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Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a disease in which cancerous [malignant] cells form in the tissues of the colon, which is the lower part of our digestive system, commonly referred to as the GI [gastrointestinal] system. This system removes and processes nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins and water, from foods and helps pass waste material out of the body.

Our digestive system is made up of the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The first six feet of the large intestine are called the large bowel or colon; the last six inches are the rectum and the anal canal, which ends at the anus.
Our age and health history can affect the risk of developing cancer of the colon. There are multiple risk factors that may contribute to the development of this malignant disease. These factors are: age fifty or older, family or personal history of cancer of the digestive system, as well as of ovaries, uterus or breasts, plus ulcerative colitis, the presence of polyps, Crohn's disease.

Symptoms and signs that may accompany intestinal cancer are a change in bowel habits, blood [bright red blood or very dark] in the stools, diarrhea, constipation, feeling that the bowel does not empty completely, etc.
Also, stools that are narrower than usual, frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness or cramps.
Weight loss for no known reason, feeling very tired, vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms may go together with advanced stages of this disease.
Tests that examine the rectum, rectal tissue and blood are used to detect and diagnose colon cancer: physical exams and history, general signs of health, looking for signs such as lumps or anything else that seem unusual. A history of the patient's health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
Fecal occult blood test is a test designed to check stools for blood that can only be seen with a microscope. Small samples of stool are placed on special cards and returned to the doctor or laboratory for testing.

Digital rectal exam; the doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for lumps or anything else that seems unusual. Barium enemas are a series of x-rays [lower GI series] of the lower gastrointestinal tract taken after a liquid that contains barium is introduced into the rectum; this substance coats the lower gastrointestinal tract and x-rays are taken.

A 'sigmoidoscopy' is a procedure applied to look inside the rectum and sigmoid colon for polyps, abnormal

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