Colon Cancer
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is cancer that forms in the tissues of the first part of the large intestine. Your large intestine is connected to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other. The colon removes water and some nutrients and electrolytes from partially digested food. The last six to eight inches of the large intestine is the rectum. Sometimes the cancer develops in this area and can be rectal cancer. Other times, theses cancers are referred to together as colorectal cancer. If you’ve been diagnosed with colon cancer, contact New Jersey Cancer Care, PA today to schedule an appointment in Belleville, Montclair, or Roselle.How Common is Colon Cancer?
According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, it is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the U.S. and most often diagnosed in the mid sixties.Am I at Risk for Colon Cancer?
You may be at risk for colon cancer if you have:- A family history of the disease
- Older age
- Inflammatory intestinal conditions
- Lack of regular physical activity
- A diet low in fruit and vegetables
- A low-fiber and high-fat diet
- A diet high in processed meats
- Overweight and obesity
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- African-American race
What are the Warning Signs of Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells that form on the inside of the colon. These are called polyps. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers. It is important to have a regular colonoscopy to look for the warning signs of colon cancer and find polyps before cancer develops. Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. For this reason, New Jersey Cancer Care, PA recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying and removing polyps before they turn into cancer.Importance of Regular Screening
Colon cancer is sometimes called the silent cancer because it may exist before symptoms present. Screening can help look for cancer and if it is found early, it may be easier to treat. If you wait until symptoms appear, the cancer may have spread. Colon cancer can be found with several tests. They have proven very effective in diagnosing colon cancer. Talk with New Jersey Cancer Care, PA to see which test is right for you. If everyone followed colorectal cancer screening guidelines, at least 60 percent of U.S. colorectal cancer deaths could be avoided, according to the American Association for Cancer Research.Types of Colorectal Cancer Screenings
There are a number of screening tests available for colorectal cancers. It is important to talk to a specialist to determine which colorectal screening is right for you. Types of colorectal screenings include:- Stool Tests
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)
Treatment for Colon Cancer
If colon cancer develops, many treatments are available to help control it, including:- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Drug treatments – chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy