Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower digestive tract. Colon cancer is the second most common cancer in the USA with equal distribution between men and women. Tumors of the colon usually affects people over 40 years, with most people who are diagnosed with the disease are over 60 years. Colorectal cancer can affect any race or ethnic group, but some studies suggest that Americans of northern European descent have a higher risk than average of colon tumors.
FREQUENCY for colon cancer
Colon cancer is more common in industrialized countries and communities where red meat is an important part of the diet, although she said that changing your diet to white meat and shellfish in Japan example, tend to spend just stomach cancer for colon cancer. In almost all cases, colon cancer is curable if detected early.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Colon cancer usually begins with the appearance of benign tumors such as polyps. Often, there are no early symptoms. If signs and symptoms of colon cancer do appear, they may include a change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in line with stools for more than a few weeks, bleeding or blood in your stool , persistent abdominal discomfort such as cramps, gas or pain, abdominal pain with stools, a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely, weakness or fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
Causes of colon cancer
Colon Cancer exact cause is unknown, but it seems to be influenced both hereditary and environmental factors. Studies show a higher concentration in regions where economic development suggest a relationship to diet, particularly excess animal fat and low in fiber. Other factors that increase the risk of developing colon cancer: age over 40, the presence of other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, family history and ulcerative colitis.
Development of colon cancer at an early age, or multiple sites, or recurrent colon cancer, suggesting a genetically transmitted form of the disease in contrast to sporadic. There is also a slightly increased risk of colon cancer in individuals who smoke.
The most common cancer cell type is adenocarcinoma of the colon, which represents 95% of cases.
DIAGNOSIS
The development of polyps in the colon usually precedes the development of colon cancer by five years or more. The American Association Gastroenterologial screening guidelines in 2003 recommending that people with two or more first degree relatives of colorectal cancer or a first member with cancer of the colon or rectum before age 60 should have a colonoscopy Screening begins at age 40 or early 10 years of age prior diagnosis of colorectal cancer in the family (whichever comes first). Those who have a first degree relative diagnosed with colon cancer after age 60 or two second-degree relative with cancer of the colon or rectum should begin screening at age 40 with one of the methods described above, such that the annual sigmoidoscopy. Testing the most common cancer, colon colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and occult blood in stools.
CT and barium enema is commonly used to diagnose cancer of the colon and rectum.
TREATMENT OF colon cancer
Almost all colon tumors treated with surgery, regardless of the stage. The malignant tumor, surrounding tissue and lymph nodes in May that contain cancer cells are gone.
In colon cancer, chemotherapy after surgery is usually performed only if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes (Stage III). Radiotherapy can also be used to induce tumor regression. Like other treatments against cancer, the incidence of side effects vary depending on patient health and exactly what type of treatment.
PREVENTION
This is not an absolute method for preventing colon cancer. However, there are actions that individuals can take to greatly reduce the risk or to identify the precursors of colon cancer so it does not manifest itself. People who reach the age of 50 years, and all those who have a history of colon cancer in their families, should speak with their doctor about screening recommendations from the most recent of his doctor and organizations against cancer . They should look for symptoms and to attend all sessions recommended to increase the likelihood of catching colon cancer early. The exercise is estimated to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Apparently, there is no correlation between frequency of bowel movements or use of laxatives and risk of colon cancer.
FORECAST
The prognosis depends on the stage of disease and the patient's general health. If diagnosed early, before the tumor has spread from the intestine, these treatments are very effective, with about 90% of patients survive five years after diagnosis. If colon cancer does not return (recurrence) within 5 years is considered cured. The poor prognosis in patients with metastases in the liver and lungs.

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