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Facts on Colon Cancer
Before we explain basic facts on colon cancer, it is important to know what cancer is.
There are always small numbers of cancer cells in our bodies. The body has systems in place to prevent them from growing beyond a specific limit. But when these controlling systems do not work properly, cancer cells start growing abnormally. Eventually this unrestricted growth leads to the formation of tumors.
The cells in your body divide and multiply. One cell divides into two or more cells, called daughter cells. Your body experiences about 10,000 trillion cell divisions in a lifetime. But after 52 divisions in each specific cell, the process of division and multiplication stops. Cancer cells however do not stop dividing and multiply indefinitely.
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestines. This includes the colon, rectum and appendix. When colon cancer occurs in the last six inches of the large intestines, it is called rectal cancer. Colon cancer is also known as colorectal cancer.
A lot of people want to know about the facts on colon cancer. This is due to the high incidence of colon cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that nearly 112,000 cases of colon cancer and 41,000 cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed annually.
The Beginning
- Colon cancer usually begins as small non-cancerous polyps. Polyps are small mushroom-like growths that are clumps of cells. Some of these polyps develop into cancer with passage of time.
- Polyps are small structures and do not produce any significant symptoms.
- Colon cancer prevention is possible through regular screening. This helps in identifying polyps before they develop into cancerous growths.
Early Signs
Many people do not experience any symptoms in early stages.
Early signs, if any, include:
- Changes in bowel habits
- Blood in stools
- Continuous cramping
- Abdominal pain
- Gas
Who is at Risk
- Most people diagnosed with colon cancer are 50 or older.
- People with a long history of inflammation of the colon are at risk.
- Colon cancer may run through generations of families. But only 5% of cases are due to inherited causes.
- Diet that is low in fiber and high in fats and calories is considered a risk factor. The diet of developing countries is less prone to lead to colon cancer.
- People suffering from diabetes.
- Unhealthy lifestyles. One of the major causes of colon cancer is smoking. In addition, inactive individuals and those who drink too much alcohol are more likely to develop colon cancer.
- Those who have undergone radiation therapy to treat other cancers, especially directed at the abdomen, are at risk.
When to Consult a Doctor
- If you have any early symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
- Keep in mind that colon cancer can occur at any age.
- If you are in a high risk category, be sure to get screenings done regularly.
- Screening is recommended after 50 years of age. If there is a family history of colon cancer, the doctor may advise earlier screening.
The facts on colon cancer should help in having a better understanding of colon cancer prevention. Colon cancer is treatable if diagnosed in its early stages. It can also be prevented if we make dietary modifications. The sad part is that we tend to ignore our health due to the fast lifestyles that we have adopted.
Take good care of your health. Eat healthy foods, exercise regularly and most importantly, stop smoking. If you do get colon cancer, do not lose heart or give up. The illness can usually be managed to ensure a healthy life.
Protect Yourself From the High Cost of Cancer
According to the recent studies, American men have a 44% chance of developing cancer while the chances for women are about 37%. The general risk of developing colon cancer in the United States is about 6%. For this reason, it's important for everyone, particularly people above the age of 50 years, to go for routine screening.
Whether discovered early or late, cancer is a debilitating disease due to the care, costs and the mental and physical trauma involved. Many times the cost of treatment leaves the patient in heavy financial distress.
Most insurance plans do not cover the total cost of the treatment, which leaves the patient and their family in a lurch. These days people have started purchasing affordable supplemental cancer insurance that can help in covering otherwise uninsured expenses related to cancer illness. If you would like to learn more about supplemental cancer insurance you can click here.
Related pages:
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