COLON (large intestine) cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, is the No. 1 cause of cancer death for men in this country. For women, it ranks third.
The large intestine is about 5ft long, and it is followed by a 5.5-inch rectum ending with the anus.
While there is a strong link between people possessing the gene TGFBR1 and colon cancer, those suffering from diabetes or are pre-diabetics are also at risk.
Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms at all until the cancer is in its advanced stage.
Bloody stool is its most common symptom. As the tumours grow, they can bleed during the passage of faeces through the colon. It is common for blood to be hidden in the stool unless bleeding is near the rectum. So detection is not always easy.
If the tumour grows large enough to block the passageway of the large intestine, swelling and pain of the abdomen can occur.
Patients may suffer unexpected weight loss caused by loss of appetite. Constipation, diarrhoea or painful bowel movements may also happen.
Causes of colon cancer include genetic predisposition and dietary/lifestyle habits. Regular cigarette smoking promotes the development and growth of polyps in the colon, especially those that are more likely to progress into colon cancer.
Although more sophisticated diagnostic methods are available, colonoscopy and blood markers are the most common tests used in preventive medicine.
Removing polyps in the colon and rectum through colonoscopic polypectomy can result in a lower incidence of colorectal cancer.
Dietary habits
According to US National Institute of Cancer, up to 40% of cancer patients die not from their cancers but from malnutrition resulting from this systemic metabolic disorder.
The Bee Gees' Robin Gibb, 62, has awoken from the coma he fell into last week, and his doctor now says the singer is battling colorectal cancer, according to news reports.
USA Today reported that Gibb underwent two operations, in addition to chemotherapy treatments, for his advanced colorectal cancer.
According to Rolling Stone, the aggressive treatments led to brain swelling as a result of liver failure. Gibb also developed pneumonia because his body was so weak; he lost consciousness last week.
No comments:
Post a Comment