Colon cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the colon. Cancer of the colon or rectum is also termed colorectal cancer. The colon is the longest part of the large intestine.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting American men and women. The disease is more common in people over the age of 50.
Cancer Information
Cancer starts in cells, the small structures that compose tissues. These tissues combine to form different organs of the body.
The cells of tissues normally divide to form new cells as part of normal processes. When old cells die, new cells are born to take their place.
However, this normal division of cells can sometimes go wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them and they do not die when they should. These newly formed cells can form a mass called tumor.
Sometimes, cancer cells can seep out of the colon and cause cancer to other parts of the body by way of the blood or lymph. When cancer spreads to other organs, this is called metastasis.
Colon Cancer Risk Factors
Experts are not really sure what causes colon cancer. It still remains a puzzle as to why a one person develops the disease while another does not. However, experts do know that colon cancer cannot be transmitted to another person as it is not contagious.
With research, it has been shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop colon cancer. A risk factor is anything that may increase the chance of developing a disease.
The risk of developing colon cancer increases with age: commonly affecting people over 50. In fact, more than 90 percent of people with colon cancer are diagnosed after 50, according to the National Cancer Institute. You are also more likely to get it if you have
Colon Cancer Symptoms
Colon cancer symptoms may be different from person to person depending on the stage of the disease. However, cancer of the colon’s common symptom is a change in bowel habits. Symptoms may include blood in the stool, diarrhea or constipation, loss of weight with no known reason, feeling that your bowel does not empty completely, and general stomach discomfort.
Early stages of colon cancer may not have any symptoms. The symptoms can be present in more advanced colon cancer.
Colon Cancer Treatment
The choice of colon cancer treatment depends mainly on the location of the tumor in the colon, the stage of the disease, and your general health. You might also want to get a second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment plan before starting with the treatment.
Colon cancer treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and biological therapy. Some people with cancer of the colon may need a combination of these treatments. You can discuss with your doctor about which treatment approach is best for you.
Colon Cancer Prevention
Avoiding certain colon cancer risk factors, such as smoking, having a diet high in fat, being overweight, and not exercising may help in colon cancer prevention.
Colon Cancer Facts:
• Colorectal cancer can be the term used when there is cancer in the colon or rectum.
• Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide, according to the WHO.
• The WHO ranked cancer as one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Sources:
Cancer. World Health Organization (Accessed: November 20, 2009)
Colorectal Cancer. Medline Plus, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health (Accessed: November 20, 2009)
Colon and Rectal Cancer. National Cancer Institute (Accessed: November 20, 2009)
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Page Last Revised: February 16, 2012
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting American men and women. The disease is more common in people over the age of 50.
Cancer Information
Cancer starts in cells, the small structures that compose tissues. These tissues combine to form different organs of the body.
The cells of tissues normally divide to form new cells as part of normal processes. When old cells die, new cells are born to take their place.
However, this normal division of cells can sometimes go wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them and they do not die when they should. These newly formed cells can form a mass called tumor.
Sometimes, cancer cells can seep out of the colon and cause cancer to other parts of the body by way of the blood or lymph. When cancer spreads to other organs, this is called metastasis.
Colon Cancer Risk Factors
Experts are not really sure what causes colon cancer. It still remains a puzzle as to why a one person develops the disease while another does not. However, experts do know that colon cancer cannot be transmitted to another person as it is not contagious.
With research, it has been shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop colon cancer. A risk factor is anything that may increase the chance of developing a disease.
The risk of developing colon cancer increases with age: commonly affecting people over 50. In fact, more than 90 percent of people with colon cancer are diagnosed after 50, according to the National Cancer Institute. You are also more likely to get it if you have
• Polyps - growths inside the colon and rectum that may become cancerousA person who smokes cigarettes may be at increased risk of developing polyps and colorectal cancer.
• A diet that is high in fat
• A family history or personal history of colorectal cancer
• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• Obesity and lack of exercise
Colon Cancer Symptoms
Colon cancer symptoms may be different from person to person depending on the stage of the disease. However, cancer of the colon’s common symptom is a change in bowel habits. Symptoms may include blood in the stool, diarrhea or constipation, loss of weight with no known reason, feeling that your bowel does not empty completely, and general stomach discomfort.
Early stages of colon cancer may not have any symptoms. The symptoms can be present in more advanced colon cancer.
Colon Cancer Treatment
The choice of colon cancer treatment depends mainly on the location of the tumor in the colon, the stage of the disease, and your general health. You might also want to get a second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment plan before starting with the treatment.
Colon cancer treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and biological therapy. Some people with cancer of the colon may need a combination of these treatments. You can discuss with your doctor about which treatment approach is best for you.
Colon Cancer Prevention
Avoiding certain colon cancer risk factors, such as smoking, having a diet high in fat, being overweight, and not exercising may help in colon cancer prevention.
Colon Cancer Facts:
• Colorectal cancer can be the term used when there is cancer in the colon or rectum.
• Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide, according to the WHO.
• The WHO ranked cancer as one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Sources:
Cancer. World Health Organization (Accessed: November 20, 2009)
Colorectal Cancer. Medline Plus, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health (Accessed: November 20, 2009)
Colon and Rectal Cancer. National Cancer Institute (Accessed: November 20, 2009)
[Top of Page]
Page Last Revised: February 16, 2012
