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Colon cancer
From CopperWiki
Colon cancer forms in the tissues of the colon, the longest part of the large intestine. Colon cancer is also referred to as colorectal cancer -- cancer that starts in either the colon or the rectum. Colon cancer and rectal cancer have many features in common.
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[edit] Why should I be aware of this?
- Colon cancer accounts for 14 % of all deaths resulting from cancer, making it the second most common cause of cancer death in the US.
- Colorectal cancer is the third most common amongst newly diagnosed cancer cases.
- People with a family history of colon cancer may be able to reduce their risk of developing the disease with a few simple dietary changes.
- Early detection of colorectal cancer helps in better managing the disease.
[edit] How does this affect me?
- In the year 2002, colorectal cancer was the third and fourth most common cancer in females and males, respectively, worldwide.
- Its prevalence is second only to that of breast cancer, with an estimated 2.8 million persons alive with CRC within five years of diagnosis.
- The highest incidence rates occurred in North America, Australia, Western Europe and Japan.
- The incidence tends to be low in Africa and Asia and intermediate in the southern parts of South America.
- Geographic differences for colorectal cancer are probably explained by dietary and other environmental exposures.
- A higher risk of colorectal cancer was found in subjects consuming a diet poor in fiber and rich in meat and fat.
[edit] All about colon cancer
Colon cancer is a common type of cancer in which there is uncontrolled growth of the cells that line the inside of the colon or rectum. Colon cancer is also called colorectal cancer.
- The colon, also known as the large intestine, is the last part of the
digestive tract.
- The rectum is the very end of the large intestine that opens at the anus.
[edit] Where Does Colon Cancer Begin?
Colon cancer begins on the inner surface of the colon or rectum. Virtually all colon cancer develops from mushroom-like growths that can grow on the inside wall of the colon.
[edit] Who is at risk?
A person is more likely to develop colorectal cancer in following cases:
- Diet high in fat
- Diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Diet comprises well-cooked, fried or barbecued meats.
- More than 2-3 servings of red meat in a week.
- Smoking
- Drink more than one alcoholic drink a day
- Does not exercise
- 50 years old or older
- Family member had polyps or colorectal cancer before
- Chronic inflammation of the colon such as “Ulcerative Colitis”, “Crohn’s Disease” or “Irritable Bowel Syndrome”.
- Incidence of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cancer of the uterus in the family.
[edit] Symptoms
The symptoms of colon cancer can be confused with those of a number of digestive disorders. If a person has these symptoms he may either have colon cancer or some digestive disorder. It is better to consult a doctor if a person has any of these below mentioned symptoms.
- Bleeding from the rectum.
- Changes in bowel habits which change from diarrhea to constipation and back.
- If the stool is unusually narrow.
- Pain in the abdomen or rectum
- A feeling that a bowel movement cannot be completed
- Unexplained weight loss, anemia, paleness, fatigue, or a yellowish coloring of the skin or whites of the eyes.
[edit] What can I do?
[edit] Prevention
- Take a daily multivitamin with folic acid or foliate.
- Exercise
- Eat less red meat, just 2-3 servings per week. Red meat includes beef, pork and lamb.
- Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
- Eat deep fried food less often, and eat less fatty foods.
- Quit smoking.
- Drink less than one alcoholic drink per day
[edit] CopperBytes
- Scientists also have found that low foliate in the diet increases the risk of developing colon cancer in adults. [1]
- Those who had consumed diets higher in processed meats showed a greater risk of developing recurrent colorectal cancer. Those with diets high in certain white meats, like chicken, were less prone to this risk.[2]
- A seven-year study led by Dartmouth Medical School researchers shows that a daily dose of aspirin can be effective in reducing the risk of benign tumors of the colon that can develop into cancer if left in the bowel. [3]
- Calcium supplements moderately reduce the risk of recurring polyp growth in the colon and appear to reduce the risk of colon cancer, according to a new national study.[4]
- Eating fruits and vegetables was not strongly associated with decreased colon cancer risk, according to a study.[5]
- Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center are beginning a study to look at whether diet can impact a person’s risk of developing colon cancer. Specifically, the researchers will compare a Mediterranean diet – high in olive oil, nuts and fish – with a standard healthy eating plan to see if it prevents colon cancer.[6]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- What Causes Colon Cancer?
- What Is Colon Cancer?
- Who Is Likely to Get Colorectal Cancer?
- What is Colon Cancer?
[edit] Source
- ↑ New Evidence On Folic Acid In Diet And Colon Cancer
- ↑ Eating Chicken May Reduce Your Risk Of Colon Cancer
- ↑ An Aspirin A Day May Keep Colon Cancer Away, Dartmouth Researchers Find
- ↑ Study: Calcium Supplements Appear To Protect Against Colorectal Cancer
- ↑ Fruits And Veggies Not Likely Linked To Colon Cancer Risk
- ↑ Can A Mediterranean Diet Help Prevent Colon Cancer?
