Colon Cancer Facts

Colon cancer is the 3rd commonest reason for cancer for males and the 4th commonest cause of cancer for females. Cancer of the colon and rectum, also called colorectal cancer, is most common amongst those who follow a western type of diet than amongst folks in Asia or Africa who eat an eastern diet.

The colon is the lower portion of the gastrointestinal system used to process waste matter*. At the end of the colon is the rectum from which waste products are passed away from the body. This lengthy pipe is the large intestine. Polyps may attack to the walls of the gut without making any problems. They are frequently found during a colonoscopy and might be removed during that process. A good deal of the time polyps are harmless, and not malignant.

Polyps that are not removed from the large intestine can become cancerous if unnoticed for long enough. Malignant tumors could also cause harm to close organs or tissues. When the cancer spreads to other areas, this is called metastasis. When the cancer isn't found early and metastasis takes place, there's no chance for cure.

Colorectal cancer is thought to be mainly linked to family history and diet. Certain people appear to be more disposed to get this cancer than other people, even with all diet and life style ingredients being the same. Those that eat a high fat diet have a larger risk of colorectal cancer than those that eat a well balanced diet which is low in fat. The new findings which identified trans fatty acids in numerous foods in groceries and restaurants, indicates the risks concealed in most common foods. Neither cancer nor obesity are common amongst those who eat fresh veggies, high fibre foods, whole grains and low fat meats or fish.

People who have a history of ulcerative colitis should be closely monitored for colon cancer. With this prolonged condition, growth of colon polyps may increase because of cell damage. The benign polyps can "acquire" or derive data from chromosomes of damaged cells in the colon that result in cancer. After having from ulcerative colitis for 10 years or longer, the risk of colon cancer dramatically increases.

A recognised hereditary link for colon cancer exists between 1st degree natural family members of people who have colon cancer. If there's a family history of colon cancer, the chance of getting it is 3 times greater than the risk for the population as a whole. Do not be complacent however. Just 20% of colorectal cancer occurs amongst persons who have family history of this disease. The majority of colon cancers, four out of five in fact, affect those without familial association to the disease.

Colon cancer is a soundless cause of death, frequently having zero identifiable symptoms till it is too late. Early detection with a colonoscopy represents the most dependable means of identifying and treating possible cancer risks. There's no benefit to holding off till old age to check for risks. Colon polyps commonly begin during teenage years and might evolve into cancer by age forty to fifty.
General health advice is for a colonoscopy before age fifty and if all is ok, repeat the tests at 10 yr intervals.