Cancer of the large intestine (colon
cancer) is a common cancer in people over
age 50, affecting about 1 in 20 people in
North America. Early detection is
important since early treatment improves
the chance of complete cure.
CAN COLON CANCER BE PREVENTED?
Although the cause of colon cancer is
still unknown, there is evidence that most
of these cancers arise frompolyps (benign
intestinal tumors). Some polyps change
slowly into cancer over a period of
several years. The discovery and removal
ofpolyps before they transform into cancer
is one of the most effective ways to
prevent colon cancer
Dietary fat intake is believed to play a
role based on wide differences in the
cancer patterns in different parts of the
world. For example, the incidence of colon
cancer is much higher in North America
than in China, and the Chinese who migrate
to North America have a higher incidence
of colon cancer. A diet high in fiber
(rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole
grains) and low in fat reduces the risk of
developing colon cancer.
Risk Factors for colon cancer:
family history of colon cancer
history of polyps
people with longstanding chronic
inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative
colitis or Crohn's disease involving the
colon) Familial polyposis coli, a rare
hereditary disease which affects many
members of the same family.
EARLY DETECTION OF COLON CANCER:
1. Early Recognition of Symptoms of colon
cancer: It is important for people to know
and recognize the possible signs of colon
cancer so that early diagnosis is
possible.
A change in bowel habit - e.g. increasing
constipation, or irregular bowel habit
with alternating constipation and diarrhea
is the most common symptom. Consult a
doctor for any unexplained change in the
pattern of bowel action which lasts more
than 2 weeks.
Blood in stool or bleeding from rectum may
be a symptom of bowel cancer and should
not be assumed to be caused by
hemorrhoids, although common. Very small
amounts of blood may not be visible but
can be detected by a stool test for occult
blood. Blood loss over a long period of
time may result in anemia, with symptoms
of paleness and fatigue.
Feeling of incomplete evacuation of the
bowels which is persistent, and associated
with little passage of stools, may suggest
a tumor low in the rectum.
Change in stool caliber (e.g. very narrow
like a pencil).
Crampy abdominal pain or discomfort
Note: symptoms that have been present
unchanged for many years are usually not
the result of cancer.
2. Surveillance for colon cancer:
Detection and removal of very early
cancers or polyps, while symptoms have not
yet appeared, is highly successful in
preventing or curing colon cancer in these
individuals.
People at high risk of developing colon
cancer (see risk factors above) should be
followed by their doctor for annual
check-ups, including colonoscopy or Barium
Enema (for total colon examination) at
regular intervals.
All people 50 years or older with normal
risk can be screened for early detection
of colon cancer by seeing their doctor for
rectal examination and examination of
stools for occult blood (yearly), and
sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.
DIAGNOSTIC EXAMINATION AND TESTS:
A combination of the following
examinations may be used in diagnosing
colon cancer.
1. Rectal Examination
This is done by a physician by inserting a
gloved finger into the rectum, and is a
normal part of a complete physical
examination.
2. Test for Occult Blood in the stool
It is possible to check for the presence
of occult (or hidden) blood in the stool
which is not visible to the eye. Small
samples of stool collected at home are
checked chemically for the presence of
blood, which can be identified in minute
quantities.
A positive test does not mean that cancer
is definitely present (since the test is
not specific for cancer) but that more
precise tests should be done.
3. Sigmoidoscopy
A short, hollow instrument bearing a
light, called a sigmoidoscope, is inserted
into the large intestine from below by the
physician. This allows a careful visual
examination of the interior of the large
intestine up to about 12 inches, and
provides the opportunity for a biopsy to
be taken if necessary. (A biopsy is a
small piece of tissue that can be examined
under a microscope in order to give a
precise diagnosis.)
This test can be done in a doctor's office
without the need for an anesthetic and
with minimal discomfort.
4. Colonoscopy
A long instrument which is flexible with a
special light using fiberoptics can be
inserted from below (similar to a
sigmoidoscopy) to examine the interior of
the large intestine.
This test, which is done by a specially
trained physician, gives the most thorough
examination of the entire colon as well as
the opportunity for biopsies, if
necessary.
5. Barium Enema
This is an X-ray of the large intestine
using a dense substance called Barium to
fill the interior of the entire colon
(given as an enema). Barium gives contrast
to allow abnormalities in the lining of
the bowel to show up on the X-ray.
Treatment for colon cancer, which includes
surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy
(used singly or in combination) are highly
effective and can result in cure if the
cancer is diagnosed before spread has
occurred.
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rcs2003
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 23 Jul 2003 Posts: 19 Location: New Jersey
Coonfused Posted: 08-16-03 09:20am
I alwayz thought colon cnacer was a male
disease. And this morning I think I found
a hemorroid in anal. Can this b colon
cancer pppplllleeeeezzz help me out.
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suki
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Posts: 2
Scared Posted: 08-19-03 12:44pm
I have just read all the info on colon
cancer above, and I have all those
symptoms....Every single one!
I thought I had hemroids and I started
using the cream but nothing is helping.
Im only 17
please help me
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mcollazo
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 2 Location: miami, florida
Posted: 10-30-03 08:30am
Suki
you need to contact your primary physician
and he/she will do a rectal exam, then
will recommend if colonoscopy or
sigmoidoscopy should be performed.
