Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is directly associated with rectum as they are both connected to the large intestine. Some doctors call it colorectal cancer and it develops in the tissue that covers the inner surfaces of the large intestine.

The veins from the large intestine are directly connected to the liver and that’s why the liver is the first place to be infected by the cancer. If the tumour extends outwards it will affect the local intestinal muscle walls and then to the surrounding tissues. All patients with colon cancer must be aware of their family history. A number of genes have been isolated and it can carry about 5o to 80% risk of getting colon cancer. People that are in a family with the history of having polyp sis are known to carry the gene for colon cancer. Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC is another inherited syndrome and it count for only 10% of all colorectal cancers. People with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are also known to have a high risk of developing colon cancer. There is no herb or dietary supplement that can prevent or cure colon cancer.

Some symptoms of colorectal cancer may include rectal bleeding, a narrowing of stools, a sudden change in bowel habits, or a change in the consistency of stools may be signs of colorectal disease. Some patients experiences only anaemia. This is associated with a tumour on the right side of the colon. It is difficult to detect because symptoms will only appear until the tumour has progressed to an advanced stage. If it is discovered in the early stages it is very possible that it can be cured. Testing to see if there is blood in stools is painless and can pick up cancer in the early phases. Another procedure that can be used is flexible sigmoidoscopy where a thin fibre tube is inserted into the rectum and passed up the left side of the colon. There is a greater chance that colon cancer will be on the left side of the colon as on the right side. It is a relative safe procedure and can be done without anaesthesia but it can lead to bowel perforation. It may also be uncomfortable and can miss right sided tumours. A colonoscopy is almost the same as the flexible sigmoidoscopy and can also be done. It is a tube that is fitted with a small camera and inserted through the rectum so that the doctor can see bother sides of the intestine. You need to take a laxative before the procedure to clear out the bowel. It will not be painful because a mild sedative will be given before the operation.

There is surgery to remove the colon cancer and with take the infected tissue and surrounding tissue, to make sure that every bit of cancer is gone. For the early stage colon cancer surgery alone is often curative but it will be helpful if you go for regular check-ups and consulting with a radiation oncologist to review if you need any extra treatments. If the tumour is larger and is viewed as an aggressive cancer then possible chemotherapy will be recommended. If the lymph nodes are involved at the time of the surgery, then chemotherapy with be recommended and must be taken routinely. Radiation will be recommended if the cancer has begun to spread to nearby areas. There are a few side effects caused by the use of radiation and can include cramping and diarrheal. The patients must be on a low fat diet that excludes raw fruits and vegetables. All the food and beverages must be caffeine-free. Towards the end of the treatment, some patient may experience irritation between the folds of the buttocks. Fatigue is also another side effect so the patient must be well rested.