Colon Cancer Resources

Colon cancer is sometimes called a colorectal cancer as well. Colon is a part of our digestive system. Sometimes it is also referred as a big intestine or large bowel. It is the third most common type of cancer. Generally it is found in people who are more than 60 years old. But there are documented cases where colon cancer has struck much younger people.

The inevitable question why it happens to some people and not all is open for debate. Initially it was thought that what you eat may be the cause of the cancer. High consumption of red or processed meat and no or very little of fiber was thought to be the main reason for getting colon cancer. But over the years the researchers have found out that dietary fiber has nothing to do with the cancer. If you eat enough fiber you may not face many complications but still you may get colon cancer.

Heredity, history of cancer, family history of colon cancer, smoking, physical inactivity, inflammatory bowel disease these are some of the risk factor responsible for this type of cancer.

It is found that the symptoms of colorectal cancer depend on the location of the tumor and whether it has spread to other organs in the body. If the tumor is located closer to the anus patient may find that his bowel habits are changed. He may have a feeling of incomplete defecation. If the cancer is located at the beginning of the large intestine the stool may look tarry. If the tumor is large it may obstruct the bowel movement and as a result the patient may face constipation, abdominal distension, vomiting and abdominal pain. The patient may experience palpitation and fatigue and may lose weight as the appetite will gradually decrease. Generally the cancer spreads to the liver. It may cause jaundice.

There are many tests that can help the physician to arrive at the diagnosis. DRE or digital rectal exam, Fecal blood test, endoscopy, colonoscopy these are some of the methods used to screen the patient for colon cancer.

The treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. If it is detected at early stage a surgery is performed and the affected part is removed. If it is in advanced stage then the patient may have to go in for chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The doctor chooses the best possible treatment for the patient.