Despite its devastating impact, colon cancer is a disease that may be prevented, treated, and ultimately defeated.
Despite its devastating impact, colon cancer is a disease that may be prevented, treated, and ultimately defeated.
More than 17,000 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2002, making it the third most frequent cancer in both men and women in this country. Make haste. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you may be at risk for colorectal cancer. You or someone you care about could be saved from death if you or they are diagnosed and treated early on.
1. Can you explain colorectal cancer?
Cells in the colon or rectum are the starting point for colorectal cancer. A muscular tube lined with glandular cells is the rectum, and the same is true of the colon. It is in the glandular cells that most colorectal tumors begin. Connecting the small intestine to the rectum is the colon, which is also called the large bowel or intestine. Since small intestine cancer is so uncommon, people typically refer to colorectal cancer when they speak about bowel cancer.
2. What is the etiology of colon cancer?
While colorectal cancer does not have a single cause, there are a number of things that seem to raise the likelihood of getting the disease, such as:Gender (both males and women) — especially beyond the age of 50Polyps are tiny tumors that can develop on the rectum and colon's interior walls.Having a close relative with colorectal cancer, benign polyps of the colon, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or any kind of cancer of the breast, ovaries, or endometriumDietSnacking on CandyDo not exerciseDiabetes IDrinking to excessTobacco Use
3. How can I tell if I have colorectal cancer?
Some people call colorectal cancer the "silent killer" because it often has no symptoms at all, particularly in the early stages.
The following symptoms are not always indicative of colorectal cancer; in fact, they may indicate the presence of other health issues. To be sure, you should consult your physician.Whether it's a deep crimson or almost black color, there should be blood in or on the stool.An irregular bowel movement, whether it's diarrhea, constipation, or neither, that doesn't go away.Leg cramps that occur often or continuously and persist for more than a few daysPoop that is noticeably thinnerAbdominal pain (gas, fullness, and/or cramps)Constant abdominal discomfortConstant or intense urge to defecate, but little actual stool productionExperiencing a partial or incomplete evacuation of the colonLoss of weight with no obvious causeDiscomfort and vomitPersistent fatigue
4. How can one identify colorectal cancer?
Your doctor may suspect colorectal cancer after conducting a thorough physical examination (which includes a rectal exam) and discussing your general health with you. Another option for finding out if your stool contains blood is a fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Also, if your doctor notices any signs of colon bleeding, the FOBT test will reveal it. Polyps can cause bleeding.
Colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, or barium enemas, which employ x-rays to examine the colon, are among the other procedures that can confirm colorectal cancer. Colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies allow doctors to see what's going on inside the colon.
5. How frequently should one have colorectal cancer screenings?
Everyone over the age of 50 should get a fecal occult blood test every two years, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. Anyone with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, benign polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, breast, ovarian, or endometiral cancer is considered to be at a high risk. These people need to discuss the possibility of earlier screening with their doctor.
6. When it comes to colorectal cancer, why is screening so important?
Lives can be saved by colorectal cancer screening exams. When caught early, it is usually curable and treatable. The testing process will also reveal the cancer cell grade, which is crucial for determining the best course of treatment.
How may colorectal cancer be treated? 7. What choices do patients have?
The tumor's size, location, and extent, in addition to the patient's general condition, are the primary factors that dictate colorectal cancer treatment. In the early stages of the disease, the most common treatment is radiation and surgery to remove the tumor. In advanced stages of cancer, when metastasis has occurred, chemotherapy drugs like Camptosar® are used.
Canadian authorities have authorized Xeloda® and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as additional chemotherapy therapies for colon and rectum malignancies that have metastasized.
8. What resources are available to me regarding colorectal cancer?
The Canadian Cancer Society has more information about this disease available at www.cancer.ca or by calling 1-888-939-3333, a toll-free number. The National Colorectal Cancer Campaign (www.coloncancercanada.ca) and the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada (www.ccac-accc.ca) are two more websites that can be helpful.
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