatin:

feeling of being sick

numbness or tingling of the extremeties

numbness in the lips

Bowel Cancer and the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Cancer of the bowel or colorectal cancer as it is commonly called is cancer that goes after the cells that are around the bowel itself. This type of cancer is really very curable if caught and treated early on. And early on treatment is the key here. If it becomes advanced, the chances of a successful remission of this cancer are smaller.

Basically what happens in bowel cancer, is that there is what is referred to as a mutation occurs. The cells which link back to genes, begin to become uncontrolled, and thus, a number of cells bunch together, forming cancer. Polyps are actually what these formations are called, and in this stage of pre-cancer, are called an adenoma in medical terms. Polyps can be removed via a colonoscopy if found in time. If not found soon enough, these formations of polyps will continue their growth on and on, until they are lodged in the colon, forming the cancer growing environment there. So this explains why a colonoscopy is good preventive care.

Once these polyps have now turned cancerous, you would begin to notice symptoms. The main thing a person will then notice is bleeding from the rectum.

There are some colon cancers that do not actually come from a polyp stage, but come from lesions instead. These cancer types with lesions are usually on the right side of the colon.

If colon cancer keeps on progressing, then the cells that have the cancer  will fall away from the growing tumor, and attach themselves to other places such as the liver and also the lymph nodes. At this stage it is very serious, since the cancer has metastasized, and is not easily cured or placed into a remission status.

As bowel cancer continues advancing in the person who has it, there will not only be blood in the stool but things such as vomiting, and an blockage that will then cause very severe abdominal pain. Anemia will set in since there is a definite loss of blood through stools, and the person that has this condition will become very unwell.

In diagnosing this problem, the doctor would first do a digital rectal exam first thing. Then, using an instrument known as a sigmoidoscope, take out a piece of tissue examining it in a biopsy. To go further yet, a gastroenterologist will do a barium enema testing process. The bowel is blown up so that all details show. The whole procedure takes about one-half hour.

If bowel cancer is present, then the treatment options will be laid out. Chemotherapy is one option, and in other cases, they can do bowel surgery to remove the offending tumor.  In some cases, they will need to put a temporary colostomy on the person affected, or if the cancer was really invasive into the colon, may need to remove the colon totally and leave the colostomy on permanently.

Prevention is the key factor though, in colon cancer.  As I said earlier here,be sure you have regular screenings in a colonoscopy to be rid of polyps that cause the cancer in the first place.

Colon Disease - Cancer and Other Diseases of the Colon

People often think of the colon as simply an organ that rids the body of its waste. If not treated properly, the colon can develop problems and potentially diseases. These issues can make us uncomfortable, sick and can even be fatal if not treated right away.

First, there is colorectal cancer- or cancer of the colon or rectum. This disease is the fourth most common cancer in both genders and is curable if treated in its earlier stages. Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include, but are not limited to, blood in the stool, narrower stools, a change in bowel habits, and discomfort in the abdomen. Screening is important in detecting the cancer because it is more difficult to treat as it progresses. Treatments can include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or a combination of those.

Colonic polyps are extra pieces of tissue that grow inside the body. These growths can become cancerous if they are not removed. Those at risk for polyps include people over 50 years of age, a history of polyps, and a family history with polyps and/or colon cancer. Polyps generally do not bring symptoms, but bloody stools, bleeding after a bowel movement or extensive constipation and diarrhea can occur.

Ulcerative colitis causes sores and inflammation in the rectum's lining. These ulcers tend to form where the rectum's lining's cells are killed from the inflammation. Bleeding then occurs, creating pus. Diarrhea can be a symptom of ulcerative colitis, as the colon empties frequently when this ailment is present.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that is defined by its symptoms- cramps, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. IBS doesn't do permanent damage, but does cause discomfort and distress due to its side effects. It can often be controlled with diet, stress management and medications.

What Colon Cancer Symptoms Are Found During Screening?

Colon cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in the colon and the formation of tumors from these cells. Despite the presence of polyps in the human large intestine, presentation of colon cancer symptoms at an early stage is very low. In some cases, it may not even manifest symptoms. Today, colon cancer is the second leading malignancy in the United States and the fourth worldwide. The combination of these facts gives rise to the importance of colon screening methods aimed at determining early stages of colon cancer.

There are a number of screening methods available for colon cancer detection. These tests are done alone or in combination with other tests in order to distinguish colon cancer from other intestinal diseases. Hereunder is a list of these screening and detection procedures.

Digital Rectal Examination

A routine part of physical examination, digital rectal examination (DRE) examines the lower portion of the rectum for tumor and polyp growth. This test is done using a lubricated gloved finger inserted inside the rectum to feel for anomalous growths. This test is also capable in ascertaining prostate cancer in men.

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

The American Cancer Society recommends FOBT to be done yearly in combination with sigmoidoscopy. FOBT is statistically noted as being 24% effective in finding colorectal cancer by itself. There are currently two types of fecal occult blood test, these are the Guaiac FOBT and the Immunochemical FOBT. The Guaiac FOBT utilizes the chemical, guaiac, to detect the presence blood protein hemoglobin in fecal samples by checking for traces of Heme. Heme is an iron-containing component of hemoglobin. Immunochemical FOBT uses antibodies to check stools for human hemoglobin. According to studies, FOBT when performed annually reduces colorectal deaths by about 15 - 35%.

Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy is a test wherein a lighted instrument, the sigmoidoscope, is inserted into the rectum and lower colon to examine the area. Precancerous, cancerous and other abnormal growths can be detected during this test, and these growths can be removed and biopsied. Statistics show that when done in conjunction with FOBT, the sigmoidoscopy helps in detecting about 76% of colon tumor growths among individuals in the 50s-80s age range.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscope is a lighted instrument used to examine the colon and rectal area for abnormal growths. During a colonoscopy, abnormal polyps or growths can be traced, removed and biopsied. Colonoscopy can examine areas missed by a sigmoidoscope mainly due to its longer reach. Before colonscopy is performed a thorough cleansing of the colon is carried out and patients are sedated.

Double Contract Barium Enema (DCBE)

In DCBE, air is introduced into the colon and the patient is given an enema filled with barium solution to help outline the colon for an array of x-rays. In conjunction with colonoscopy, DCBE helps in detecting about 30-50 percent of colorectal cancer cases. However, DCBE may miss smaller polyps according to research.

Computerized Tomographic Colonoscopy

As called Virtual Colonoscopy, the test is accomplished with the use of a special x-ray equipment to generate photographs of the colon and rectum at different angles. These photographs are then assembled by a computer to produces an image detailing the large intestine and showing polyp growth and other abnormalities. Like standard colonoscopy, it is necessary to perform a thorough cleansing of the colon. However, since this test is less invasive, it is less discomforting and does not require sedation.

Despite the presence of these tests, it was reported that about 44% of adults within the 50s-80s age group have undergone routine screening raising colorectal cancer incidence. Let us not be afraid to undergo cancer screening, we must realize that early detection is tantamount to survival from cancer.

For further reading about colon cancer detection, treatments, and symptoms read some of material that I have published.

Common Bowel Cancer Symptoms

Bowel cancer is one of the common cancer diseases all over the world. Unfortunately, very few people know about this kind of cancer and about its treatments. If you want to be able to fight against this cancer then you must know about the symptoms of this cancer too. With a little bit research work on the internet, you can find much about this disease and how you can get rid of it. It is better to adopt such life style that will help you to stay at a distance from these diseases. So, you must know about bowel cancer symptoms so that you can understand about this disease in detail and get rid of it as soon as possible.

There are many undesirable signs that you may have to face during bowel cancer. The symptoms include many unexpected things as well. Some people might feel an abdominal pain that might be frequent and sudden. Some people might suffer from diarrhea. There are certain cases in which a patient was suffering from constipation. If you are anyone in your family is going through these conditions then you should consult with a doctor right away. If you will not pay attention to this issue then the patient might suffer from interior bleeding as well. Normally, this bleeding happens in anal orifice or he/ she may experience hits of blood while passing the stool. If you feel pain during defecating then you should pay attention to it because this can be a beginning of tumor as well.

There are two other names that are normally associated with Bowel Cancer; Colon Cancer and Colorectal Cancer. These tell about the tumor growth from the stem of the colon, appendix or colon. In most of the cases, some problems are found in colon and then these problems keep on increasing. People normally ignore all these things considering it to be constipation or some other digestive problem in abdomen. Patient can suffer from sever tumor in future if these bowel cancer symptoms are not taken seriously. If you are the person who is suffering from these problems or there is anyone else in your family then you should not waste even a single second and bring that person to a hospital for proper examination.

If tumor has been found in a person then treatment has to be started immediately. Cancer is curable disease but there are certain stages that can be recovered. If you are in a stage of bowel cancer from where you have no chances to recover then you can just pray and take medication for better health. That is the only reason why we should take bowel cancer symptoms seriously and if any are found in yourself or in a person in your family then it is your responsibility to consult with a doctor and discuss whole issue in detail. Our health is not for granted thing. Although, most of the things that we get naturally are free but it doesn't mean that we should not take care of our health at all.