Colorectal Cancer - Helpful information
Colorectal cancer is also more commonly called colon and bowel cancers. This is when cancerous growths form in the colon, rectum and appendix. It is the third most national common form of the disease and is the second leading cause of death among cancerous diseases in the western part of the world. Researchers believe that colorectal cancer is thought to come from adenomatous polyps that are in the colon. Although these growths are usually benign, they may possibly develop into colorectal cancer over time. This disease can be detected by having a colonoscopy performed. Read more on this page on this site.
Symptoms of this disease include a change in bowel habits, change in consistency of stools, blood in stools, anemia, unexplained weight loss, hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver), pain in the area of the liver and jaundice. It is also possible that colorectal cancer may not produce any symptoms at all.
Some risk factors that are associated with colorectal cancer are polyps of the colon. That is why it is important to have these removed. The age of someone also plays a part. Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in the 60’s and 70’s. Also, if there is a history of the disease. Individuals who have been previously diagnosed and treated or women who have had cancers of the ovary, uterus or breast are also at a higher risk. Of course, heredity plays a huge part. Diet is also considered to be a factor. Those who have a diet high in red meat and low in fresh fruit, vegetables, poultry and fish have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
This disease may take years to develop this is why early detection great improves the chances of curing it. This is why clinical screening for the disease is extremely important. Different tests that are available in privacy to identify and search for colorectal cancer include a digital rectal exam (DRE), fecal occult blood test (FOBT), endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, double contract barium enema (DCBE), virtual colonoscopy, standard computed axial tomography, blood tests, and positron emission tomography. For more information on these tests, it’s best to contact your doctor to see which one is best for you. You can do that right from your home.
Treatment all depends on the stage of the colorectal cancer. Surgical treatment is by far the most likely to result in a cure, especially if the tumor is localized. Chemo is used to reduce the chance of metastasis developing, to shrink the tumor or slow tumor growth. Radiation therapy is usually used to kill the tumor tissue before or after surgery.