Colon Cancer

Overview
This particular kind of cancer is the deterioration and loss of function of the Colon due to the outgrowth of malignant tumors within the Colon or large intestine. This disease can cause death since untreated cancer tumors in the Colon area can travel to the other organs and cause additional damage. Once the malignant tumors or cancer cells have invaded other bodily organs -- also termed as metastasis, the disease becomes very hard to treat and will eventually lead to a patient's death. In many countries, this particular cancer is one of the top five causes of deaths in both males and females. Because of this, scientists from around the globe are continuing their research on the most successful treatments for Colon cancer.

Causes
Colon cancer, also medically termed as Colorectal cancer, is caused by many factors.  One is the diet of a certain person because fatty foods can put a person at a higher risk of acquiring Colon cancer. When these fatty foods are metabolized by the body, some of these broken down substances accumulate over time and can create carcinogens -- harmful substances that cause cancer.

The genetic make-up of a person also increases his chances of getting Colon cancer since this disease is hereditary. That means that if a person's parents have histories of Colon cancer or any other type of cancer, his chances of acquiring Colorectal cancer increases. Genetically speaking, parents with Colon cancer syndromes or abnormal chromosomes that can cause polyps to grow within the walls of any organ can pass these hereditary traits to their offsprings. Currently, there are many types of Colon cancer syndromes that can be inherited from parents with defective genes.

Those with Ulcerative colitis or the swelling of the internal lining of the colon are definitely more prone to Colon cancer. This is because abnormal swelling in the large intestine greatly contributes to the outgrowth of cancerous polyps within the colon.

Colon Cancer Symptoms
Unfortunately, the indications of this illness are generic, making it hard for doctors to determine if the patient has Colon cancer or not. People with Colon cancer experience these symptoms -- labored breathing, tiredness, pain in the abdomen area, weakness, bloody stool, a feeling of fullness or bloating, cramps, a decrease in weight, difficulty in bowel movements or constipation, and diarrhea. Since these symptoms are also present in other kinds of diseases of the digestive system such as Peptic Ulcer, Crohn's Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulosis, and Ulcerative Colitis, comprehensive examinations and tests should be administered so as to be diagnosed properly.

Colon Cancer Treatment
Since Colon cancer is caused by malignant tumors, the complete removal of these cancer cells through traditional and laser surgery are typical treatments. To make sure that no cancer cells are left out, some patients with cancerous tumors undergo chemotherapy to completely destroy all of the cancer-causing cells. Other treatment options include drugs that can strengthen the patient's immune system that is responsible for attacking cancer cells and other harmful substances in the human body. For Colon cancer patients wherein the cancer cells have already damaged the nearby organs, chemotherapeutic drugs are injected directly into the affected organ aside from the Colon itself, which is usually the liver.

Currently, there is a method used to treat cancer of the colon that uses a light-sensitive agent in destroying the cancer cells. This method, although experimental, provides new hope for those with Colon cancer.

Prevention
An early diagnosis can help in preventing the onset of this illness. Rectal exams and stool occult blood tests are recommended for those who are 40 years old and above because they have higher risks of acquiring this disease. Removal of harmless polyps within the colon is also a way to successfully prevent the outbreak of Colon cancer. For those who are genetically predisposed to this disease, a fat-free diet is recommended. If fatty foods cannot be avoided, foods rich in fiber can help flush out fatty byproducts and other cancer-causing toxins.