Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States, with an incidence rate of about 143 per 100,000 people. It is also the second leading cause of death from cancer in women, after breast cancer. While there are many risk factors for colorectal cancer, one of the most important is your diet – particularly your intake of red and processed meat.
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with more than 218,000 new cases diagnosed in 2011. Despite its prevalence, many people don’t know what colon cancer is or how to prevent it. Here are some basics about this deadly disease:
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is a form of cancer that arises from the colon (the large, forward-facing part of the digestive system). Colorectal cancer can occur anywhere in the colon, but it’s most common near the rectum and anus.
How is colon cancer diagnosed?
The best way to diagnose colon cancer is by performing a physical examination and looking for signs such as changes in bowel habits, blood in your stool, or a lump on your abdomen. If you have any questions about your health, see your doctor.
How is colon cancer treated?
There is no one cure for colon cancer, but treatments options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Most people with early-stage colon cancer can be successfully treated with surgery alone. However, for people who have advanced or metastatic colon cancer, treatment may require several different
How is colon cancer diagnosed?
Colon cancer is diagnosed through a process called colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a long, flexible tube to examine your entire colon. They may also use a camera and other instruments to look for signs of the disease. If you are at high risk for colon cancer, your doctor may recommend screening tests like fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) or colonoscopy every few years.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
If you are going to be screened for colon cancer, you need to know these things. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States, and the third leading cause of cancer death. It is also one of the most preventable cancers.
The following are the symptoms of colon cancer:
1. A change in bowel habits, including rectal bleeding or constipation.
2. A change in your appetite, especially an increase in appetite for sweets or fatty foods.
3. Trouble sleeping because of pain or discomfort in the abdomen or rectum.
4. A change in your weight, especially a gain in weight around the middle or an increase in body fat around the hips and abdomen.
5. A lump or mass in your rectum or anus that does not go away when you press on it with your fingers.
What are the treatments for colon cancer?
There are multiple treatments available for colon cancer, but it is important to choose the right one for you. Here are some of the most common treatments:
1. Surgery: This is the most common treatment for colon cancer. It involves removing the cancerous area of the colon with either a traditional surgery or a minimally invasive surgery. There are many different types of surgeries, so it is important to talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
2. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles to kill the cancer cells. It is usually given as a series of treatments over a period of time.
3. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill the cancer cells. It can be given as a single treatment or in a series over a period of time.
4. Radiotherapy plus chemotherapy: Radiotherapy plus chemotherapy is another type of treatment that combines radiation therapy and chemotherapy. This combination can be more effective than either treatment alone.
5. targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses specific molecules to target and kill cancer cells. This type of treatment is becoming more and more popular because it is more effective than traditional chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Prevention of colon cancer
If you are going to be screened for colon cancer, you need to know these things. The most common way to screen for colon cancer is by having a polyp check done. A polyp is a growth on the surface of the intestine that may or may not be cancerous. If a polyp is found, it will be removed during the screening process.
People who are at risk for colon cancer should get screened every year starting at age 50. Men who have had a colonoscopy within the past five years and women who have had a colposcopy within the past three years should also get screened every year. People who are at risk for colon cancer can find out if they are one of these high-risk groups by talking to their doctor.
The benefits of getting screened for colon cancer include early detection and treatment of the disease. If left untreated, colon cancer can lead to death.