Colon Cancer, Research Paper Example

Cancer is a group of more than 100 diseases. Cancerous condition occurs when cells behave abnormally and get divided without any control.  The colon is the digestive system part where waste material gets stored. The proper functioning of this part of the digestive system is extremely valuable as it affects all the other body functions.  Colon grows in the inner walls of the large intestine. Colon cancer is also known as colorectal cancer; the cancer grows in appendix, colon ad rectum. Colon cancer begins in the colon and then spreads through the whole body. Colonoscopy is the therapy to diagnose colon cancer. There are lots of risk factors involved such as age, family history of cancer, physical inactivity, and low level of selenium, environmental factors and alcohol.

Women, who have ovaries cancer, are more likely to suffer from colon cancer (Levin 267). Colon cancer is not contagious, i.e. the one cannot get affected from any other cancer patient. There are many causes of colon cancer with high-calorie intake being the leading one: people eating too much junk food are more likely to get colon cancer. It happens as a result of the cholesterol level rise, which results in colon’s functions becoming abnormal. Another significant cause of colon cancer is genetics. People with a family history of cancer are like to grow a large number of colon polyps. Colon cancer is also hereditary; hence, doctors always recommend taking proper diet along with exercise in order to minimize chances of colon growth in such patients. The paper will cover the leading causes, symptoms and precautions of colon cancer.

The number of people suffering from colon cancer is rising annually. For this reason, it is important to raise personal awareness of this type of cancer. Personal diet is one of the most influential factors of colon cancer. The symptoms of colon cancer are not that tricky to be identified, so it is advisable that one examines him/herself regularly and, in case of any abnormality found, does consult the doctor for early treatment. Colon cancer symptoms are numerous and uncountable: they include bleeding, blood stool in particular, fatigue, weakness, change in breath and bowel habits, unconsciousness, weight loss, cramps and bloating, blood clotting and shingles. It might take a while for the symptoms to show up, so regular check-ups are the most recommended actions in colon cancer identification and prevention processes.

Proper diagnosis is of immense significance for each and every person suffering from colon cancer. Barium Enema colonoscopy is one of the best diagnosis for colon cancer: it involves taking x-rays and a patient chalky liquid containing barium. Colonoscopy is a procedure in which doctor inserts a long tube in the rectum for inspecting the whole rectum on screen. It is quiet a painful process, but the results speak for themselves. Colonoscopy is usually considered more accurate and efficient for recognizing colon cancer in patients. It helps to start an early treatment, which it truly beneficial, considering the fact that unlike other types of cancers, colon cancer can be prevented as it has a clearly recognized premalignant stage – a stage at which the damaged cells are not yet cancerous. It is not a contiguous disease and one should not be scared – just remember that proper and on-time treatment can save one’s life (Gregory, Brotzman, and Russell 2). There are many people out there suffering from colon cancer for e.g. the former president of the Philippines Corazon Aquino, former president of United Kingdom Harold Wilson. It is believed that people can live healthy and complete life even with colon cancer. According to National Cancer Institute, colon cancer treatment options depend on the following criteria: the stage of the cancer, whether or not the cancer has recurred as well as the patient’s general health. Chemotherapy is recommended to all patients with stage III colon cancer. Currently postoperative 5-FU plus leucovorin are used as standard treatment approach given in 6-week cycles.

Colon cancer is rapidly progressing disease but it can be cured. Colon cancer can be prevented by early detection and reduction of colon polyps before they become cancerous. Even if the cancer has developed, early diagnosis can save one’s life. Personal screening holds immense significance in the examination of colon cancer, there are several colon cancer screening tests defined by doctors and by adopting them one can detect his colon cancer in early stages. People above 40 years must examine their stool each month and if finds any abnormality, must consult a doctor at earliest. Women who are suffering from breast cancer or any ovarian issues, must examine their body each month and if finds any mark, swelled region should consult lady doctor and have a colon test.

There is one thing that needs to be remembered after all: having positive stool occult blood test does not mean that one has colon cancer – there are several other reasons causing occult blood. Patients having grown a tendency to colon cancer may undergo colonoscopy after 50. Patients with family history of colon cancer must undergo colonoscopy after 10 years. The earlier it is detected, the more chances of full recovery there are. Diet can also be rather helpful in controlling colon cancer; proper diet can not only prevent a person from developing colon cancer but can also protect from other diseases such as blood pressure, diabetic and heart problems.  Surgery is the most effective treatment for colon cancer: the surgeon removes the tumor and then connects healthy section of the bowel. Once again, one should keep in mind that early and on-time treatment can save one’s life.

Works Cited

Adrouny, Richard. Understanding Colon Cancer. University Press of Mississippi, 2002.

Bub, David, Susanna Rose, and Douglas Wong. 100 Questions and Answers About Colorectal Cancer. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2003.

Gregory L, Brotzman, and Russell G. Robertson. “Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors”. Colorectal Cancer. Armenian Health Network, Health.am. 16 January 2008. 24 Aug. 2010 <http://www.health.am/cr/colorectal-cancer/>.

Levin KE. Epidemiology of large bowel cancer. World J Surg 15 (5): 562–7, 2009.

National Cancer Institute. Colon Cancer Treatment. 19 Aug. 2010. 24 Aug. 2010 “http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/colon/Patient”

Stokes, Mark. Colon Cancer: Current and Emerging Trends in Detection and Treatment. New York, NY : The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc, 2006