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Metastatic Colon Cancer - A Few Plain Truths

April 1st, 2008 by Admin

By Neil Day

It is estimated that over 100,000 Americans discover that they have colon cancer annually. Many of these cases include those who have been diagnosed with cancer that has metastasized (metastatic colon cancer). Most of us already know that at this stage, treatment may become more complicated and difficult. Some cases though still have some hope for a few years’ survival.

Once colon or colorectal cancer has metastasized, it is no longer restricted to the tissues of the colon. It has already moved beyond to other organs of the body. The lymphatic system may be affected first. The cancer cells can then be transported through this same system to other organ cells in the lungs and liver. Other organs may ultimately be affected too.

Those who have been diagnosed metastasized cancer should still consider undergoing treatment. Proper treatment can improve one’s chances of extended survival compared to those who do not undergo treatment. Most patients treated for metastatic colon cancer have a 20% to 30% chance of surviving for five more years after diagnosis. Those who do not have cancer cells that have spread to the lungs or liver, have an even higher rate of survival.

Preventing Cancer

It is unfortunate that many people have very mild or no symptoms at the initial stages of cancer during which treatment is most effective. A number of people therefore do not find out about their condition until it is at an advanced stage. The best way to save yourself from the possibility of developing this kind of cancer is to simply prevent it. Although it can strike anybody, you can take precautions against it.

The first aspect that you should check is your lifestyle. There are some lifestyle habits and preferences that could increase a person’s chance of developing colon cancer. This includes smoking, eating a lot of fatty foods, not eating enough fibrous and nutrient rich foods and being overweight - all are considered cancer risk factors.

You can also help prevent the advancement to metastatic colon cancer by regularly scheduling yourself for screening. You should always consider this if you have any of the above-mentioned risk factors. Regular screening is also usually advisable for people over 50 years old.

What to Look For

Aside from modifying your lifestyle and regular screening, you can help ensure proper and prompt treatment by watching out for the signs and symptoms of possible colon cancer.

Clear colon cancer symptoms often appear only when the disease is at an advanced stage. There may be some clues though in the initial stages that may tell you that a visit to the doctor should already be scheduled. Consider asking for a doctor’s opinion if you have increasingly irregular bowel movements, blood in the stools, and abdominal pains. You can have some other digestive problem but it is better to be sure.

If the cancer cells have metastasized, you could experience a variety of symptoms that will depend on the area that is affected. If the metastatic colon cancer cells move to the lungs, a patient will have evident breathing problems. At this point, stomach bloating and various bodily pains may also emerge.

In the United States, it is estimated that 1 in 17 people will develop colon or colorectal cancer, which could ultimately lead to metastatic colon cancer. Knowing colon cancer warning signs could prove vital to a better prognosis. For more information about colon cancer, please visit www.coloncancersigns.info TODAY.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neil_Day
http://EzineArticles.com/?Metastatic-Colon-Cancer—A-Few-Plain-Truths&id=916859

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Posted in Colorectal cancer |



Colon Cancer - What You Should Eat to Decrease Your Risk

March 17th, 2008 by Admin

By Sandy Frew

If you are concerned about contracting colon cancer, then there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the risk. Diet and exercise play a huge role in prevention of colon cancer and other health related problems. It is no secret that the typical diet today can be more damaging to our bodies than it is helpful. Fast food and other high fat foods contain very little of the necessary nutrients that our bodies need to function at top performance.

Foods that are high in fat and low on fiber play havoc on your digestive system. When your digestive system is not able to function properly, it is unable to rid your body of toxic wastes. As these toxic wastes accumulate in your body, they will begin to do damage.

The best way to keep your digestive system functioning at maximum performance is to eat the right foods. Eating healthy, high fiber foods can reduce your risk of getting colon cancer. A healthy diet will also make you feel better and give you more energy and it will help you keep your weight under control.

Best Foods to Prevent Colon Cancer

  • Fruits and vegetables. The best are the ones that contain anti-oxidant properties. Red, yellow, green and orange colored fruits and vegetables are reported to have a large amount of cancer fighting anti -oxidants. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage have been reported to reduce the risk of colon cancer also.
  • Fiber. Foods high in fiber can keep you from developing constipation. The fiber builds bulk in your bowel which can contribute to regular bowel movements and good colon cleansing.
  • Calcium. This common mineral is important for a multitude of the body’s chemical processes. In fact, in animal studies a lack of calcium has been proven to lead to excessive cell growth in the colon.
  • Lean meats. There have been studies performed that have proven a high concentration of fat in the diet can be responsible for the development of certain types of cancer. Read your food labels carefully and reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet. Choose only lean meats such as chicken, pork or fish.

In addition to eating a healthy diet, getting more exercise can help prevent colon cancers. The increase in physical activity will have your digestive system functioning better and will lead to an overall state of better health. There have also been studies that suggest taking an aspirin once a day can prevent colon cancer. And it goes without saying that if you smoke or engage in other high risk behaviors, you should stop to decrease your risk of cancer.

So it you are concerned about colon cancer, change your diet. Start eating a healthy, high fiber diet. Get plenty of exercise and drink more water. If you do these things, chances are your risk for colon cancer will decrease significantly.

Colon Cancer is the third most common form of Cancer. A knowledge of simple changes you can make in your lifestyle and diet could save your life or that of someone close to you. Discover ways to reduce your risk of getting Colon Cancer. Learn what a Colon Cancer Diet is, or to find out more about the causes and prevention of Colon Cancer continue here http://www.coloncancersigns.org/colon-cancer-diet.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Frew
http://EzineArticles.com/?Colon-Cancer—What-You-Should-Eat-to-Decrease-Your-Risk&id=942967

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Posted in Colorectal cancer, Nutrition |



5 Ways Colon Cleansing Can Prevent Colon Cancer

March 1st, 2008 by Admin

By Alexandra Perry

The typical colon can hold bacteria and be a host to numerous parasites and toxins. If left alone, these toxins can create an environment that is conducive to cancer. Colon cleansing can effectively remove these bacteria, parasites and toxins so that the colon functions properly. Keeping the colon clear and free of debris can help the body dispose of waste quickly and thus help reduce the chance of cancer.

Colon cleansing can be a great start to a clean and healthy colon. Once you cleanse your colon you need to make dietary changes that will help keep the colon working properly. This includes avoiding processed foods and those with additives as well as increasing the intake of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

1. Removing bacteria from the colon.

Cleansing helps to eliminate the host of bad bacteria that often accumulate in a colon. When waste is not eliminated quickly it can turn putrid and become a breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria can then be re-absorbed into the system causing health problems and possibly cancer.

2. Removing toxins that accumulate in the colon and are absorbed back into the body.

Toxins come from many dietary sources. One of the most common ways is through eating processed foods and those with chemical additives and preservatives. Colon cleansing washes away these toxins to prevent them from remaining in the system where they can cause problems and lead to cancer or other colon disease.

3. Removing mucous buildup.

Mucous can build up on the inner lining of the colon. This mucous can make it impossible for nutrients to be properly absorbed through the colon lining. Mucous can also contribute to improper colon function. The colon cannot properly expel waste when thick mucous is blocking it from working well.

4. Removing parasites.

The colon can be home to many toxins, bacteria and even parasites. Parasites and their eggs and larvae are often present in the human colon. While this doesn’t pose a problem under normal circumstances for those with weakened immune systems or those with other diseases the parasites can cause disease.

5. Allowing for frequent bowel movements.

By quickly eliminating waste from the body it does not stay stagnant allowing toxins and bacteria to build up. Instead, frequent elimination keeps the colon clean and healthy and protects it from waste that stays too long in the system.

If you wish to find out more please visit http://www.coloncleansingexplained.com

Struggling with your health, can’t loose weight and lack energy? Visit http://www.coloncleansingexplained.com and get your FREE report on how to shed the pounds, boost your energy and improve your health Naturally in 3 months or less.

Alexandra Perry

eMentorPublications

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexandra_Perry
http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Ways-Colon-Cleansing-Can-Prevent-Colon-Cancer&id=994925

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Posted in Colorectal cancer |

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

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Posted in Treatment, Colorectal cancer, Misc |

Are You At Risk With Colorectal Cancer?

December 27th, 2007 by Admin

By Jack Stowe

Colorectal cancer, also called large bowel cancer, is the term used to describe malignant tumors found in the colon and rectum.

In the United States, about 160,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year. It is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

The average age of diagnosis of cancer in patients with this syndrome is 44 years old, as compared to 64 years old in people without the syndrome. Two-thirds of these cancers occur in the proximal colon.

In colon cancer patients, pathologists can measure microsatellite instability in colon tumor specimens, which is a surrogate marker for DNA mismatch repair gene dysfunction.

To know if you are at risk to colorectal cancer, you must know what are the causes, risk factors and symptoms associated with this cancer.

However, I have known there is no single cause for colon cancer. Nearly all colon cancers begin as benign polyps, which slowly develop into cancer.

But you have a higher risk for colon cancer if you have: Colorectal polyps Cancer elsewhere in the body, a family history of colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, personal history of breast cancer.

Certain genetic syndromes also increase the risk of developing colon cancer. What you eat may play a role in your risk of colon cancer.

Colon cancer may be associated with a high-fat, low-fiber diet and red meat. Colon and rectum cancer often causes no symptoms, especially at first.

Symptoms

The following symptoms, however, may indicate colon cancer: Diarrhea, constipation, or other change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained anemia, abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen. It may also include intestinal obstruction, weight loss with no known reason, narrow stools.

Diagnosis

With proper screening, colon cancer can be detected BEFORE the development of symptoms, when it is most curable.

A rectal exam may reveal a mass in patients with rectal cancer, but not colon cancer. Imaging tests to diagnose colorectal cancer include: Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy.

If your doctor learns that you do have colorectal cancer, additional tests will be done to see if the cancer has spread.

Stages

¨ Stage 0: Very early cancer on the innermost layer of the intestine Stage I: Cancer is in the inner layers of the colon

¨ Stage II: Cancer has spread through the muscle wall of the colon

¨ Stage III: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes

¨ Stage IV: Cancer that has spread to other organs.

Treatment depends partly on the stage of the cancer. In general, treatments may include: Chemotherapy medicines to kill cancer cells; Surgery to remove cancer cells; Radiation therapy to destroy cancerous tissue.

Stage 0 colon cancer may be treated by removing the cancer cells, often during a colonoscopy; Stage II to stage IV colon cancer should receive chemotherapy after surgery and this may include cutting out the cancer, burning it (ablation), or freezing it (cryotherapy); Stages I, II, and III cancer are considered potentially curable but in most cases, stage IV cancer is not curable.

Prevention

Some evidence suggests that low-fat and high-fiber diets may reduce your risk of colon cancer. Preventive Services Task Force recommends against taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines to prevent colon cancer if you have an average risk of the disease — even if someone in your family has had the condition.

Although low-dose aspirin may help reduce your risk of other conditions, such as heart disease, it does not lower the rate of colon cancer.

© Copyright 2007 JackStowe. What you should know about cancer? Visit ward911.blogspot.com

For more articles and resources on natural healing, visit natureheal.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Stowe
http://EzineArticles.com/?Are-You-At-Risk-With-Colorectal-Cancer?&id=824922

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Posted in Colorectal cancer, Symptoms and Diagnosis |

Stage 4 Colon Cancer - Don’t Give Up Hope If You Reach This Stage Of Colon Cancer

December 13th, 2007 by Admin

By Neil Day

Once colon cancer reaches the level of stage 4, this is the point, statistically, when the rates of survival decrease rapidly. The average five-year survival rate at this stage tends to be around 20 to 30 percent. Whilst these figures make the outlook look bad, an end to all hope should not be dismissed with stage 4 colon cancer. The importance of screening and early detection at this time is paramount.

If stage 4 colon cancer has been diagnosed, this means that the cancer has now manifested itself in other parts of the body. It is almost certain that the cancer has invaded the lymph node system and could possibly be found in the liver, lungs, bones and even the brain. Even at this stage, it is still possible for people to live past the projected five-year period. It all depends on the location of the spread of the stage 4 colon cancer. However, overall, the prognosis for stage 4 survival is not overly optimistic.

Even now, when stage 4 colon cancer has been diagnosed, there are several medical procedures and treatments that can be used to lessen symptoms. In areas where tumors can be removed, surgery can be performed to remove these tumors. If surgery isn’t an option, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used to help. Whilst there may not be a ‘cure’ for stage 4 colon cancer, doctors strive to help those diagnosed to live their lives, if not a little longer, then at least a little more comfortably.

Prevention is of paramount importance in ensuring that people do not end up with stage 4 colon cancer. This in itself is not going to prove 100% effective for everyone, but to help avoid this cancer, here are a few things that people can do:

Reduce the risks. Not all of the risks can be removed. Some can though, and they simply involve changing your lifestyle habits. Smoking, over indulgence of alcohol and a diet that is high in fat and low in fiber are all risks that can be eliminated. Other personal risk factors that can be addressed are obesity and lack of exercise.

Undertake a screening program. The normal check up procedure of screening starts around the age of 50. However, if the risks are deemed high in a person, then screening will start at an earlier stage. Both men and women are prone to colon cancer, so both can expect to have their physicians request screening exams every few years.

The importance of screening programs and risk reduction are highlighted by the fact that symptoms of colon cancer do not generally appear until the later stages. The best form of defense can be installed by making these two things a priority. By doing so, one can help to reduce the chances of stage 4 colon cancer forming.

Stage 4 colon cancer is not good and if diagnosed with this cancer, it doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. With the proper medical treatment and care, the chances of beating the five-year survival rate could be improved. Avoiding this situation in the first place by employing the combination of preventative measures and undergoing regular screenings is obviously the best step to take. These actions alone won’t guarantee that you won’t reach stage 4 colon cancer, but they will help in decreasing the chances for advancement of the colon cancer.

Would you be able to recognise any of the signs or symptoms of colon cancer? For a wide range of information about colon cancer visit www.coloncancersigns.info RIGHT NOW. It could literally mean the difference between life and death.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neil_Day
http://EzineArticles.com/?Stage-4-Colon-Cancer—Dont-Give-Up-Hope-If-You-Reach-This-Stage-Of-Colon-Cancer&id=871820

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Posted in Coping, Colorectal cancer |

Colon Cancer Surgery Facts

November 30th, 2007 by Admin

By Jason Davidson

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

Jason R Davidson owns and operates http://www.coloncancersurgery.net
Colon Cancer Surgery

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Davidson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Colon-Cancer-Surgery-Facts&id=663707

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Posted in Cancer, Treatment, Colorectal cancer |

Coping with Colon Cancer

November 23rd, 2007 by Admin

By Lena Butler

Upon hearing the diagnosis of colon cancer, a set of mixed emotions can flow that can make you feel overwhelmed and stress. You are pressed into a situation where everything suddenly seems uncertain. Forced to look over future financial concerns, the shock of knowing your condition can put you to a breaking point.

The good news is, despite such worrying circumstances, this is a normal reaction of a cancer patient. The better news is the prospect of dealing with cancer should not discourage you to defeat the disease. There are a slew of success stories that will encourage you to face your situation with courage and joy.

Managing colon cancer despite the emotional weight can be dealt with by sticking to a set plan. There are many ways to cope with colon cancer and its stressful effects. With enough education and support, you will have the tools to deal with the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.

Know the Disease

Colon cancer is a disease stemming from the growth of cancer cells in the colon and rectal area. Colon cancer basically starts from the abdomen with the ability for the cancer cells to spread as the condition becomes more complicated. If colon cancer is detected early, there is a high rate for survival.

Knowing the nature and the nuances of colon cancer will prepare you to face the disease. Once you receive the diagnosis of your cancer, start to engage on different discussions and consultations with the right people. As you educate yourself and know the disease more, you will have a better perspective of the disease and your situation. You should be prepared to undergo a set of colon cancer testing and treatment with the right information.

Getting Comfortable with Cancer Testing and Treatment

The location of the colon and rectum presents an uncomfortable procedure for cancer patients. Some people suspected of colon cancer delay their tests because they find colon cancer testing embarrassing. This attitude although understandable is not helpful in facing colon cancer.

The usual colon cancer testing requires a stool sample. Doctors can recommend a home based fecal occult blood test kit, which is a test that checks for blood in your fecal waste. If you are uncomfortable with the procedures of colon cancer testing, be sure to talk to your doctor so that he can stress the importance of colon cancer tests. Advanced colon cancer tests will definitely involve scanning and monitoring of the rectal area so it is necessary for you to be prepared for future tests.

Dealing with colon cancer treatments is a matter of choice. The doctor will recommend different treatment options depending on the stage of your cancer. Talk to your doctor about the side effects of colon cancer treatment and consult with you friends and family on the financial concerns of these treatments. Different colon cancer treatments involve different factors such as size and location of the tumor, overall health, stage of the colon cancer, your age, and your personal need and concerns. Every treatment choice should result from a comfortable decision made by you with the help of your support group.

Dealing with Colostomy

To deal with colon cancer, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the tumor and the bulk of the cancer cells from your body. Colostomy involves removing most or all of the colon and rectum. While this is an effective treatment, it leaves colon cancer patients with devastating side effects for the unprepared. After colostomy, you will need artificial procedures to remove your fecal waste.

To get over this feeling, you should trust your doctor when he says everything will be fine. While you are given the choice, you should also weight what is best for you. If you fear that your peers will reject you, you can talk to them so that they can understand your situation. As long as you communicate your fears and concerns with them and they reciprocate it with understanding, there is no reason not to go ahead with the surgery. While the trial of having colostomy is a tall task, just remember that this treatment will help you in the end.

Developing Coping Skills

In coping with colon cancer or any other cancer for that matter, you can develop different coping skills to face the disease effectively. You should feel empowered every step of the way. Do not let others decide for you. In dealing with colon cancer, it is important that you stand up and decide on your own. This will prevent you from feeling helpless.

It is true that colon cancer is an unpleasant condition, but with rigorous planning, constant colon cancer testing and treatment, developed understanding of the disease, and strong support group to surround you, you have everything you need to fight back a disease that can be beaten.

This Article is written by Lena Butler, the author of Colon Cancer Home Test Kits, a longer version of this article is located at Coping With Colon Cancer, and resources from other home health and wellness testing articles are used such as TestCountry Colon Cancer FAQ.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lena_Butler
http://EzineArticles.com/?Coping-with-Colon-Cancer&id=706492

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Posted in Coping, Cancer, Colorectal cancer |

Colon Cancer Facts

November 16th, 2007 by Admin

By Tony Scott

Colon cancer is the 3rd commonest reason for cancer for males and the 4th commonest cause of cancer for females. Cancer of the colon and rectum, also called colorectal cancer, is most common amongst those who follow a western type of diet than amongst folks in Asia or Africa who eat an eastern diet.

The colon is the lower portion of the gastrointestinal system used to process waste matter*. At the end of the colon is the rectum from which waste products are passed away from the body. This lengthy pipe is the large intestine. Polyps may attack to the walls of the gut without making any problems. They are frequently found during a colonoscopy and might be removed during that process. A good deal of the time polyps are harmless, and not malignant.

Polyps that are not removed from the large intestine can become cancerous if unnoticed for long enough. Malignant tumors could also cause harm to close organs or tissues. When the cancer spreads to other areas, this is called metastasis. When the cancer isn’t found early and metastasis takes place, there’s no chance for cure.

Colorectal cancer is thought to be mainly linked to family history and diet. Certain people appear to be more disposed to get this cancer than other people, even with all diet and life style ingredients being the same. Those that eat a high fat diet have a larger risk of colorectal cancer than those that eat a well balanced diet which is low in fat. The new findings which identified trans fatty acids in numerous foods in groceries and restaurants, indicates the risks concealed in most common foods. Neither cancer nor obesity are common amongst those who eat fresh veggies, high fibre foods, whole grains and low fat meats or fish.

People who have a history of ulcerative colitis should be closely monitored for colon cancer. With this prolonged condition, growth of colon polyps may increase because of cell damage. The benign polyps can “acquire” or derive data from chromosomes of damaged cells in the colon that result in cancer. After having from ulcerative colitis for 10 years or longer, the risk of colon cancer dramatically increases.

A recognised hereditary link for colon cancer exists between 1st degree natural family members of people who have colon cancer. If there’s a family history of colon cancer, the chance of getting it is 3 times greater than the risk for the population as a whole. Do not be complacent however. Just 20% of colorectal cancer occurs amongst persons who have family history of this disease. The majority of colon cancers, four out of five in fact, affect those without familial association to the disease.

Colon cancer is a soundless cause of death, frequently having zero identifiable symptoms till it is too late. Early detection with a colonoscopy represents the most dependable means of identifying and treating possible cancer risks. There’s no benefit to holding off till old age to check for risks. Colon polyps commonly begin during teenage years and might evolve into cancer by age forty to fifty.
General health advice is for a colonoscopy before age fifty and if all is ok, repeat the tests at 10 yr intervals.

For a wide ranging view of Colon Cancer and alternative treatments visit http://www.coloncancer-info.com Colon Cancer Symptoms

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Scott
http://EzineArticles.com/?Colon-Cancer-Facts&id=745607

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Posted in Colorectal cancer |

Stopping the Spread of Colon Cancer - Hope in Treatment

November 9th, 2007 by Admin

By Denice Anderson

Whenever you have been diagnosed with colon cancer your physician will wish to order various examinations and tests to check the degree or what they call the “stage” that it has progressed to. Naturally, as with any cancer, the earlier it’s discovered the less problematic it will be to treat. Your medical prognosis will depend upon factors such as whether the cancer is in the lining interior of the colon, or has disseminated throughout the body and into additional organs.

Your doctor will additionally base your medical prognosis upon whether or not the cancer has caused a blockage in your intestines. Your physician will also wish to order assorted blood tests to check blood levels of a specific factor. This factor shows up in your bloodstream at distinguishable levels dependent on how far the cancer has progressed. So before advocating any type of treatment your physician will rely to a great extent on your generalized health, whether the cancer has recurred, and what degree the cancer has progressed to.

Staging is what physicians refer to when the examinations that are carried out to find out the degree that cancer has progressed to. You can anticipate the physician to perform a CAT scan, which has a look at the interior of the body by taking pictures and in a few cases they’ll likewise inject a dye to see the interior organs more clearly. The doctor will in all probability also will like to perform a lymph node biopsy. This biopsy removes a few of the malignant cells and they are then viewed under a microscope. Additionally, expect a complete blood count (CBC) to be performed. This will give the physician a great deal of very important information regarding your white and red blood cells and platelets. It also shows to the doctor the levels of CEA that reside in your bloodstream. CEA is discharged into your bloodstream from malignant cells just as well as from normal cells, however, if higher amounts than normal of CEA are found, the doctor can arrive at additional conclusions supported by that information.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will in all likelihood be performed so that all of the cancerous cells may be viewed. A chest x-ray perhaps will be done to see the organs and bones within the chest cavity. Surgery might likewise be scheduled to remove any neoplasms that may be present. These are each required tests that have to be performed so your doctor can fully realize the maturation of the colon cancer and address it to the fullest of his ability.

For more information on the signs and symptoms, treatments and hopeful research options regarding Colon Cancer please visit us at http://www.cancerofcolon.info

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