colon cancer, also known as cancer of the colon or rectum is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the United States. It is estimated that this year will be approximately 108 070 new cases of colorectal cancer and 41 000 new cases of rectal cancer in the United States. These cases will result in approximately 49 960 deaths.
The exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, but there are some known factors that can increase your risk of cancer. These are: age, genetics, ethnicity, diet, exercise, smoking and diabetes. Colon cancer is dangerous because it often has no symptoms. The following symptoms, however, may indicate colon cancer: abdominal pain and tenderness, blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, intestinal obstruction, unexplained weight loss, or unexplained anemia
.Due to increased and improved screening techniques Colorectal cancer cases and deaths decreased for about the last 15 years. With proper screening and polyps are usually removed before they become cancerous. Colorectal cancer can also be found in the earlier stages where it is easier to treat.
Colorectal cancer screenings are tests that look for colorectal cancer in patients who have no symptoms. These tests can detect colorectal cancer at early stages that dramatically increase the chances for successful treatment. Some projections are also able to detect polyps in the colon that may become cancerous. The two most common types of tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy (flex-sig) and colonoscopy. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a flexible, lighted tube that is about 0.5 cm thick. tube is about 2 feet long and when inserted rectally to a doctor to examine the lower half of colon cancer or polyps. If polyps or adenoma of colon cancer is colonoscopy you'll need to check the rest of the colon. In the longer version of the sigmoidoscope Colonoscopy is used as it enables the doctor to check the entire colon for cancer or polyps. With the test or if polyps are found they can be removed during the test.
Many treatment choices are available for colon cancer. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other targeted therapies using monoclonal antibodies. Different therapies may also be combined depending on the stage of cancer.
