What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is the term commonly used to describe colo-rectal cancer (aka. - Bowel Cancer). It is the second most common cause of cancer death in the US, causing approx. 57,000 deaths every year. It is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States in both males and females. It is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of all cancer.

Colon cancer can become fatal if the cancer has spread through the lymphatic system or the bloodstream to other areas of the body. Colon cancer has become known as "the silent killer", since quite often symptoms do not seem to show up until after the cancer has far spread. Colon cancer is now the top cancer-killer in people who do not smoke cigerettes.

If the colon cancer has advanced enough to change your bowel habits, the chance of recovery becomes much more slim. Even though the cause of colon cancer is widely unknown, there is some evidence suggeting that the majority of these cancers start from benign intestinal tumors.

Treatment

Treatment for colon cancer may depend on the particular stage of the cancer. Treatment may include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy (alone indivisually or perhaps as a combo). If the cancer has been discovered in its earlier stages, these treatment options are very effective in resulting in a cure. Treatment given after urgery, to increase the chances of a positivecure, is called "adjuvant therapy".

For individuals with stage IV disease which has spread to the liver, several treatments directed specifically at the liver can be utilyzed. There are basically 3 standard treatments for colon cancer. These are surgery, chemotherapy, as well as radiation therapy. Early discovery of the disease is very important, as early treatment improves the chance of a total cure.

A licensed medical doctor should be consulted for the diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition. Colon and rectal surgeons are experts in the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of colon and rectal issues.