KEY FACTS ABOUT COLON CANCER

"Colon Cancer"

Colon cancer is a common type of (cancer) in which there is uncontrolled growth of the cells that line the inside of the colon or rectum. Colon cancer is also called colorectal cancer. Cancer growths occur when some cells in the body begin to multiply in an uncontrolled manner. The body's natural defenses, such as certain parts of the immune system, cannot stop uncontroled cell division. These abnormal cells become greater and greater in number. In some types of cancer, including colon cancer, the uncontrolled cell growth forms a mass, also called a Tumor. Tumors always start off as a polyp. A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue projection from a mucus membrane. It is attached to the surface by a narrow elongated stalk. Polyps are commonly found on the colon, stomach, nose, uterus and bladder. They may also occure elsewhere in the body where mucous membranes exist like the cervix and small intestine. Some tumors are benign, which means that they are not concerous. Cancerous or malignant tumors gorw out of control and can invade, and destroy norml cells near the tumor. In some cases, cancer cells spread to other areas of the body, like the liver and kidneys.

All cancers come in stages, the higher the stage, the worse it can be.

Stage 1 Colon cancer involves more than just the inner linging of the colon. A polyp has progressed to a tumor, and extends into the wallo of the colon or rectum.

Treatment can include surgery to remove the section of the colon that is cancerous. This type of surgery is called a resection. The healthy non-cancerous sections of the colon are reconnected again. The 5 year survival rate is 95%.

Stage 2 Colon Cancer is when the cancer has spread beyond the colon to the tissue that surronds the colon but has not spread to lymph nodes. Cancer spreading in this manner from one part of the body to another is called Metastasis. A resection surgery may also be used to treat this stafe of cancer. The 5 year survival rate drops dramatically to 60%.

Stage 3 is when the cancer has spread outside the colon and on to the lympy nodes in the area surrounding the colon. In this stage, the cancer has not spread to other organs in the body, but treatment is more aggressive. Surgical rsection of the colon, chemotherapy, and other medical therapies may be necessary. The 5 year survival rate is 35 to 60%.

In Stage 4, the cancer has spread to other organs in the body such as the lungs or liver. This is progressed cancer. In addition to surgical resection and chemotherapy, radiation treatments and surgery to remove other affected parts of the body may e necessary. At this stage, there is only 3% chance of reaching the 5 year survival time.

THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY REPORTS:

-106,100 NEW CASES OF COLON CANCER DIAGNOSED

-49,920 DEATHS FROM COLON CANCER EACH YEAR

-COLON CANCER IS THE 3RD MOST COMMON CANCER FOUND IN MEN & WOMEN IN THIS COUNTRY

RISK FACTORS FOR COLON CANCER INCLUDE:

*AGE: AFTER 50, MEN & WOMEN SHARE THE SAME RISK

*PERSONAL FAMILY HISTORY OF COLON CANCER OR POLYPS

*HAVING A PRE-DETERMINED BOWEL DISEASE

*SMOKING

*OBESITY

*HEAVY ALCOHOL USE

*TYPE 2 DIABETES

*A DIET WITH HIGH AMOUNTS OF RED MEAT

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF GETTING COLON CANCER, A PERSON CAN:

*Go to the doctor if you have any colon cancer symptoms

*If you're 50 or older, schedule a colon cancer screening

*Eat a balanced diet with a minimum of 35 grams of fiber daily

*Maintain a healthy weight

*Maintain an active lifestyle

*Learn your family medical history

*Don't smoke

*Lower your red meat intake

SYMPTOMS OF COLON CANCER CAN INCLUDE:

*A change in your owel habits, including diarrhea or contipation

*A change in the consistency of your stool for more than 2 weeks

*Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool

*Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain

*A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely

*Weakness or fatigue

*Unexplained weight loss

Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. This is why colon cancer is called "THE SILENT KILLER". When symptoms appear, they'll likely vary, depending on the cnacer's size and location in your large intestine.

CAN COLORECTAL POLYPS & CANCER BE GOUND EARLY?

COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING

Screening, or testing, is done while you re feeling well- to detect, or find, any abnormalities early, before signs and symptoms of disease occur. Screening for colorectal cancer allows for the early detection of cancer when it is highly curable, as ell as the detection of growths, or polyps that could become pre-cancer. These polyps may be removed, preventing the development of cancer altogether. There are several tests used to screen for colorecta cancer.

1. FECAL OCCULT BLOOD TEST

2. FECAL IMMUNOCHEMICAL TEST

3. TLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY

4. COLONOSCOPY

5. BARIUM ENEMA WITH AIR CONTRAST

6. VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY