Colon Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. In 2015, nearly 100k people will be diagnosed with it, and the average rate of diagnosis means that roughly one in twenty people may have to deal with it at some point in their lifetime.

Sadly, it is the second most common cause for cancer related death in the U.S., but the good news is that colon cancer death rates are declining sharply over time. This is due to several important reasons:

• Awareness has spread and people are pursuing health screenings more than ever.
• Technology makes it easier to catch colon cancer in the polyp (most treatable) stages.
• Treatments for all levels of colon cancer have radically improved and there are more than one million survivors in the U.S. alone.

(Cancer.org)

What exactly is colon cancer? It is a cancer that develops in the large intestine and often also spreads to the rectum (rectal cancer and colorectal cancer are common). For the most part, the disease begins as small and benign polyps, and these can often be safely removed if caught early. However, if they are not detected or removed they can turn cancerous.

Unfortunately, polyps and later developments of colon cancer do not have many obvious signs. Symptoms can be mild enough that a patient fails to even detect them for a long period of time. The most frequent indicators are:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
• Ongoing cramps or pain in the abdomen
• Fatigue or weakness
• Weight loss
• A feeling that the bowel is not emptying

Symptoms, as indicated, may not appear at all. Additionally, the location of the cancer and the size of the growth(s) may also affect detection and/or symptoms.

Fortunately, cancer screening is now commonplace as part of annual health checks, particularly in those over 50. Also, because it is a disease known to “run in families” screenings are done on those of any age who are at risk for developing the condition.

What causes it? Like many forms of cancer, the causes for colorectal cancers remain unclear. Unhealthy cell division is what leads to full-blown cancer, but why the cells malfunction is a mystery.

A family history of it puts someone in the risk group for developing colorectal cancer. However, there are also the following risk factors as well:

• Age – Those over 50 are far more likely to develop it than younger people.
• Race – African-Americans are known to experience this form of cancer more often than other races.
• Intestinal issues – People with inflammatory intestinal conditions (Crohn’s disease, colitis, etc.) are more likely to develop cancers than those without them.
• Polyps – Those with a history of developing polyps are at higher risk for colorectal cancer.
• Exposure to radiation therapies – People treated for other cancers with radiation may be at greater risk.
• Sedentary lifestyle – Those who are inactive have shown higher rates of cancer than active people.
• Poor diet – Low fiber and high fat diets directly correlate to the development of colorectal cancers.
• Obesity – Those who are overweight show higher instances of developing colorectal cancers.
• Diabetes – Insulin resistance and diabetes are now seen as contributing factors or risks.
• Smokers – Those who smoke daily are at greater risk for many types of cancer.

Naturally, you may never develop cancer even if you meet many of the risk factors above. Screenings and health checks are the best tools to combat this serious disease, and you should speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Source

Cancer.org. What are the key statistics about colorectal cancer. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/detailedguide/colorectal-cancer-key-statistics