Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
Colorectal Cancer is also known as “Colon Cancer”. It is a disease that occurs in the large intestine. It is one of the most known and leading cause of death among women.
Since technology has their advances in different techniques in treatment. The number of death from this disease becomes lesser. Cancer may begin as a clump of cells. This condition called as “Adenomatous Polyps”.
The polyps can be both noncancerous and malignant. When it begins like a small ball this is not noncancerous. But if it grows, it can spread and damage other parts of your body. It can lead to serious and life-threatening.
What Causes COLORECTAL CANCER (Colon Cancer)?
Having this condition is not clear on what’s the main cause of cancer. Based on doctor’s it occurs when the cells have an error in the DNA.
The cells can divide in order to keep the normal function of our body. But if the DNA cell is damage, the cells keep on dividing. The newly developed cell forms a tumor.
Factors that causes cancer includes:
- Inherited Gene Mutation
- Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC)
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer doesn’t have any cause of symptoms at the beginning. But if the symptoms occur, you may experience the following:
- Changes in Bowel Movement
- Abdominal Cramps
- Rapid Weight Loss
- Blood in the Stool
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Red Blood from the Rectum
- Bloating
- Unexplained iron deficiency in Men and Women after Menopause
- Feeling Full even not eating
- A feeling that your bowel does not empty properly. After a bowel movement
RISK FACTOR
The listed below are factors that can increase your risk of getting the disease.
- Older Age
- Family History
- Personal History of Colon Cancer
- A Genetic Syndrome (HNPCC, FAP)
- A Sedentary Lifestyle
- Diabetes
- African-American Race
- An overweight person
- Smoker
- An Alcoholic
- Lack of Physical Activity
- A diet low in Fiber
- Having a Breast & Uterine Cancer
- Having Irritable Bowel Disease
PREVENTION
The following are tips to reduce your risk from getting the disease.
- Get regular screenings for colon cancer.
- Change your Lifestyle to reduce your risk.
- Eat the right kind of food with Nutrition.
- Drink Moderately. If you choose to drink alcohol.
- Exercise Regularly.
- Avoid Smoking.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight.
Treating Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
The treatment will vary depending upon the location and stage of your cancer.
The (3) main treatment options are:
- SURGERY
Treatment in Surgery includes:
- Removing polyps during a Colonoscopy
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Surgery for Invasive Cancer:
- Partial Colectomy
- Surgery to create a way for waste tissues
- Removal of Lymph Node
- CHEMOTHERAPY
- RADIATION THERAPY
Other Therapy Includes:
- Immunotherapy
- Ablation
- Supportive (Palliative) Care
Medication Used for Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)
The listed below are some medications used to help in treating your cancer.
- Avastin (Bevacizumab)
- Cyramza (Ramucirumab)
- Erbitux (Cetuximab)
- Stivarga (Regorafenib)
- Vectibix (Panitumumab)
- Zaltrap (Ziv-aflibercept)