Welcome to

Erbitux Chat

Discussion and news on Erbitux, cancer, and coping

RecentPosts

RSSFeed


Subscribe to RSS Feed
Add to My Yahoo
Subscribe in NewsGator Online
Add to My AOL
Add to Google
Add to Technorati Favorites

Categories



Archives

Blogroll

Colon Cancer and Nutrition

January 17th, 2008 by Admin

By Juliet Cohen

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.

Juliet Cohen writes articles on diseases and conditions and women health care. More information on health related topics visit our site at http://www.health-care-articles.info.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Juliet_Cohen
http://EzineArticles.com/?Colon-Cancer-and-Nutrition&id=695313

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink
Posted in Treatment, Colorectal cancer, Misc |



Colonoscopy Prep - Brief Overview on Colonoscopy Prep

January 10th, 2008 by Admin

By Angel CH

Colonoscopy prep is the time that leads up to the actual process of “colonoscopy’. Since this process involves the cleaning of the bowel, this time is very crucial in the entire colonoscopy treatment. It is due to the fact that with the colonoscopy prep, there are chances for the occurrence of problems during the treatment and also proves helpful for the physician in gathering the information needed while performing the treatment and thus various possible problems can be kept at bay. Thus, it must be prepared as directed because its absence would mean unclean bowel which in turn would lead to inaccurate test results.

Usually needed colonoscopy prep time can be anywhere between 10 and 36 hrs depending on the test type one is having. However, the preparation for the process initiates a week before the beginning of the actual procedure. It is one or two days prior to the procedure that one is required to start the bowel cleaning process.

One Week Prior to Colonoscopy Prep

A week before the actual procedure of colonoscopy takes place; one is forbidden the use of any kind of aspirin or NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like naproxen, ibuprofen. In addition to this, one is also asked not to drink during this time.

In a case, one is having some medicines, do not stop taking them on their own rather ask for the advice of cardiologist about stopping the use of these medicines 3 to 5 days prior to the colonoscopy.

Be sure that the health care practitioner is well aware in case one has:

* Tendency to develop latex allergy

* Sleep apnea

* Internal defibrillator

* Gone through hip/knee replacement previous year

* Been using Sinemet

Also make sure that the health practitioner is also informed beforehand if one has antibiotics before visiting the dentist or has problem of diabetes.

To be able to view the inside of the colon i.e. large intestine constitutes an important part of colonoscopy. So, if there will be too much food in the intestine; the physician will not have clear view of the colon. To avoid this problem, one is required to take some medicines to clean the bowel which is known as “bowel prep”, it is essential for the procedure thought is done usually just a day prior to the procedure.

Other Reminders about Colonoscopy Prep

The most important thing to know is that the medicines one has during the colonoscopy can make him/her absent-minded, so it must be ensured that anyone going through the procedure is accompanied to the healthcare facility so that he/she could listen and note down the important information provided by the health professional. One should not go alone during the process.

After colonoscopy is done one should avoid operating or driving heavy machineries for at least about 24 hours at minimum. Moreover, alcohol consumption and the use of any prescription tranquilizers must also be avoided as the medicines used in the colonoscopy are tend to remain in the system for about a day.

To conclude, to have the colonoscopy done successfully, it is essential to get colonoscopy done properly which proves helpful in knowing about the health of colon.

Are You Ready For a Toxic-Free Colon? You are about to know what your colon must know about colon cleaning and colon cleansing herbs. Visit http://www.coloncleansingonline.com to discover about the best colon cleansing method to maintain a natural well-being.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angel_CH
http://EzineArticles.com/?Colonoscopy-Prep—Brief-Overview-on-Colonoscopy-Prep&id=720686

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink
Posted in Symptoms and Diagnosis, Colonoscopy |



What Are Colon Cancer Symptoms?

January 3rd, 2008 by Admin

By Eugene Williams

I think it is important to have knowledge about colon cancer symptoms before we turn 40, which is the age when this form of cancer incidence starts to rise. There have been several individuals in my own family who have succumbed to this deadly form of cancer. I know there is a great chance of you knowing someone or even you having this type of cancer. As a result, colon cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in women and men in the United States. Moreover, only around 39% of colon cancer cases are detected early. Currently, it is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States.

What Is Colon Cancer?

The rectum and colon are both part of the large intestine. Colon cancer actually originates in the large intestines. Sometimes it is called colorectal cancer, and it refers to cancer the affects the rectum and or colon.

What Causes Colon Cancer?

Before I get into what are colon cancer symptoms, lets discuss the risk factors for this deadly disease. Research hasn’t identified without mistake what causes colon cancer, but have pinpointed several risk factors. Here are several of the risk factors: age, diet, genetics, alcohol and other factors. I have more information on colon cancer and other disease located at the website located in the resource box below.

What Are Colon Cancer Symptoms?

The truth is that sometimes colon cancer doesn’t present any symptoms. Unfortunately for some people the first symptom of colon cancer doesn’t reveal itself until the disease has progressed into an advanced stage. Here are some colon cancer symptoms:

Bleeding blood in the stool. This is the most commonly experienced form of cancer symptom.

Weight Loss. The pain from the tumor can cause a loss of appetite.

Abdominal Pain. Swelling and pain of the abdomen occurs when the intestine is blocked by a tumor.

Changes in Bowel Habits. If you suffer from constant diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating and/ or producing thinner stools then this might be an indication of colon cancer.

I have more detailed information on colon cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, and bone cancer among others located at the website in the resource box below.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided herein should not be construed as a health-care diagnosis, treatment regimen or any other prescribed health-care advice or instruction. The information is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in the practice of medicine or any other health-care profession and does not enter into a health-care practioner/ patient relationship with its readers. The publisher does not advise or recommend to its readers treatment or action with regard to matters relating to their health or well being other than to suggest that readers consult appropriate health-care professionals in such matters. No action should be taken based solely on the content of this publication.

The information and opinions provided herein are believed to be accurate and sound at the time of this publication based on the best judgment available to the authors. However, readers who rely on information in this publication to replace the advice of health-care professionals, or who fail to consult with health-care professionals assume all risks of such conduct. The publisher isn’t responsible for errors or omissions. The Food and Drug Administration have not evaluated these statements. These products aren’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

http://www.born-again-health-and-fitness.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eugene_Williams
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Are-Colon-Cancer-Symptoms?&id=786072

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink
Posted in Symptoms and Diagnosis |

copyright © 2oo6 by Erbitux Chat
Powered by Wordpress
Health Blogs - Blog Top Sites