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MAIN
Health
Diseases
Cancer
Colon
Cancer
The second most
common cancer in the U.S. after lung
cancer, colon or colorectal cancer refers to cancerous cells
that develop in the colon or the rectum.
The colon, also
known as the large intestine, and the rectum each are made up of
several layers of tissue.
Most cases of
colorectal cancer begin with the growth of benign, non-cancerous
polyps on the lining of the colon or rectum.
If these polyps
develop into cancer cells (usually, adenocarcinomas) they may spread
to other layers of the colon or rectum, then to nearby blood or
lymph vessels, and from there can mestastasize or travel to other
parts of the body.
Screening for
colorectal cancer includes colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
These tests are are used to detect benign or pre-cancerous polyps
which, once removed, lowers the risk of developing the disease.
More good news? Despite its
prevelance in the over-50 population, colorectal cancer is highly
preventable and easily treatable if discovered early.
Avoiding smoking, fatty
foods and red meat, and increasing physical activity and adding more fresh fruits and
vegetables into your diet have been shown in studies to
lower the risk of colon and other cancers. Foods and nutrients that have
been found to help reduce risk include Omega-3 fatty acids, high
fiber grains, calcium, and folic acid.
For more on
rectal and colon cancer, check out at expert sites with facts on
what to expect if you undergo testing, together with information
on surgery, chemotherapy and related clinical trials, current research
and advocacy news, plus more on diet and nutritional guidelines
to help you lower your risk of colorectal cancer ....
More about
colon cancer around the Web:
Overview
- Colon & Rectum Cancer - American Cancer Society guide
pointing to the most common risk factors including a high fat diet,
smoking, obesity and related causes, information on diagnosis and
treatment, typical surgeries, chemotherapy, side effects, after
care and recurrence, and tips on questions to ask your doctor.
Colorectal
(Colon) Cancer - Information from the Centers for Disease
Control with facts on symptoms and risks, how to reduce risk,
questions to ask your doctor, screening tests, related resources and
statistics.
Colonoscopy
- A step-by-step patient guide with information on what to expect,
how the test is performed, possible complications and side effects.
Colon
Cancer Surgery - Online interactive tutorial with information
on how the digestive system works, colon cancer risk factors, symptoms
& causes, treatments, surgical procedures, other therapies
and after-care. Flash required.
Colorectal
Cancer Coalition - U.S. organization begun by a rectal cancer
survivor with an extenstive patient guide to medical and advocacy
news, where to find related clinical trials, information on risk
factors, colonoscopy and other tests, related treatment, and more
on coping with side effects.
This information
is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.
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