Sunday, July 10, 2011

Colon Cancers - Reasons And How To Avoid

By Lance Jones


Colon cancers or more incisively called colorectal cancers are cancers of the colon, appendix, and rectum. The cancer generally results from a type of mushroom shaped polyps or growths, called adenomatous polyps, located within the colon. They are mostly benign but if ignored long enough without treatment can often turn into colorectal cancer. Cancer localized to the colon area is diagnosed by utilizing colonoscopy.
Individuals with a genetic history of colorectal cancer or even adenomatous polyps are to a greater extent vulnerable to the disease. So are people whose close relatives have a history of what is called Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) which caused by a genetic sensitivity towards a number of cancers.

Smokers are 30% to 40% more likely to develop the cancer than nonsmokers. A regular diet which includes too much red meat and too little vegetables, fruits, and fish can also be the reason for the cancer. A small percent of patients also had a history of IBD such as ulcerative colitis. The disease is not like hemorrhoids and diverticulitis which cause discomfort not inflammation. Other causes include virus infections and environmental factors (contamination in food), low selenium levels, and heavy alcohol intake.

If the cancer is located near the lower portion of the bowel or anus, the symptoms include change in stool pattern, blood or mucus presence in stool, constipation, and looseness of the bowels. Primary symptoms include iron inadequacy anemia, feverishness, fatigue, and weight loss. Just so you don't get afraid, having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have colorectal cancer - colorectal cancer will will however generally show these signs. Even blood and pain, bowel troubles, or other troubles could be the result of other intestinal problems such as diverticulitis or a hemorrhoid. Both, even hemorrhoids could be handled by surgical process and other noninvasive methods.

Nevertheless, you will have to consult a physician if you see any of these signs, particularly if you have a family history or personal medical history of colon cancer; not just because of the cancer risk, but because none of these including anemia, constipation, or a hemorrhoid should be left unattended.

Yes, colorectal cancer can be kept at bay. By making changes in your life style and taking a few necessary cares. The life-style changes include doing away with bad habits such as alcohol abuse and smoking, consuming a diet rich in roughage, vegetables, and fruits, and living an active life-style. Consuming vitamin B6 and not taking external hormones once you have turned forty also shrinks the chances. Get a colonoscopy every five years if you have a family or personal history of the cancer or if you have reached 50. Also, it is better to have adenomatous polyps removed as soon as they are diagnosed (they will be found during colonoscopy) since if left alone they have a very high chance of turning into the cancer. Colon cancers can be treated if caught in early stages. Do not panic. Consult your doctor.




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