It is very important for you to know that aging is the single most important risk factor that has been found to be associated with cancer. Colon cancer is one of the most common of all those cancer found to be associated with old age. The issue with the old age is that majority of the affected individual tend to develop chronic illness.
Causes and risk factors
Aging: is the most important cause
Alcohol: this has been found to increase the risk
Diabetes: Insulin dependent types have been considered to be an important risk factor. Research shows that up to 40 per cent of such patients are likely to develop the condition
Diet: food containing high fat and cholesterol
Environment
Genetics
Gender: colon cancer found to be common in men
Disease such as inflammatory bowel disease, adenomatous polyposis syndromes, ulcerative colitis or chron colitis.
Prevention and detection
Detection of this cancer is done when a patient presents with rectal bleeding and some forms of changes with the patient’s bowel movements. The patient is then made to undergo some clinical examination and investigations to diagnose the cancer. Digital rectal exam is one of the fastest and quick screening methods to be sure that the bleeding is actually coming from the patient’s rectum.
Other test for examination of the colon is the colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy is another form of investigation that is similar to the colonoscopy to examine the colon.
Air contrast barium enema with x-ray is also used to reveal the state of the colon on the radiographs. CT scan can also be conducted for diagnosis.
How the cancer affects the body
The cancer could result in some form of psychological issues because of the bleeding. However, this should not be allowed to occur so as not to complicate the present state. The bleeding could result in iron deficiency anaemia or shortage of blood in the body. There is also some form of fatigue. Abdominal pain and distension characterised the condition and it usually occur when there is perforation and leaking of content of colon into the pelvis. Other effects include: nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and rectal pain.
Treatment options
The main treatment options include; surgery (this is the primary treatment options), chemotherapy and radiotherapy are then instituted after surgery to eliminate recurrence.
Support group
Colon Cancer Alliance is a major support group for patients with colon cancer. They provide different helps in terms of friends and family support and financial contribution to help the affected individual.
The contact address is Address
1025 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 1066
Washington, DC 20005
