What Tests You Need to Know About 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.

When someone has experienced having inflammatory bowel disease, there is a huge possibility that the person will have an increased risk percentage of having cancer of the colon. While cancer of the colon is one of the easiest cancer types to be prevented from occurring, colon cancer stages are very decisive to identify because they are most often diagnosed when the symptoms are already inconvenient and bothersome. Colon cancer survival rate is lower when one is diagnosed in the later stage.

Colon cancer stages are divided into four unique stages. Each of these stages varies in colon cancer survival rate. The earliest stage of cancer of the colon is called stage 0. During this stage, the malignant cancer cells are just in the lining or mucosa of the rectum and confined in the polyp. Polypectomy is done in order to remove the cancer cells so that they would not progress on the later stages.

The Stage 1 cancer of the colon occurs when the polyp that contains the cancer cells have evolved and became a tumor that extends to the colon or rectum walls. During this stage, the advisable treatment would have to be the removal of the section of the colon that is considered to be infected by the malignant cancer cells. The five – year colon cancer survival rate for this stage is at 95% chance of cure.

Stage 2 colorectal cancer happens when the cancer tumor has spread and has affected the tissues surrounding the colon. Resection surgery is given to the patient in order to treat them of their current ordeal. Survival rates during this stage are very unfortunate; the statistics is just 60 percent chance of cure.

Stage 3 cancer of the colon is when the malignant cells have spread outside the tissues or the colon and have infected the lymph nodes surrounding the colon as well. The Treatments given to patients at this stage are aggressive in order to cope up with spread of the malignant cancer cells. Aside from the surgical operation, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be given to the patient in order to extend their life and be cured. Rate of survival during this stage drops down to 35 percent.

Stage 4 cancer of the colon occurs when the cancer cells have expanded and infected already the different systems of the body. Aside from the surgical resection and chemotherapy, radiation treatment and surgery is also done to the other infected parts of the body. Cancer of the colon during this stage drops down in a very poor 3 percent survival rate.

In 1911 Dr. Alexis Carrel received the Nobel Prize for growing live tissue cells. He discovered that removing their digestive wastes every day, these cells could live indefinitely. When he did not remove their wastes for three days they become weak and unhealthy.

This simple experiment showed that whatever waste we create whether it’s in our lymph liquid, our blood, or in the colon, it must be removed daily if we are to have excellent health.

Looking at colon waste, we should be having a bowel movement every day for every meal we eat. Most of us have only one or none each day. Many doctors say it’s ok if you only have one bowel movement every two days. Yes, it’s ok if you want to create colon cancer.

Studies have shown that if you have a bowel movement every 3 – 4 days, you are more at risk for having a heart attack, colon cancer, hemorrhoids, IBS, and many other illnesses.

As in 1911, Dr. Alexis showed cells become weak and die if they remain in their own metabolic waste for over three days or longer. This is exactly the condition called constipation.

Fecal matter that remains stagnant in the colon gives rise to bacteria that create colon wall irritations and inflammation. This then can lead to colon cancer.

And another thing, if you continue to have constipation, then this bacteria and toxic waste tend to slip into the small intestine where they can then get into your blood stream. There, this toxic matter goes all over the body creating damage and excess inflammation.

Here’s how to make sure your fecal matter does not become stagnant in your colon and produces colon cancer.

Just by increasing the amount of fiber you eat daily by 3 / 4 ounce, you can dramatically change your risk of getting colon cancer and many other colon diseases. If you are like most people, you eat only 1 / 4 ounce of fiber. In terms of grams, you are likely eating 8 grams. Raise the amount of fiber you eat by 20 grams to 28 grams and reduce your likelihood of getting colon cancer.

Here’s what fiber does in your colon:

* Increase the size of your stools

* Feeds your good bacteria and keeps them healthy and plentiful

* Traps carcinogens so they don’t collect on your colon wall

* Reduces the amount of bile salts that are changed to carcinogens by bad bacteria

* Keeps you pH slightly acidic and in favor of good bacteria

* Reduces stagnation of fecal matter in colon – reduces constipation

* Traps water so stools are not hard

Here’s how fiber works. By keeping your stools large, they move quicker in your colon and don’t allow carcinogens to stay in contact with your colon wall for very long.

Large fiber stools brush along the colon walls keeping them clean and causing the nerves to activate peristaltic action.

Fiber provides food for the good bacteria and makes them stronger than the bad bacterial. This limits the carcinogen producing activities of the bad bacteria. When the good bacteria exceed the bad bacteria, the colon pH is slightly acidic and this makes your colon work better – less constipation and more nerve sensitivity

When your stools have more water, they are softer and move easily through the colon. Hard stools are hard to move through the colon. Since the colon sucks water out of the stool to recirculate it into the blood, less toxic material is pull out of a fecal bulk if it has plenty of water.

Add 3 / 4 ounce of fiber to your daily diet and avoid the misery and devastation that colon cancer brings to you and your family.

Colon cancer is a serious disease characterized by abnormal cell growth in the colon, which creates a cancerous tumor. This kind of illness ranks third in the list of the most common forms of cancer and are most often prevalent in people over 50 years old, but can occur in patients of any age.

Cancers of the colon, or of the rectum, are highly treatable if they are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease. However, many people often are not diagnosed in time as early symptoms are not always recognized and, when they are, people are somewhat hesitant to discuss the details of their symptoms with a doctor.

The symptoms include:

1. Abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort
2. Bloody stool
3. Long, thin stool (often described as pencil-like)
4. Unintended weight loss
5. Loss of appetite
6. Changes in normal bowel habits (rectal bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, or feeling an inability to completely empty the bowel).

Each year nearly 150,000 new cases of this disease are reported. There is no identifiable cause for it, but the following are some of the factors that may increase the risk of its development:

• Gender (Both men and women are equally prone to developing the malady. However, men tend to develop the rectal version at slightly higher rates, while women are more prone to the colon variety)
• Age (The sickness can be developed at any age, but the chances are increased in people over the age of 50 years old.)
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Cigarette smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Poor diet
• Family history
• Personal history.

People with a family history of colorectal cancer are slightly more prone to developing it. If more than one family member has been diagnosed with the problem, the risk is even higher. Also, diets high in calories and fat, and low in fiber add to an increased risk of developing the disorder. Anyone over the age of 50 should undergo regular screening for the disorder, but anyone in any of the above risk groups should begin earlier.

Screening normally consists of an annual rectal exam, including stool samples. Some exams may require a scope to be inserted into the rectum in order to view the entire bowel. If there is cause for concern or further examination of the colon’s tissue, a biopsy may be ordered for a closer analysis. If cancer is discovered, other tests, such as an ultrasound, CT scan or X-ray would be done in order to determine whether it has spread to other areas. Of particular concern is the liver as it is one of the more likely places that this dangerous disease spreads to.

Because the risk can be reduced by a high fiber diet, proper weight management (including exercise) and by not smoking, it is highly recommended that people opt for healthier lifestyles and decrease their chances of developing this type of life threatening ailment, and others, as much as possible.

Anyone who has experienced some of the previously mentioned symtoms, or who are in one of the risks groups for the disease, is advised to seek screening tests as early as possible since colorectal cancer responds very well to treatment in the earliest stages.

There are 3 particular colon cancer warning signs that are very important. They are signs you should not ignore at all.

Why are they important? Here’s why… A tumor that forms in either your colon or rectum normally grows quite slowly. Because of its slow growth, it doesn’t show any sign or symptom for a long period of time.

What happens more often than not is… when colorectal cancer is diagnosed, it is already at its advanced stage. This is unfortunate because colorectal tumor at stage 4 is extremely difficult to treat. It requires more than 1 treatment and the survival rate is poor. So, what signs should you look out for? Be aware of the following colon cancer warning signs like…

Persistent Fatigue

Fatigue is described as the physical feeling of extreme tiredness or weakness. It can mean other medical conditions but if it is persistent, it can mean cancer. It is one of the signs of late stage cancer of any type.

However, in colon cancer, fatigue can be an early symptom. In fact, it can be your only symptom.

How does this happen? Fatigue is caused by occult bleeding inside your colon or rectum. Occult bleeding is invisible — something you can’t see. Fatigue is also a symptom that is first noticed by you and nobody else. Thus, fatigue is a very important symptom. See your doctor if you feel very,very tired for more than a week even after going on a vacation.

Persistent Diarrhea

Persistent Constipation

Both are unusual changes in your bowel habits. Why are they considered as unusual changes?

Here’s why…Let’s say you move your bowel once a day regularly everyday. But now you move it either 2 to 3 times daily or 2 to 3 times in a week. This is abnormal particularly if diarrhea or constipation happens persistently.

What does persistent diarrhea or constipation mean? Persistent constipation alone means there might be a tumor at your rectum which is located next to your anus. A rectal tumor will cause an obstruction against the stool. You will experience difficulty in moving your bowel. Persistent diarrhea and constipation that occur alternately mean a tumor at the left colon which is the descending section.

Why is this so? The left section of the colon has a narrower circumference compared to the right section. The stool is semi-solid and the tumor if situated at the left section typically wraps around the colon. This leads to diarrhea and constipation.

These are just 3 of the signs you should be aware of. There are other important colon cancer warning signs — such as the color of your stool — you should know about.

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). The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. Together, they form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also known as the large bowel). 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. In the United States, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and women. 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. These mushroom-like growths are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time.

Colon cancer often causes no symptoms until it has reached a relatively advanced stage. Thus, many organizations recommend periodic screening for the disease with fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy. It is common in the Western world, and is rare in Asia and Africa. 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 of the colon and rectum are almost always benign and usually produce no symptoms. They may, however, cause painless rectal bleeding or bleeding not apparent to the naked eye. There may be single or multiple 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. Surgery remains the primary treatment while chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be recommended depending on the individual patient’s staging. High-fiber foods help move waste through your digestive tract faster, so harmful substances don’t have much contact with the lining of the intestine. 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. There is certainly just as much buzz about folate and colorectal cancer prevention as there has been about calcium. The jury is still out on antioxidants and the prevention of colorectal cancer. Taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C or carotenoids, may reduce cancer risk but other studies have failed to back up these results. 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.

The colon is part of the body’s digestive system and, like many other parts of the body, can become a place for the growth of cancer. A tumor in this region is known as colon cancer. And like some other cancers, the tumor can develop without necessarily giving the patient obvious signs or symptoms, certainly at the beginning of the disease. And again like some other cancers, the patient can have symptoms which are common to colon cancer without the cancer being there at all.

The colon plays two important roles. It helps the body absorb various essentials such as minerals, nutrients and water and it also assists in ridding the body of waste products. Most of the large intestine is part of the colon and the latter part of the large intestine is made up of the anal canal and the rectum.

So what symptoms could be a sign that the patient has developed colon cancer? Well here are some of the symptoms which deal specifically with your toilet habits and your colon.

o Constipation which means the patient has trouble having a bowel movement. There could be a blockage due to the growth of a tumor.
o Unusual bowel movements which could mean [a] more movements than normal or fewer movements or [b] producing abnormal stools which may be thinner than usual or [c] discolored stools which could be red or black.
o Diarrhea
o A combination of constipation followed by diarrhea.
o Abdominal pain which could include cramps, gas or bloating.

There are other symptoms for patients with colon cancer but these are more general and can apply to the body as a whole.

o Weight loss particularly when the patient is not trying to lose weight.
o A change of skin color which can be called jaundice seen also in the whites of your eyes.
o Being sick with vomiting and nausea and generally feeling unwell.
o Losing your appetite and not being interested in food.
o Being tired and even fatigued to the extent that you have little energy.
o Anemia which is a lack of iron in your blood.

As with other cancers, having some of the above symptoms does not mean you have colon cancer and many people will suffer from an upset stomach and anemia when they do not have colon cancer. But the advice is always the same. Do not delay in seeing your doctor if these symptoms exist. It is far better to be safe than sorry and the sooner any cancer which may exist is detected, the better are your chances of beating the disease.

There will always be some people who are afraid of or embarrassed about taking a colon cancer test. There is no need to think or feel that way. Patients should know that the test does not hurt, that millions of people have been tested for this disease and that the medical staff who are involved in the test have at some time been patients themselves. It’s a simple and safe procedure with potentially great benefits.

Colon cancer often exhibits the same symptoms as other colon conditions. Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, and peptic ulcer disease show the same symptoms of colon cancer: red or dark blood in stools, changes in bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, unexplainable weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, and anemia. In order to observe your symptoms better, it is also important to read up on other colon diseases.

The disease can be present for many years before symptoms of colon cancer even show. This is why the best thing to do to watch out for colon cancer is to undergo regular screenings, preferably those that entail fecal blood testing and colonoscopy.

Symptoms of colon cancer vary according to where the tumor is located. Because the right colon is spacious, tumors in the right colon can grow to large sizes before they even cause symptoms of colon cancer. As tumors have a tendency to bleed, cancers on the right colon cause iron deficiency anemia because of the slow, unnoticed loss of blood over a long period of time. It is all the more unnoticeable because the stool travels through the colon longer, so whatever blood is in the stool dries up and even becomes invisible. Iron deficiency anemia, in turn, results in fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath for patients.

On the other hand, the left colon is narrower than the right colon. Cancers of the left colon are more likely to cause partial or complete bowel obstruction. This type of cancer causes the following symptoms of colon cancer: diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools, abdominal pains, cramps, and bloating. If there is bright red blood in the stool, this can also mean that there is a cancerous growth near the end of the left colon or the rectum.
Go and see your doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms of colon cancer mentioned above. However, don’t panic just yet. As mentioned, some of the symptoms can be indicative of another colon disease altogether. For example, while blood in your stool may be one of the symptoms of colon cancer, it may also come from hemorrhoids or minor tears in your anus. If you are constipated as a result of not drinking enough water and not taking in sufficient fiber, tough stools may scratch your rectal wall.

Additionally, certain foods, such as beets and red licorice, can cause your stools to turn red, while iron supplements and some anti-diarrhea medications often make stools black. However, it is still a good idea to visit your doctor at any sign of blood or other changes in your stools and bowel movement. After all, early detection based on symptoms of colon cancer usually result in complete cures.

Below is a complete list of the top symptoms of colon cancer. It will do no harm to visit your doctor as soon as you feel two or more of the following:

* Major change in your toilet habits, whether you move your bowels more or less

* Blood in your fecal matter, bright red or dried

* Stools that are thinner than usual

* Unexplainable dramatic weight loss

* Stomach pains, cramping or bloating

* Unexplainable fatigue

* Always feeling like you need to move your bowels

* Constant nausea and vomiting

* Iron deficiency anemia

* Abdominal pain, which is a rare symptom of colon cancer, and may exhibit itself as mere tenderness in the abdomen.

Colon cancer is a disease that affects your colon. The colon is a part of your organ that is tube shaped. This is located in your abdomen that starts at the end of the bowel and ends at the anus. The function of this is to digest the food that you intake and absorbs the nutrients from the food that is stored and eliminated from the colon. When colon cancer occurs, there are tumors that appear on the inner wall of your large intestine. There are two kinds of tumors, benign tumor or the polyps and malignant tumor. Benign tumor is not dangerous, polyps don’t spread in cells and tissues and these can be easily removed. Malignant tumor spreads through cells and tissues that cause threatening complications. However, you should remember that benign tumor can also be malignant if not treated.

Once this cancer occurs, it will start to spread on other cells and tissues that can reach your lungs or liver and will form tumor in those organs. People can have colon cancer because of large consumption of fats and in some cases, from family history. Moreover, alcohol and smoking can increase the risk of having colon cancer. This disease has no symptoms when it is in early stage. However, if it advances on the next stage, certain symptoms will start to show up. Most people who have this disease experience narrow stool, stool that have blood, cramps and pain in abdomen, excessive gas, change of bowel habit and weight loss.

If you start to notice one of the above symptoms, consult your doctor right away. Certain tests are necessary to establish diagnosis. However, some people shy away from undergoing the tests especially rectum examination and fecal tests. If your doctor diagnosed that you have this type of cancer, it is strongly recommend that you begin the treatment as soon as possible before this disease spreads in other areas of your organs. Surgery is the only method to treat this disease. However, most people who had surgery survive from colon cancer but the survival still depends on what stage of colon cancer the person has. If the cancer already reached the final stage, the chance of surviving is lower because the cancer has already spread to other organs.

Though the treatment methods are continuously improving and the rate of survival is increasing, colon cancer is still one of the most leading causes of death. This is because many people are not aware that they already have it. As mentioned above, the symptoms for this disease do not show on its early stage until it has reached the final stage. That is why consulting your doctor regularly is very important to make sure that you don’t have this disease. If the diagnosis shows that you are positive of colon cancer, you can easily undergo treatments.

Diseases such as this one are never part of one’s life. However, you have to do your part. Living a healthy and clean lifestyle along with regular check up is necessary to stay healthy and free from all threats of diseases such as colon cancer.

Cancer. The big “C” word that everyone dreads hearing. When you do hear it, thoughts automatically turn to lung cancer. The fact is that cancer of the colon is responsible for over 10% of all cancer deaths in the USA. To help understand a little about this disease, it is necessary to know a bit about the colon.

Most of the time, the colon is mistakenly mentioned as part of the entire large intestine, but is actually only the largest part of that organ.
It is about six feet long and moves solid waste along to the rectum. Along the way, it absorbs water and harmful materials from the waste. The longer it takes to move the waste out, the better chance of removing those materials.

Colon cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and holds the second highest mortality rate of all cancers worldwide with 655,000 deaths expected this year.
In the US alone, it is estimated that approximately 106,000 people will be newly diagnosed with colon cancer this year and some 56,000 will die from the disease. Very somber statistics, if I may say so.

Colon cancer is thought to originate from mushroom-like polyps that form in the colon, rectum and appendix. These polyps are usually benign (harmless), but can develop into cancer over time. The key is prevention, which is mainly achieved through colonoscopy.

A colonoscopy is a simple procedure where a thin cable-like camera is inserted into the anus all the way to the top of the cecum. It is then removed slowly and affords the doctor a full view of the colon. He also has the ability to remove polyps should any be found.

Sometimes, surgery is necessary in extreme cases. During surgery, several things could be done.

· The tumor and surrounding area is cut away and resectioned to make the colon fully functional.

· Occasional cancerous intrusion into the liver requires removal of metastases, or places on the liver where the cancer has traveled.

· If a tumor has invaded other vital parts, it may be better to bypass it rather than remove it.

· In the worst case, a surgeon may be able to do nothing at all due to the spread of the cancer. This is called “open and close” surgery. This however is rare.

There are some complications that arise from time to time including infection, bleeding and bowel obstruction. Occasionally, heart trouble results and embolisms or pneumonias may form spontaneously.

After having colon surgery, the use of radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be prescribed. This could prevent a recurrence of the disease in the surgical areas. Normal full recovery from colon surgery takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks. This is to allow for the healing, both internal and external, and for normal bowel function to return.

The quality of life during recovery is somewhat lessened yet not completely inhibitive. Using the bathroom can be a chore, but is possible. A physician will sometimes use a temporary colostomy bag during recovery to avoid injuring the surgical areas. When healing is judged to be nearly complete, the patient is weaned back to normal bowel functionality and the colostomy is removed.

Symptoms are sometimes not prevalent. However, stool frequency and consistency, bloody stool and bowel obstruction are indicators of an early cancer. Advanced cancers will have advanced symptoms like anemia, body weakness and even shortness of breath.
With any of these, pleas see your doctor immediately