Colon Cancer

Our colon is or large intestine is the last part of our digestive track. Its work is on disposal of wastes and toxins out from our body. If not given proper attention or care this leads to diseases like chronic ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and colon cancer.

Colon cancer-- It may be so familiar to us to hear these words, you know why? It is because colon cancer is third of the most common cancer in the whole world and second cancer related cause of death in Western countries. The biggest risk factor of this disease is age, hereditary (Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer), our racial or ethnic group, and of course, our diet. If you have a history of colon related disease, this could have a higher risk to have a colon cancer.

The most common symptoms of this disease are sudden change in bowel habit, bloody stools, abdominal pains during the bowel movement, blood in our rectal area, feeling of fatigue, and sudden or unexplained weigh lose. Also, colon cancer is linked to our diet. Nowadays, most of our diets are composed of meats and fatty foods. Many of us indulge on fastfood and junkfoods which makes our colon suffer because these kinds of food are hard to process. Our colon is or large intestine is the last part of our digestive track. It extracts water and salt from solid wastes before they are eliminated from the body. Fibrous food can help the colon on doing its work. Vegetables and fruits are good source of fiber, which helps on regular bowel movement, as a result, helps the colon on waste disposal.

Colon cancer symptoms aren't always obvious, but you can learn what these symptoms look and feel like. It is good to let your physician know when these symptoms happen. Being observant on our health can avoid much risk. If you may notice symptoms of colon cancer in your body, it is a good idea to seek medical advice. Your doctor will advice you to have a colonoscopy. In this process, the doctor will know if the cancer tumor is benign or malignant. Benign tumor can usually be treated. Malignant tumors are cancerous growths and usually scatter and invade.  

Here are some of the colon related diseases (http://wikipedia.com):

    * Angiodysplasia of the colon

    * Chronic functional abdominal pain

    * Colitis

    * Colon cancer

    * Constipation

    * Crohn's disease

    * Diarrhea

    * Diverticulitis

    * Diverticulosis

    * Hirschsprung's disease (aganglionosis)

    * Intussusception

    * Irritable bowel syndrome

    * Paralytic (dynamic) ileus

    * Polyposis (see also colorectal polyp)

    * Pseudomembranous colitis

    * Ulcerative colitis and toxic megacolon

 As far as colon cancer is concerned, early detection of colon cancer gives us a higher chance of survival.