Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as colon or bowel cancer, is a cancer of the large intestine (the colon), or the rectum (the lowest part of the large intestine).If the disease occurs in the colon, it is usually called "colon cancer." When it occurs in the rectum it is called "rectal cancer." The term "colorectal cancer" is sometimes used to describe cancer of either the colon or the rectum. Statistics Not... Read more >

Risk Factors

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is usually caused by a complex combination of factors rather than one single element. Several of these factors, however, appear to increase the likelihood of developing the disease.   Research suggests that most cases of CRC begin as adenomatous polyps. If the polyps are detected early, during screening, the condition can be treated before it becomes cancerous.Some people develop... Read more >

Symptoms

During the early stages, CRC often produces no warning signs. In many cases, symptoms appear only when the cancer is at an advanced stage, or has spread to the lymph nodes or other organs of the body. For this reason routine screening, to detect the condition when it is treatable, is vital.   When symptoms do occur, they may include: Rectal bleeding or bloody stools that tends to be bright red if the... Read more >

Diagnosis

A physician may decide to initiate exploratory tests either because the patient is showing one or more of the symptoms associated with CRC or routine screening has detected the presence of pre-cancerous, benign tumors in the colon, before the patient is experiencing any symptoms.Common Screening and Diagnostic Methods Digital rectal exam (DRE): This straightforward procedure involves the physician inserting a... Read more >

Treatments

Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as colon or bowel cancer, is a cancer that affects the large intestine (the colon) and/or the rectum (the lowest part of the large intestine). If the disease is present in the colon, the cancer is called colon cancer. When it occurs in the rectum, it is called rectal cancer. However, the term "colorectal cancer" is sometimes used to describe cancer of either the colon or the... Read more >

Prevention

A number of medical procedures and lifestyle changes have been shown to reduce the likelihood of developing CRC.Screening for PolypsScreening for the presence of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon is by far the best way to reduce your chances.Consult your physician who can advise you about the various types of routine screening tests available. Current thinking recommends that people at average risk should start... Read more >

Colon Cancer Diet

A healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to prevent colon cancer and many other types of cancer. Exercise moves your body and your bowels, which helps fight colon cancer. Obesity is also a leading cause of colon cancer and numerous other cancers, and a healthy diet and regular exercise will help eliminate excess body fat and help achieve and maintain a lean body.   Past studies and research reveal... Read more >

Exercise Tips

Exercising regularly is one of the most effective ways of preventing colon cancer. Regular exercise keeps the body and bowels moving, meaning less waste product gets absorbed into the system.   Studies and research have shown that regular exercise reduces the risk for colon cancer by approximately 40 percent. In addition, exercise lowers the risk for other conditions that are risk factors for colon cancer... Read more >

Screening

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, causing approximately 30 percent of diagnosed patients to die from the condition each year. However, colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is highly treatable if diagnosed early.     While cancer experts recommend that male patients over 50 be screened for colon cancer each year, those who exhibit risk... Read more >