Most individuals develop colon cancer rather slowly, over several years. The first stage of development occurs when a mass of tissues, tumors or polyps (a cluster of benign tumors) grow within the colon walls. Polyp type cancers can grow into the wall of the colon, invade nearby lymph nodes and spread to other organs in the body. This is called “metastatic colon cancer” because of its mobility. In some cases, the lining of the colon may be irregular and inflamed, which may also lead to cancer. To prevent colon cancer, regular testing is vital after the age of 50.
Before talking about colon cancer prevention, let’s talk a little about what colon cancer is, exactly. Both the colon and rectum are part of the digestive system. The first part of the digestive system, which is the esophagus and stomach, breaks down food to be processed into energy. Next, the broken down food travels to the small intestine/bowel, which is a narrow, 20-foot section that continues breaking down food and absorbing most of the nutrients. The small intestine then sends the remaining material to the five-foot-long colon (which is also referred to as “the large intestine”), where it absorbs salt and water and stores waste. The first part of the colon is the ascending colon, which is attached to the small intestine and the appendix on the right side of the abdomen. The transverse colon runs from the right to the left side of the upper abdomen. The descending colon travels downward on the left side and the sigmoid colon is an S-shaped portion that passes food matter down to the rectum, the final six inches of the digestive system, which will pass food out of the body through the anus. No one is really sure what exactly causes a colon cancer cell to develop in the first place, or why some experience a colon cancer recurrence, but research suggests a variety of lifestyle, hereditary and environmental factors are at play.
It may be impossible to completely prevent Colon cancer, but the American Cancer Society says that catching colon cancer symptoms early through screening tests is the key. Regular colon cancer screening should begin at age 50 for most people, unless they’re in a high risk category. Each year, individuals should get a fecal occult blood test, which is done by submitting a stool sample. A stool DNA test may also be done at that same time, since it also uses a stool sample to gather results. Then, every five years, patients should get a flexible sigmoidoscopy, which involves a long, flexible tube that checks the last few feet of the colon for colon polyps, and a double-contrast barium enema that uses an x-ray and dye to check the upper portion of the colon. A virtual colonoscopy using a CT scan machine should also be done every 5 years. A colonoscopy procedure involves the insertion of a long, flexible tube, light and camera to view the entire colon and should then be done every 10 years, or every 5 years if any irregularities have been found during the other screenings.
Lifestyle habits play a major role in one’s ability to prevent colon cancer. A 2007 World Cancer Research Fund report indicated there was “overwhelming evidence” linking obesity, exercise and diet to colon cancer. Researchers found that a high intake of red and processed meats, smoking, obesity and diabetes were all linked to a 20% increased risk of colorectal cancer. Moreover, those who exercised consistently had a 20% lower risk of the disease. People who drank a drink per day or more had a 60% increased risk of colorectal cancer as well. The overall message was that the best colon cancer prevention is by modifying inappropriate behaviors today.
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