Colon cancer - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Care

Colon cancer is also known by many as the colon and rectum. This is a common type of cancer develops slowly, with more than 34,000 people are diagnosed each year in the United Kingdom. Over 80% of people diagnosed with colon cancer are over 60 years. Symptoms of the disease may include changes in bowel habits, constant diarrhea or constipation, blood or mucus in the feces of the loss, fatigue and weight or a pain or lump in the abdomen.

The exact cause of the> Cancer remains unknown, but there are several factors that make people most at risk. Research suggests that diet may be a factor, while those with a diet rich in animal fat and protein and low in fiber have a higher risk of developing bowel cancer. Even those who have a high consumption of alcohol may be at risk higher. People with a history of colon cancer in the family may have a slightly higher risk of developing the disease, but only 5-10% of patients have familywith the same disease.

If you think you have symptoms of this type of cancer you should see your doctor immediately early diagnosis and treatment are important for disease control. The doctor will perform a physical exam and referral to a specialist hospital if they think that a tumor may be present.

There are three tests that can be carried out by hospital specialists to diagnose cancer;

Barium enema is a special x-raythe large intestine, where the past is a mixture of barium and air through the passage again in the intestine, the doctor can observe the transit of barium through the bowel X-ray screen and abnormal areas can be seen .

Proctoscopy / sigmoidoscopy is where air is pumped into the colon and then a tube with a tiny light and camera is passed into the intestine by the abnormal cells can be seen. This test can be uncomfortable but not painful.

Colonoscopies are done when your doctordoes the entire length of the intestine, the intestine must be empty and a colonoscope is inserted into the intestine. It is a long flexible tube with a light and camera on the end to help show abnormal areas or swelling. In the test images and samples of cells in the colon can be taken. A sedative is usually given to make the procedure more comfortable.

Treatment depends on the stage and location of the tumor. Colon cancer that affects theand those involving the rectum are treated in different ways. Patients with early stage cancer contained within the intestinal wall can be completely cured with surgery. If the tumor has spread through the bowel wall muscle and lymph nodes is the possibility that the cancer can come back so that chemotherapy is often done with surgery. People with rectal cancer radiation therapy can also be given before or after surgery.

With advancedstage bowel cancer, where cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as the abdomen, liver and lungs, is generally not possible to cure completely, but the treatment you will be able to control for a long time, reducing the symptoms and give a good quality of life.