Reliable Colon Cancer Information and Advice

Colon cancer generally begins with the growth of benign growths called polyps. It develops in the large intestine (colon), which is the muscular tube that forms the last part of the digestive tract. It can almost always be caught in its earliest and most curable stages by a procedure called colonoscopy. Colon cancer is often associated with a high-fat, low-fiber diet and red meat. However, some studies found that the risk of developing colon cancer does't reduce if you switch your diet to a high-fiber diet, so the cause of the link is still not 100 percent clear.

Colon Cancer Risks

Risk factors of colon cancer is said to increase with age, and more than 90 percent of reported cases are diagnosed in individuals age 50 and older. People at high risk for developing Colon Cancer may need earlier or more frequent tests than other people. To decrease the risk of developing colon cancer, you need to have any colon polyps found and removed as early as possible before they become cancerous.

Colon Cancer Screening

Screening for Colon cancer is recommended and promoted quite heavily, especially for the elderly. Screening for those aged 50 and above or at a younger age if there is a family history of colon cancer is highly recommended. Screening may also detect colon cancer in the early stages when there is a good chance of a cure. We know that screening for colon cancer can saves lives and yet, only a third of the people at risk will ever go and get tested for it. Most people shy away because they are embarrassed or are scared of being diagnosed with cancer.

Colon Cancer Treatment

Treatment for colon cancer depends on the stage the cancer is at. It generally involves a surgery to remove the tumor and any affected lymph nodes if needed. People tend to get concerned when they hear surgery because they think of bags, or ostomies. Colon cancer treatment is individualized and often includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Without treatment, cancer of the colon can cause intestinal obstruction and sometimes perforation of the bowel wall. The success of treatment for colon cancer very much depends on how early it's diagnosed. 5 year survival rates from colon cancer are much less when the tumour has spread beyond the wall of the colon, reasonably good for tumours reaching but not breaking the outside wall and excellent for those limited to the innermost lining. Unfortunately, when symptoms have developed, many are already at an advanced stage, emphasising the importance of screening for colon cancer on a regular basis.

Colon Cancer research

Research indicates that exercising can reduce the risk of developing Colon cancer by as much as 40 percent. Exercise also tends to reduce the incidence of other risk factors for colon cancer, like obesity and diabetes. Research has proven that the support given by colon cancer support groups relieved the emotional stress so much that it had the effect of the physical well being of the patient and sometimes has extended their life.

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