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 likelyhood 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

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A Diet to Follow After Colon Cancer Surgery

Colon cancer surgery is a major medical procedure. After an individual has colon cancer surgery there are several diet options that can prevent the colon cancer from reoccurring. One of the biggest contributing factors to colon cancer is dietary fat. A diet that has a high fat consumption greatly increases the amount of bile acids that are released into the digestive tract. Once bile acids have entered the colon the acids can actually turn into secondary bile acids. These secondary bile acids can promote the growth of a tumor in the colon. It is very important that after colon cancer surgery, to prevent the cancer from reoccurring, to eat a diet that is low in fat.Another great way to prevent colon cancer is to eat a diet that is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are praised as an important substance in fighting colorectal cancer and other cancers of the body. Antioxidants give the body's immune system a boost that acts as a defensive line against harmful free radicals.Foods that are rich in antioxidants are vegetables and fruits. Even some types of tea are rich in antioxidants. Two very important antioxidants are selenium and beta-carotene. These two antioxidants are responsible for helping the body repair the damage caused by dangerous free radicals. Doctors recommend that an individual eat foods that are rich in antioxidants instead of taking a supplement.Folic acid, calcium and vitamin D are both valuable resources in the fight against rectal cancer. Folic acid helps to form new tissues and cells in the body. Plus folic acid is in charge of keeping the red blood cells healthy. Foods that are rich in folic acid are dark leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits. Recent studies have proven that both calcium and vitamin D play a big part in fighting off colon cancer. It is important to eat foods such as yogurt, cheese, milk, sardines, salmon, mustard and dark green leafy vegetables.After colorectal cancer surgery an individual should pay attention to their fiber intake. Fiber is believed to improve the health of an individual by moving waste through the digestive tract at a faster speed. There are many foods that are good sources of fiber. Some of these foods are berries, prunes, whole grain cereals, fresh fruits, vegetables, brown rice and beans.When following a special diet after rectal cancer surgery, make sure to choose foods to eat that come from natural plant sources. Also, limit the intake of high-fat foods. Many high-fat foods come from animal sources. Make sure to exercise on a regular basis in order to maintain a healthy weight. After colon cancer surgery it is in an individual's best interest to limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages. All of these suggestions can help in the fight against colon cancer.
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Adenocarcinoma Colon Cancer

One form of the colon cancer is Adenocarcinoma. This usually stems from the epithelium lining the large intestine. The function of the colon aka the large bowel is to absorb water from the stool and patients of adenocarcinoma colon cancer usually report excessively hard stool.Although adenocarcinoma colon cancer is not uncommon, it is rarely found in young adults. The greater your age the higher the chances of your suffering from adenocarcinoma cancer and especially women aged over 50 years are supposed to be at the greatest risk from adenocarcinoma. Although adenocarcinoma colon is found all over the world, it is primarily found in places of low fiber diet which make America, Europe and Australia soft targets.Adenocarcinoma colon cancer is usually found in people who have some heredity of adenomatous polyposis or even non-polyposis colorectal cancer especially if the family history is from first-degree relatives. Hereditary factors can be to an extent that adenocarcinoma colon may be found in persons as young as teenagers. Certain types of polyps have a potential for malignancy. People having a high fat yet low fiber diet especially with a high intake of red meat are the ones that are most likely to suffer from adenocarcinoma. Even obesity is a cause of adenocarcinoma colon.Adenocarcinoma colon cancer is known to spread after invading the wall of the bowel. On crossing the muscular layer of the bowel's wall the tumor enters the lymphatic vessels and thereafter spreads to local as well as regional lymph nodes. Sometimes the tumor can also spread through the bloodstream to the liver and even other organs of the body including the lungs, bones and even the brain. In case a lot of the tumor has passed the bowels wall then they float about the abdomen as small amounts of fluid and can seed the bowels covering. Adenocarcinoma colon is known to produce small nodules within the abdomen to irritate tissues to cause the production of huge quantities of ascites. If adenocarcinoma colon is detected at a young stage then the prognosis can be really good as at early stages treatment via surgery is really easy and predictable. However once the muscular wall has been breached by the tumor, only three fifths of the total patients are able to survive another five years!The treatment of choice for early adenocarcinoma colon cancer is surgery. For tumors that are still proceeding to reach the muscular layer within the bowel wall, this will be curative in more than 90% of cases. Colon cancer surgery is usually carried out to remove the primary tumor for all cancers except those that have spread to distant organs.
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Colon Cancer Stages and Information

There are actually two different staging systems used to classify colon cancer. The TNM system (using Roman numerals) or the Dukes system (using letters A through D) includes four stages and a newer system includes five stages. This is causing confusion in the medical world because both stages are currently in use to diagnose colon cancer cases, and the type of treatment is determined by the stage. Early detection of the disease cannot be stressed enough by physicians everywhere. The earlier the detection, the better the prognosis will be, regardless of which system is used.Cancer occurs when cells transform and begin to grow abnormally. The growth of the cells begins to wreak havoc on the body as other cells, tissues, and organs are robbed of needed oxygen and nutrients. Without oxygen and nutrients, these parts of the body cannot survive.
Stage 0
Colon cancer can be classified as Stage 0 if the cancer is still in the same place where it started. It has not spread at all. It is only affecting the innermost layer of the colon wall. This is the earliest stage of colon cancer and can be detected through regular exams and immediate actions upon prevailing symptoms and signs. There is no Stage 0 in the TNM system.
Stage I
In Stage I colon cancer, cancer is only affecting the superficial layers of the internal colon wall, but has spread to deeper layers than Stage 0 colon cancer. The prognosis for this stage of colon cancer is the highest with a 90% or greater chance for a five-year survival rate. To catch the cancer in this stage, you have to be in tune with your body, notice any changes immediately, and schedule a regular exam with your physician to look for the signs. Signs and symptoms sometimes take up to 14 weeks to show up. This is the same as the Dukes A category.
Stage II
At this stage of colon cancer, the cancer has spread from the superficial layers of the colon wall and has now affected the muscular layer as well. Prognosis for this stage is still fairly good and the cancer can usually be treated with surgery to remove the infected area of the colon. Early detection is also very important in this stage as well. This stage is the same as the Dukes B category.
Stage III
Stage III of this cancer has now spread through the wall of the colon and is now affecting nearby lymph nodes and/or organs. The prognosis is higher for patients who have three or fewer infected lymph nodes. This is one of the final stages of this cancer. This stage is the same as the Dukes C category.
Stage IV
This stage of this cancer is the most advanced. In this stage, the cancer has usually spread to other areas of the body. The most common areas include the liver and the lungs. Prognosis for this stage is the lowest; however, each patient is different and so is each cancer case. Studies have shown that patients with less than three liver masses have a better prognosis than others. This stage is equivalent to the Dukes D category.
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Types of Inherited Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is becoming more common. A small percentage, approximately 10%, however are not random, they have an inherited form of colon cancer. This could be caused by four different hereditary conditions, hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis, juvenile polyposis (this may also be nonhereditary) and Peutz-Jegher's syndrome.Colon cancer is caused by damage to the genes in your colon cells. This unrestricted growth becomes a polyp, which will become cancerous if it's not removed. Inherited colon cancers are difficult to accurately diagnose. With a bit of research into that patient's family tree, many more cases of colon cancer may be found and documented.The two most common inherited colon cancers are hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Thanks to these blood tests, a person who has inherited the disease can begin getting tested for colon cancer at an earlier age than most people. Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer occurs when the gene damage interferes with cell repair. HNPCC causes about 5% of all colon cancer diagnoses, but it can cause other cancers as well. A person with HNPCC has an 80% chance of developing colon cancer. Even with this high risk, regular checkups and cancer screenings can save your life by preventing or catching cancer early on.Familial adenomatous polyposis causes hundreds, even thousands, of polyps to develop in a person's digestive tract. Because a person affected by FAP begins developing colon polyps at an early age - he or she often develops colon cancer by age 40, ten years earlier than most physicians even begin screening for it. This is why it is recommended that people with a family history get the blood test for FAP.Juvenile polyposis often causes polyps in the colon and small intestine. Peutz-Jegher's syndrome is a genetic condition that causes intestinal polyps and freckles on the skin of the mouth. There are no recorded cases of Peutz-Jegher's freckles developing into skin cancer. The main risk of colon cancer comes from the intestinal polyps.

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The Signs Of Colon Cancer

Any kind of cancer is almost synonymous with disease and death and colon cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, is another such dangerous disease. It develops innocuously, often without any forewarning and very often there is an absence of any obvious symptoms. Give the prevalence of this disease it is important that every individual, especially those who are high risk, should arm themselves with adequate knowledge about the signs of colon cancer as well as the treatment options available.Symptoms of colon cancer include presence of blood in the stools and bleeding of the rectum. Some of the other signs of colon cancer could include change in bowel regularity, benign polyps in the colon, a decrease in stool size, cramps, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, the existence of pain in the stomach and continuous fatigue. These are the signs you should look for if you suspect that you could possibly be developing colon cancer.But the unfortunate truth is that an individual can have colon cancer and not exhibit any of the mentioned symptoms. Unfortunately, this happens way too often. A physical exam usually doesn't show any problems and the doctor only suspects colon cancer and calls for a screening if a routine exam reveals a mass of tissues that is usually felt through the abdomen. Currently a screening of the colon, or a colonoscopy is the only way of getting a view of the entire colon and determining the extent of the abnormality.Even then, polyps within the colon are not always suggestive of cancer. Colon cancer's symptoms are further ambiguous as even blood in the stool isn't always suggestive of colon cancer. It is thus reasonable for the medical industry to assign risk factors to certain events in an individual's life. One of these events is an individual's age. A person's age is the major risk factor even though colon cancer doesn't only occur for those over fifty. It is just that one's chances are higher at that age when most signs and symptoms of colon cancer tend to appear.Individuals who are high risk for colon cancer include those who have a family history of cancer, irrespective of the kind of cancer. Polyps that are in the colon are also signs of colon cancer, but must be properly diagnosed by a health professional.If you are above the age fifty, and wish to know more about colon cancer, the Center for Disease Control has a program for those individuals who are more than fifty years of age and who have little or no health insurance. The number to call for any help, is 1-800-4-CANCER. Since colon cancer is such a widespread problem, the program helps to offer screenings for the disease. There are estimates that over 52,000 people lost their lives to colon and rectal cancer in 2007 in the United States alone. Learning to recognize the signs of colon cancer is the best cure against this killer disease.

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Things You Need to Know About Colon Cancer

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

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The Main Types of Colon Cancer

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

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Colon Cancer Prevention Methods

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

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Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of deaths resulting from cancer. Every year, approximately 48,000 people will die in the U.S. from colon cancer. Many of these deaths would be prevented with early detection and treatment through routine colon cancer screening.
Colon Cancer Progresses Through Stages
The stage of the colon cancer determines the appropriate treatment and determines the patient's relative 5-year survival rate which is the percentage of colon cancer patients who live at least 5 years after being diagnosed. Colon cancer progresses in stages as follows:

• Stage 0: The disease starts as a small non-cancerous growth, called a polyp, in the colon. Some of these polyps become precancerous, and over time, turn cancerous. Growth has not progressed beyond the inner layer (mucosa) of the colon.
• Stage 1: The cancer has started to work its way through the first layers of the colon - the mucosa and the submucosa.
• Stage 2: The cancer has advanced beyond the first two layers of the colon and is spreading deeper through the wall of the colon into the muscularis and the serosa but is not in the lymph nodes or distant organs.
• Stage 3: The cancer has spread to one or more of the nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 4: The cancer has spread to other organs (typically the liver or the lungs).

Screening for Colon Cancer
In order to detect colon cancer early, everyone, even individuals who are not at high risk, that is, with no symptoms and with no family history of colon cancer, should be screened. Cancer specialists suggest that screening for such individuals start at age 50 and consist of tests that detect colon cancer in the body:

• Colonoscopy, at least every ten years,
• Sigmoidoscopy, at least every 5 years,
• Double-contrast Barium Enema, at least every 5 years, or
• Virtual Colonoscopy (computed tomographic colonography), at least every 5 years
• These tests allow a doctor to actually see the growth or cancer inside the colon. The frequency at which these tests are repeated depends on what is found during the procedure.Cancer specialists also recommend tests that look for blood in the stool, such as:Annual Guaiac-based Fecal Occult Blood Test (gFOBT)
• Such tests detect the presence of blood from tumors in the stool. Generally these tests are not as effective at detecting colon cancer as those that detect cancer in the body.

Stage of Colon Cancer Determines Treatments and Relative 5-Year Survival Rates
If the disease is detected as a small polyp during a routine screening test, such as a colonoscopy, the polyp can usually be taken out during the colonoscopy without the need for the surgical removal of any of the colon.When the polyp becomes a tumor and reaches Stage 1 or Stage 2, the tumor and a portion of the colon on both sides is surgical removed. The relative 5-year survival rate is over 90% for Stage 1 and 73% for Stage 2.If the disease advances to a Stage 3, a colon resection is no longer sufficient and the patient also needs to undergo chemotherapy. The relative 5-year survival rate drops to 53%, depending on such factors as the number of lymph nodes that contain cancer.By the time the colon cancer reaches Stage 4, treatment may require the use of chemotherapy and other drugs and surgery on multiple organs. If the size and number of tumors in other organs (such as the liver and lungs) are small enough, surgery may be the initial treatment, followed by chemotherapy. In some cases the size or number of tumors in the other organs takes away the option of surgery as the initial treatment. If chemotherapy and other drugs can reduce the number and size of these tumors, surgery may then become an option as the second form of treatment. If not, chemotherapy and other drugs (possibly through clinical trials) may temporarily stop or reduce the continued spread of the cancer. The relative 5-year survival rate drops to approximately 8%.As the relative 5-year survival rates indicate, the time frame in which colon cancer is detected and treated makes a dramatic difference. If detected and treated early, the individual has an excellent chance of surviving the disease. As detection and treatment is delayed, the odds start turning against the individual so that by the time the colon cancer progresses to Stage 3, the percentage is almost even. And the odds drop precipitously when the colon cancer reaches Stage 4.

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3 Ideas That Can Help You Prevent Colon Cancer

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

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How to Detect Colon Cancer

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

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

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5 Ways to Prevent Colon Cancer

To prevent colon cancer, here are some things you ought to think about:

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

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10 Rules For Prevention colon cancer

Colon Cancer Prevention Tips

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

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Simple Steps about Colon Cancer Prevention

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

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Colon Cancer Treatment Options

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

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the Popular Colon Cancer Treatments

Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that affects the final part of the digestive system (usually the colon or rectum). Bowel cancer is believed to cause over 16,000 deaths in the UK each year and is one of the most common cancer types. However, it can be treated and in this article I will be outlining three of the most effective colorectal cancer treatments.

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

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colon cancer Nutrition

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

1. Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer.
2. Radiotherapy may be recommended Treatment fot colon cancer.
3. High-fiber foods help move waste through your digestive tract faster.
4. Calcium and vitamin D also seem to help protect against colorectal cancer.
5. Taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C or carotenoids, may reduce cancer risk but other studies have failed to back up these results.
6. Vegetables high in folate, like leafy greens, seem to offer particular protection from colon cancer, especially for those who drink alcohol.
7. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain phytochemicals that may prevent damage to colon cells.

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Colon Cancer Symptoms

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.

1. Constipation.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.
2. thin stool.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 cramp.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.

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.

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