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Did you know that in 2005 in the U.S., 26,781 men and 27,259 women died from colorectal colon cancer (cancer)? These are alarming figures, but are true. For men, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer after prostate and lung. For women, this cancer is the third most common cancer after breast and lung cancer.
Possibly we can reduce these statistics. If everybody age 50 or older had regular screening tests, as in 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be avoided.
Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. Screening can find polyps, abnormal growths in the colon or rectum, so that they can be removed before they become cancer. The detection also helps in finding colorectal cancer early, when treatment often leads to a cure.
If you are 50 years or more, or think you may have greater risk than the average for colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor for an examination.
What is the Colon?
The colon is the final part of our digestive system. Is that foods are not digested in the small intestine are stored for several hours until a few days. Moreover, most of the absorption of vitamins, minerals and water will take place in the colon. Food packages that are no longer in use and toxins that are present from food, then removed from the body in the form of feces.
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer can simply be defined as cancer of the colon or large intestine. Most cases of this disease begin as small groups and benign cells in the intestine, known as adenomatous polyps. As time passes, these polyps are rapidly dividing and become cancer.
The polyps are difficult to detect at an early stage because they produce few symptoms. Sometimes, no symptoms do not show unless the condition found in later stages. Once the signs of cancer is the individual experiences a change in bowel habits, persistent abdominal pain and cramps, gas accumulation and the presence of blood in the stool.
Why people develop colon cancer?
When healthy cells are altered in the colon, become at risk for developing cancer. To keep the body functioning normally, cells need to grow and divide in an orderly manner. Actually there are moments in which cells grow out of control, even if new cells are not needed by the system.
The cause more common development of this disease occurs when one has a history of the disease and polyps in the family. Other known causes include inflammatory bowel disease, alcohol intake, diabetes, diet high in fat and cholesterol, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking and a diet deficient in vegetables, whole grains and fruits.
What are the treatments available for colorectal cancer?
The three standard treatment options of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.
1. Chemotherapy – the most oncologists recommend chemotherapy for colon cancer already in stage 2. For Stages 3 and 4 colon cancer, chemotherapy is still recommended, but must be used in combination with biologic therapy to target cancer cells specific. The chemicals used helps the body rid itself of cancer cells and prevent them from rapidly dividing.
2. Radiation The therapy people are scheduled for surgery are advised to undergo radiation therapy to shrink the tumor. After surgery, another period sessions of radiation therapy is always necessary to prevent the tumor coming back. In some cases, tumors that can not be removed with surgery, radiation therapy as is used to destroy cancer cells.
The most common type of radiation therapy used to treat colon cancer is radiation external. Such treatments are fast, but often must be done to ensure that the cancerous cells are destroyed.
3. Surgery – Surgery most common colon cancer is the colostomy. A surgical procedure in which the surgeon creates an opening in the abdominal wall, which becomes an alternative outlet waste products of the colon.
"Although colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States is the main most preventable cancer. Improvements in prevention, early detection and treatment have reduced the number of deaths from this disease, "said Dr. J. Randolph Hecht, a clinical professor of medicine and director of the GI Oncology Program, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and member of the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center.
Sure take care of your health. There is only one of you!
About the Author:
Ken Black is an online health writer and product reviewer. So, what can you do to avoid colorectal cancer ? There are many things you can do. If you visit ColonCleanseChoices.com, you’ll find 10 tips on How To Prevent Colon Cancer.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – How To Prevent Colorectal Colon Cancer
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