Colon cancer
Colon cancer is found in the colon or large intestine and is the most common type of cancer, second only to lung cancer. Certain groups and ethnicities, as well as people living in Western industrialized countries, have a higher risk of colon cancer. On the plus side, colon cancer has a very high cure and survival rate.
Colon cancer is also called colon rectal cancer. The large intestine has two parts: the upper part is the colon and the lower part is the anus or rectum. Colon cancer can spread to both regions, hence the name colon cancer. The large intestine absorbs water and nutrients during the digestion process. On the other hand, the rectum works to remove waste material from the body. The colon has four parts, and cancer can start in any of these parts.
Colon cancer usually begins as a polyp. A polyp is a small tissue growth. This polyp will grow in the colon and if left untreated, it can turn into cancer over time. A specific type of polyp, called an adenoma, is the primary source of colon cancer. It takes an average of 5-10 years for a polyp to grow to about .5 inches in diameter. It takes another 5-10 years to become cancerous.
Although 20 years seems to be enough time to detect and treat cancer development, it is difficult to predict any progress for many years. Thankfully, there are many diagnostic techniques available to successfully detect cancerous growths or polyps. Some common techniques used in the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer are barium enema, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and biopsy. In addition, patients may be screened for any blood or unexplained iron deficiency in the stool to determine whether a polyp or cancer is occurring.
Colon cancer is a widespread disease, and much research is underway to improve survival rates and aid in early diagnosis. There are also many foundations that support colon cancer patients and provide information to people.
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