Know Your Enemy: What is Colon Cancer?

Know Your Enemy: What is Colon Cancer?
by Michael Sampson

The word cancer always brings worries to anyone who hears it. In most cases, people never realize they have cancer, not until the feel some kind of pain and have it checked out, only to find out that they already have it. Especially nowadays, with the kind lifestyle that is being imposed upon us, news and studies tell us that we can get it from the foods we eat, the air we breathe and virtually almost anywhere.

We cannot know when or why colon cancer might strike us, but we can certainly take specific measures to significantly lessen the chances of getting colon cancer. But first, we have to arm ourselves with information. What is colon cancer? How would you know if you have it?

Have you had, or do you know of any one who might be experiencing change in their bowel movement, blood in their stool (scientifically referred to as melena, hematochezia) or bowel obstruction? These are some of the more obvious symptoms of colon cancer, but it is possible for the symptoms to be less specific. Things like abnormal weight loss, anemia, that occurs with symptoms like fatigue, pallor and lasting discomfort are also possible signs. If upon check-up, there is liver's enlargement (or hepatomegaly), this could be due to the tumor spreading.

Like a lot of cancer cases, there are also ocassions where no symptoms are present at all. Moreover, it is highly recommended to get check-ups for the disease from time to time.

Colon cancer, more scientifically, colorectal cancer or bowel cancer, is characterized by harmful growths in the colon or large bowel, rectum and appendix. Many think that cancers come from the formation of polyps in the colon. These polyps are commonly non-threatening, but some might progress into colon cancer over time. Colon cancer is now the third among most usual form of cancer and the second leading cause of death among cancers in the Western world.

Like we mentioned earlier, diet also plays a huge role. Studies show that if a person's usually consists of red meat, and is low on fresh fruit, vegetables, poultry and fish invites the risk for colon cancer. A study done by the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition in June 2005 suggested that a diet high on red and processed meat and low on fiber, are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. People who preferred fish showed a decreased risk. However, the relation between dietary fiber and risk of colon cancer remains controversial as other studies have cast doubt on claims that high fiber intake can decrease the risk of colon cancer.

The risk of developing colon cancer also increases with age. People in their 60s and 70s are more suceptible, while cases before age 50 are uncommon unless there is a history of colon cancer in the family.

In women, usually those who've had cancer of the ovary, uterus, or breast are at higher risk of developing colon cancer.

Smokers and physically inactive people are also more likely to develop of colon cancer.

How do you know if you have it? There are may ways of diagnosing for colon cancer, like a digital rectal exam or a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan. One sure way is through a colonoscopy. In a colonoscopy, a lighted probe called a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and the entire colon to inspect for polyps and other abnormalities that may be caused by cancer.

If polyps are found during the colonoscopy, they can be immediately removed. Tissue samples can also be taken for biopsy. Therapy is usually done through surgery, with many cases also requires chemotherapy.