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By Sandy Griffin

Any kind of cancer is almost synonymous with disease and death and colon cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, is another such dangerous disease. It develops innocuously, often without any forewarning and very often there is an absence of any obvious symptoms. Give the prevalence of this disease it is important that every individual, especially those who are high risk, should arm themselves with adequate knowledge about the signs of colon cancer as well as the treatment options available.

Symptoms of colon cancer include presence of blood in the stools and bleeding of the rectum. Some of the other signs of colon cancer could include change in bowel regularity, benign polyps in the colon, a decrease in stool size, cramps, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, the existence of pain in the stomach and continuous fatigue. These are the signs you should look for if you suspect that you could possibly be developing colon cancer.

But the unfortunate truth is that an individual can have colon cancer and not exhibit any of the mentioned symptoms. Unfortunately, this happens way too often. A physical exam usually doesn’t show any problems and the doctor only suspects colon cancer and calls for a screening if a routine exam reveals a mass of tissues that is usually felt through the abdomen. Currently a screening of the colon, or a colonoscopy is the only way of getting a view of the entire colon and determining the extent of the abnormality.

Even then, polyps within the colon are not always suggestive of cancer. Colon cancer’s symptoms are further ambiguous as even blood in the stool isn’t always suggestive of colon cancer. It is thus reasonable for the medical industry to assign risk factors to certain events in an individual’s life. One of these events is an individual’s age. A person’s age is the major risk factor even though colon cancer doesn’t only occur for those over fifty. It is just that one’s chances are higher at that age when most signs and symptoms of colon cancer tend to appear.

Individuals who are high risk for colon cancer include those who have a family history of cancer, irrespective of the kind of cancer. Polyps that are in the colon are also signs of colon cancer, but must be properly diagnosed by a health professional.

If you are above the age fifty, and wish to know more about colon cancer, the Center for Disease Control has a program for those individuals who are more than fifty years of age and who have little or no health insurance. The number to call for any help, is 1-800-4-CANCER. Since colon cancer is such a widespread problem, the program helps to offer screenings for the disease. There are estimates that over 52,000 people lost their lives to colon and rectal cancer in 2007 in the United States alone. Learning to recognize the signs of colon cancer is the best cure against this killer disease.

You can find even more information at Signs Of Colon Cancer for even more information go to Signs Of Colon Cancer. Much more information all for free.

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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.

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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

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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

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By Steve Batchelor

Bowel cancer is also known by many as colorectal cancer. It is a common cancer, slow to develop, with over 34,000 people diagnosed in the UK each year. Over 80% of people diagnosed with bowel cancer are over 60 years old. The symptoms of the disease can include changes in bowel habits, consistent diarrhoea or constipation, blood or mucus in the faeces, tiredness and weight loss or a pain or lump in the abdomen.

The exact cause of the cancer remains unknown but there are several factors that make people at more risk. Research suggests that diet may be a factor; those with a diet high in animal fat and protein and low in fibre have an increased risk of developing bowel cancer. Also those who have a high intake of alcohol may be at greater risk. People with a history of bowel cancer in the family may have a slightly higher risk of developing the disease but only 5-10% of sufferers have family members with the same illness.

If you think you have any of the symptoms of this cancer you should visit your GP straight away as early diagnosis and treatment are important for controlling the disease. The doctor will do a physical examination and refer you to a hospital specialist if they think a cancer may be present.

There are three tests that may be conducted by hospital specialists to diagnose the cancer;

Barium enema which is a special x-ray of the large bowel where a mixture of barium and air is passed through the back passage into the bowel, the doctor can then watch the passage of the barium through the bowel on the x-ray screen and any abnormal areas can be seen.

Proctoscopy / Sigmoidoscopy is where air is pumped into the bowel and then a tube with a tiny light and camera is passed into the bowel so any abnormal areas can be seen. This test may be uncomfortable but not painful.

Colonoscopies are done when the doctor needs to see the whole length of the large bowel, the bowel must be empty and a colonoscope is passed into the bowel. This is a long flexible tube with a light and camera on the end to help show abnormal areas and swelling. During the test photos and samples of the cells on the inside of the large bowel can be taken. A sedative is usually given to make the procedure more comfortable.

Treatment depends on the stage and position of the cancer. Cancers affecting the colon and those affecting the rectum are usually treated in different ways. Patients with early stage cancer contained within the bowel wall can usually be completely cured with surgery. If the cancer has spread through the muscle of the bowel wall and into the lymph nodes there is a chance the cancer may return so chemotherapy is often done along with the surgery. People with rectal cancer may also be given radiotherapy before or after surgery.

With advanced stage bowel cancer where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as abdomen, liver and lungs it is not usually possible to fully cure but treatment may be able to control it for a long time, by reducing symptoms and giving a good quality of life.

Steve Batchelor is the webmaster at www.cancerhelpguides.info where you can find relevant and informative information on many different cancer types. He also recommends infogoldmine for more info on cancer treatments and care as well as many other subjects

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