Symptoms of the Colorectal Colon Cancer and the Hemoccult Test

Colorectal cancer - cancer of the colon or the rectum is the second most common cancer in America. It is one of the deadliest of cancers and accounts for 20% of all the cancer deaths. As much as 50% of those who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer will eventually die as per the latest medical statistics. One main reason for such a high mortality is due to the fact that the majority of colorectal cancer cases are detected at a very late stage. If detected early the mortality due this disease is entirely preventable.

One early symptom of this type of cancer is traces of blood on the surface of or mixed in the stools. This can be easily detected with laboratory testing if not visually clear. In some cases there may be pain or tenderness in the abdomen. But in most cases there will be no symptoms of colorectal cancer until the tumor grows big enough to cause obstruction or rupture of the intestine. At this stage aggressive form of treatment like surgery have to be resorted to.

In order to detect colorectal cancer early many doctors advise Hemoccult test. In this test sample of the stool is applied to a card and to which a solution of plant gum is added. The presence of hemoglobin is detected by the color change. Hemoccult test is most reliable and a simple non invasive test to detect colorectal cancer. Sometimes this test may yield false positive result if the person had recently consumed fresh fruits, vegetables, iron tablets, red meat, aspirin or vitamin c supplements. Moreover even if blood traces are found it does not always mean that the person has colorectal cancer. In fact Nation Cancer Institute states that less than 10% all positive finding with this type of test actually indicated colorectal cancer. A positive finding with the hemoccult test warrants further investigation with tests like sigmoidoscopy.

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Prevent Colon Cancer With 5 Easy Ways

Research studies are now going on how best to prevent colon cancer as more and more people are diagnosed with this condition today. It is found that colon cancer usually starts in the large intestine, also known as colon, or the rectum. Colon cancer then develops from dead cells that have been accumulated in a lump over a period of time. The risk to getting colon cancer increases if you have a genetic medical background of parents or close relatives who have been diagnosed with colon cancer. Research also showed that that colon cancer is aggravated by unhealthy diets such as ready meals and fast food.

Hence, it is vital that you seek the advice of your doctor should you feel the discomfort of colon cancer symptoms. The symptoms to look out for include unhealthy bowel occurrence such as diarrhea, constipation or bowel infection, severe pain in abdomen, blood in the stools, narrow stools, anemia, intestinal obstruction and drastic loss of weight.

Prevention is still better than cure. So you really should consider the following 5 ways on how best to prevent colon cancer:

1. Adopt healthy habits. Colon cancer usually develops over a length of period before it actually shows. Hence you should not wait till you notice the symptoms of colon cancer before starting to adopt healthy habits. Eat healthy meals, exercise and have an adequate amount of sleep.

If your diet contains too much high fat and red meats with little fiber, you are definitely at a high risk of developing colon cancer. Fat accumulates on the walls of the intestine and rectum, forming lumps of dead cells. You should therefore adopt a balanced natural diet which includes lots of green vegetables, fruits and water.

Exercise helps by flushing out harmful toxins and waste matter which if left accumulated in your body can cause cancerous growth.

2. Know your family medical history. It appears that colon cancer is a genetic disease that is hereditary. As such, if you belong to the high risk category due to your family history, then you should take extra precautions by leading a healthy lifestyle.

3. Stop smoking. Chain smoking increases your chance to developing colon cancer. Inhaling tobacco can easily transfer carcinogen (a cancer agent) to your colon and rectum, thus resulting in colon cancer. Hence, do not hesitate to find ways to quit smoking.

4. Reduce exposure to radiation. Excessive exposure to radiation has been found to cause colon cancer. Radiation rays are harmful and can render healthy normal cells abnormal. By all means, avoid unnecessary X-rays, CT scans, mammograms so that you can best prevent colon cancer.

5. If you observe that you are experiencing symptoms like skin allergies, weak immune system, poor movement of bowels, bloating, etc, then it may be that you have too much toxins in your body. Consider colon cleansing as a way of detoxification. There are a couple of ways to perform colon cleansing. These include consuming herbs for colon cleansing and colon hydrotherapy.

Sandra Kim Leong shares about the importance of colon cleansing. Aside from tips on colon cleansing, she also writes on detox cleansing, detox diets and liver cleansing. For free articles and tips, please visit http://www.detox-cleansing.net

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Apparent Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer - Be Watchful!

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer are visible during the late years. Those who are experiencing these symptoms should immediately consult a doctor for proper diagnosis. Ignoring such signs and symptoms and without the immediate and proper diagnosis, the appropriate management for the illness can not be started in due time and there are possibilities that these might lead to complications or metastasis.

According to updates in studies and discoveries, the numbers of victims rises rapidly for the past 30 years. Records showed that most of those afflicted sufferers were in the age range of 30-50 years old. The most visible causes of this threat were addictive smoking, aging, family history, unbalanced diet, and some problems such as history of polyps in the body.

The onset of the signs and symptoms of this illness usually appears as early as in mid-thirties of age and can be noted also on later years. In most cases, a tumor can grow for years before you see any signs of colon cancer, therefore, it is best to have regular screenings or check-up rather than taking for granted the possible signs and symptoms of the ailment. Finding out and knowing what is wrong could be scary but this helps a lot in making right decisions.

You must take into considerations the different irregularities of your body processes because it may be the signs that you might be having an illness such as cancer.

The following are the most apparent signs of colon cancer

• thin stools/loosely formed
• stomach cramps/pain
• blood-stained feces
• unexplained weight loss
• feeling tired easily
• feeling like you have to "go" when you don't/urges in defecating

Colon cancer screening is vitally important in preventing it, although it can be uncomfortable. This is because in the early stages, people with such illness (colon cancer), typically have no symptoms at all and the cancer cells has spread beyond the colon, by the time a person learned of his/her ailment, treatment can be difficult and often impossible to cure.

Colon cancer screening is the single most important step you can take to reduce your risk. Routine screening identifies growths in the colon that may turn into cancer if they aren't removed. These growths, referred to as polyps or adenomas, are precursors to the disease. This means they show up in the colon years before it develops; they serve as a sort of "early warning" system. It is very rare that it occurs without first appearing as a polyp or adenoma.

This pathway-from a single pre-cancerous cell in the colon, to a visible polyp or adenoma, to colon cancer itself-is what makes screening so effective for this disease. The time between pre-cancer and cancer give doctors plenty of time to find, and most important, to treat and to remove these growths before they eventually become malignant growth (cancer). Therefore, screening must be done as early as possible to detect cells which would later on be malignant.

Educating oneself on the issues of colon cancer will be a great help for us to be aware of its signs/symptoms/diagnosis/treatment or management and the best is knowing measures on its preventions such as eating proper diet, enough rest, healthy lifestyle and clean living.

Learn more about the symptoms of colon cancer and colon cancer treatments.

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Colorectal Cancer Symptoms - How to Identify Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

If you know a thing or two about colorectal cancer or colon cancer in short, the colorectal cancer symptoms often do not show up during its early stages. They often happen or show up later making it complicated to treat. Most people do not feel much pain during the earliest stages and often ignore the common signs that could signal something more serious. It pays to know more about the common colorectal cancer symptoms so that you can better protect your health and your family's well-being.


Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

1. Pain or Discomfort in the Stomach

2. Blood in Stool or Discolored/Black Stool

3. Change in Bowel Habits and Frequency. You may be going to the washroom more often and feeling that your bowels are still not emptied totally.

4. Weariness or Fatigue

5. Acute or Noticeable Weight Loss

Colorectal cancer symptoms often show up in the later stages and may affect the victim in different ways. It really depends on where the cancer appears and how big it is.

If it appears on the cecum and ascending colon, which is the first and second portion of the colon on the right side of your abdomen, then common colorectal cancer symptoms could include bleeding in this area, blood in stool, anemia, fatigue etc. The danger of the cancer appearing here is that the amount of blood is so little that your stool may look normal. If the colon cancer appears on the third part, transverse colon, it could cause abdominal cramps or what we call stomach cramps in laymen terms.

The fourth part or S-shaped colon and the fifth part form the descending part of the colon. Cancer here can cause the stools to be smaller and thinner. The appearance of blood is more prominent and obvious.

That said, having such symptoms are not a sure thing that you are suffering from cancer. There are many reasons why such colorectal cancer symptoms look-alike appears. It could simply mean that you re suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea causing infections, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease, bleeding hemorrhoids and rectum ulcers.

Protect yourself and your family from the attacks of colon cancer. Discover more detailed colon cancer prevention and treatment tips to understand colorectal cancer.

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7 Major Symptoms of Colon Cancer Demystified

The symptoms of colon cancer are not necessarily present in the initial stage of the problem. Most of the times they do not appear or are hard to detect until the problem reach to an advanced stage.

However, it is always better to know about those which can be detected. Mentioned below are some known symptoms of colon cancer. In case if any of the mentioned symptoms is present for more than a week, do seek advice of your physician about the screening for colon cancer.
Change in Bowel Habits

Tumor in the bowel brings an observed change in the habits like defecating. With the growth of tumor, you may feel the need of defecating less often and the large size of tumor will lead to constipation.

The only way to know this is to get regular screening done instead of waiting for the symptoms to appear on the surface.

Thinned Stool

The presence of tumor causes obstruction and with the growth of obstruction there is reduction in the space around. In case the tumor is present at the side of the colon tube passage, it may result into the narrowing of the stool.
Cramping or Bloating in the Stomach

Another symptom in the list of colon cancer symptoms is bloating or cramping in the stomach. Boating may be due to a bowel obstruction while cramping may be the result of constipation or diarrhea. In the advanced stages of colon cancer, tumor perforating i.e. poking through near the wall of the bowel, can lead to extreme abdominal cramping.
Blood in the Stool

There may be blood in the stool which is due to the bleeding of the tumor. Nevertheless, if the tumor is present in the right colon, it is very much possible that the blood will dry up before the faeces are removed from the body. But if it is towards the left or in the rectum, it may remain fresh and thus will appear bright red.
Inexplicable Weight Loss

If you are losing weight without making any deliberate efforts, it is really something to ponder over. Often one has weight loss due to the fact that something wrong is going in the body. However, in colorectal cancer, unexplained loss in weight is one of the colon cancer symptoms and it indicates that the bowel is being blocked at some place, along the passage, by a tumor.
Exhaustion and Feelings of Fatigue

You are having proper sleep but still feel exhausted. There may be more than one reason and work load may not be the obvious one. The first possibility is that it may be due to anemia which takes place if the red blood cells are not able to carry sufficient oxygen as much they are required to. Consequently, you might feel exhausted. But it may also be due to tumors. Tumors can also be the cause of anemia.

Feel Like to Defecate but Not

You may feel like to go for defecation but you do not. This kind of sensation in the body may take place due to a tumor growing in the end of the colon or rectum.

The best option is to have screening for colon cancer on regular basis instead of depending on appearance of colon cancer symptoms.

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3 Colon Cancer Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore!

There are 3 particular colon cancer warning signs that are very important. They are signs you should not ignore at all.

Why are they important? Here's why... A tumor that forms in either your colon or rectum normally grows quite slowly. Because of its slow growth, it doesn't show any sign or symptom for a long period of time.

What happens more often than not is... when colorectal cancer is diagnosed, it is already at its advanced stage. This is unfortunate because colorectal tumor at stage 4 is extremely difficult to treat. It requires more than 1 treatment and the survival rate is poor. So, what signs should you look out for? Be aware of the following colon cancer warning signs like...

Persistent Fatigue

Fatigue is described as the physical feeling of extreme tiredness or weakness. It can mean other medical conditions but if it is persistent, it can mean cancer. It is one of the signs of late stage cancer of any type.

However, in colon cancer, fatigue can be an early symptom. In fact, it can be your only symptom.

How does this happen? Fatigue is caused by occult bleeding inside your colon or rectum. Occult bleeding is invisible -- something you can't see. Fatigue is also a symptom that is first noticed by you and nobody else. Thus, fatigue is a very important symptom. See your doctor if you feel very,very tired for more than a week even after going on a vacation.

Persistent Diarrhea

Persistent Constipation

Both are unusual changes in your bowel habits. Why are they considered as unusual changes?

Here's why...Let's say you move your bowel once a day regularly everyday. But now you move it either 2 to 3 times daily or 2 to 3 times in a week. This is abnormal particularly if diarrhea or constipation happens persistently.

What does persistent diarrhea or constipation mean? Persistent constipation alone means there might be a tumor at your rectum which is located next to your anus. A rectal tumor will cause an obstruction against the stool. You will experience difficulty in moving your bowel. Persistent diarrhea and constipation that occur alternately mean a tumor at the left colon which is the descending section.

Why is this so? The left section of the colon has a narrower circumference compared to the right section. The stool is semi-solid and the tumor if situated at the left section typically wraps around the colon. This leads to diarrhea and constipation.

These are just 3 of the signs you should be aware of. There are other important colon cancer warning signs -- such as the color of your stool -- you should know about.

If you would like to read more about them, see Warning Signs of Colon Tumor.

About The Author: Belen Tanghal is a health enthusiast and believes prevention is the key to winning the war against cancer. Her website at http://www.your-cancer-prevention-guide.com/ offers easy-to-comprehend information why cancer starts and steps on prevention.

(Permission is granted to reprint this article, unedited, provided proper attribution is made and the signature line -- the above resource paragraph -- is kept intact.)

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Knowing The Signs Of Colon Cancer Can Save Your Life!

Any kind of cancer is almost synonymous with disease and death and colon cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, is another such dangerous disease. It develops innocuously, often without any forewarning and very often there is an absence of any obvious symptoms. Give the prevalence of this disease it is important that every individual, especially those who are high risk, should arm themselves with adequate knowledge about the signs of colon cancer as well as the treatment options available.

Symptoms of colon cancer include presence of blood in the stools and bleeding of the rectum. Some of the other signs of colon cancer could include change in bowel regularity, benign polyps in the colon, a decrease in stool size, cramps, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, the existence of pain in the stomach and continuous fatigue. These are the signs you should look for if you suspect that you could possibly be developing colon cancer.

But the unfortunate truth is that an individual can have colon cancer and not exhibit any of the mentioned symptoms. Unfortunately, this happens way too often. A physical exam usually doesn't show any problems and the doctor only suspects colon cancer and calls for a screening if a routine exam reveals a mass of tissues that is usually felt through the abdomen. Currently a screening of the colon, or a colonoscopy is the only way of getting a view of the entire colon and determining the extent of the abnormality.

Even then, polyps within the colon are not always suggestive of cancer. Colon cancer's symptoms are further ambiguous as even blood in the stool isn't always suggestive of colon cancer. It is thus reasonable for the medical industry to assign risk factors to certain events in an individual's life. One of these events is an individual's age. A person's age is the major risk factor even though colon cancer doesn't only occur for those over fifty. It is just that one's chances are higher at that age when most signs and symptoms of colon cancer tend to appear.

Individuals who are high risk for colon cancer include those who have a family history of cancer, irrespective of the kind of cancer. Polyps that are in the colon are also signs of colon cancer, but must be properly diagnosed by a health professional.

If you are above the age fifty, and wish to know more about colon cancer, the Center for Disease Control has a program for those individuals who are more than fifty years of age and who have little or no health insurance. The number to call for any help, is 1-800-4-CANCER. Since colon cancer is such a widespread problem, the program helps to offer screenings for the disease. There are estimates that over 52,000 people lost their lives to colon and rectal cancer in 2007 in the United States alone. Learning to recognize the signs of colon cancer is the best cure against this killer disease.

You can find even more information at Signs Of Colon Cancer for even more information go to Signs Of Colon Cancer. Much more information all for free.

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Colon Cancer Symptoms - How to Know If You Have Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer is a serious disease characterized by abnormal cell growth in the colon, which creates a cancerous tumor. This kind of illness ranks third in the list of the most common forms of cancer and are most often prevalent in people over 50 years old, but can occur in patients of any age.

Cancers of the colon, or of the rectum, are highly treatable if they are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease. However, many people often are not diagnosed in time as early symptoms are not always recognized and, when they are, people are somewhat hesitant to discuss the details of their symptoms with a doctor.

The symptoms include:

1. Abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort
2. Bloody stool
3. Long, thin stool (often described as pencil-like)
4. Unintended weight loss
5. Loss of appetite
6. Changes in normal bowel habits (rectal bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, or feeling an inability to completely empty the bowel).

Each year nearly 150,000 new cases of this disease are reported. There is no identifiable cause for it, but the following are some of the factors that may increase the risk of its development:

* Gender (Both men and women are equally prone to developing the malady. However, men tend to develop the rectal version at slightly higher rates, while women are more prone to the colon variety)
* Age (The sickness can be developed at any age, but the chances are increased in people over the age of 50 years old.)
* Diabetes
* Obesity
* Cigarette smoking
* Alcohol consumption
* Poor diet
* Family history
* Personal history.

People with a family history of colorectal cancer are slightly more prone to developing it. If more than one family member has been diagnosed with the problem, the risk is even higher. Also, diets high in calories and fat, and low in fiber add to an increased risk of developing the disorder. Anyone over the age of 50 should undergo regular screening for the disorder, but anyone in any of the above risk groups should begin earlier.

Screening normally consists of an annual rectal exam, including stool samples. Some exams may require a scope to be inserted into the rectum in order to view the entire bowel. If there is cause for concern or further examination of the colon's tissue, a biopsy may be ordered for a closer analysis. If cancer is discovered, other tests, such as an ultrasound, CT scan or X-ray would be done in order to determine whether it has spread to other areas. Of particular concern is the liver as it is one of the more likely places that this dangerous disease spreads to.

Because the risk can be reduced by a high fiber diet, proper weight management (including exercise) and by not smoking, it is highly recommended that people opt for healthier lifestyles and decrease their chances of developing this type of life threatening ailment, and others, as much as possible.

Anyone who has experienced some of the previously mentioned symtoms, or who are in one of the risks groups for the disease, is advised to seek screening tests as early as possible since colorectal cancer responds very well to treatment in the earliest stages.

Ken Black is an expert online health writer and product reviewer. So, what can you do to avoid colorectal cancer? Study Colon Cancer Symptoms and review these 10 tips on how to prevent colorectal cancer at http://www.coloncleansechoices.com/How-To-Prevent-Colon-Cancer.html

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Symptoms of Colon Cancer

The colon is an important part of the human body. It is part of the digestive system, and it is a very important part because it plays a very important role in the digestive system of the human body. It plays a major role in helping the body absorb much needed nutrients, minerals and water in the body. The colon also plays a role in ridding the body of waste in the form of stool. The colon is the last part of the large intestine; it is about 6 feet in length. Colon cancer is the cancer that affects the cells of the colon. It is a very common form of cancer in both men and women all over the world. It is the third most common form of cancer affecting humans. Although this form of cancer is life threatening, it is a very treatable disease if diagnosed early and treated in its early stages.

Therefore it is very important for us to know the signs and symptoms of colon cancer. If we feel that we might be suffering from the cancer of the colon we should get our self tested and seen to by a qualified health care professional at the earliest and start treatment to cure the disease. One problem with colon cancer is that early detection is very difficult because most of the symptoms of colon cancer are not very noticeable in the early stages of the disease. Some people might not even notice any symptoms until it is too late. Regardless of this fact we should be aware of the disease and the symptoms it might cause to know if it is affecting us, we should also get ourselves screened regularly to be sure that we are not suffering from any disease, especially if we are in a high risk group. Look out for the following symptoms and consult your doctor at the earliest if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

The biggest symptom of colon cancer is changes in the bowel movement. Bowel habits changing for more than a few days will indicate a problem. If you have diarrhea for more than a week or constipation for more than two weeks it should sound an alarm. You should also notice consistency of your bowel movement as that can also indicate a problem.

The presence of blood in your stool should be dealt with very seriously, even if it is not colon cancer, it is sign for concern and should be checked out immediately by your doctor.

Abdominal pain can be a sign of worry, and it is a symptom of the same, if you have pain for a long time get to a doctor as soon as possible. Cramps and gas for a long duration can also indicate problems with the colon.

Abdominal pain, before, during and after a bowel movement is a sign for concern as well especially if it is persistent. If you are feeling that you can not comfortably empty your bowel and it becomes regular, that could indicate a problem as well.

Unexplained weight loss always indicates some medical problem even if it is not colon cancer proper diagnosis is required for optimum health. Weakness and exhaustion due to no reason should indicate a problem with your health; it is also a symptom for colon cancer.

Although these symptoms may indicate that you are suffering from colon cancer, they could be caused by other medical conditions as well, if you see any of these symptoms or a combination of these symptoms, get yourself screened for colon cancer. Even if you are not suffering from colon cancer a proper diagnosis will lead to a cure for whatever disease or ailment is affecting you in a negative manner. Look after your health and get regular checkups to lead a healthy life.

Author Uttoran Sen is a regular health writer, for more details on symptoms of colon cancer, please check out health cave.

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Colon Cancer and Colon Cancer Symptoms

Cancer of the colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in America. There are certain signs and manifestations that most patients feel when they have advanced stage of cancer of the colon such as a substantial change in the bowel activity, regular constipation, flatulence, rectal bleeding, severe stomach pain and lethargy.

Cancer of the colon is believed to be preventable, by specialists, if regular colon cleansing is performed. Development of cancer stimulating polyps is promoted by toxins that are present, and amass within the colon wall, according to experts.

Body detox and colon cleansing can bring many health advantages. The main benefits are aiding you to shed weight, an increase in your body's energy and the purifying of your whole digestive system. Still, it also breaks up fecal waste accumulated in the colon, reduces bloating, lessens water retention as well as upholding the smooth functioning of your colon, and the rest of your body.

If recognized quickly, colon cancer can be avoided even though it is one of the most familiar forms of cancer in the world. Nevertheless, it is normal for a colon cancer patient not to feel manifestations during the early phases. As soon as the fourth stage is attained the patient will feel severe pain and this is when most symptoms are noticed.

With an average diagnosed age of 64, about 90 percent of cancer of the colon examples are from individuals over 50. Scientific research prove that by age fifty or above, the ratio of individuals who get polyps in the colon is 1 in 4.

Most scientific investigation indicates that an active way of life can decrease the risk of cancer of the colon to about 40 percent. The chance of diabetes and obesity are in addition reduced when reasonable exercise is carried out.

Cancer of the colon as well as many other forms of cancer and disease have been linked with smoking as a contributing factor. When you smoke, you can worsen the risk since the inhaled tobacco can transmit cancer-causing agents to the colon and can increase the size of the cancer polyp.

Foodstuffs that are rich in cholesterol and fat are likely to raise the risk of colon cancer. The health hazard is reduced if foodstuffs like vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts and legumes, which contain natural roughage are consumed.

Pick up all detailed information about colon cancer symptoms.

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What Colon Cancer Symptoms Are Found During Screening?

Colon cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in the colon and the formation of tumors from these cells. Despite the presence of polyps in the human large intestine, presentation of colon cancer symptoms at an early stage is very low. In some cases, it may not even manifest symptoms. Today, colon cancer is the second leading malignancy in the United States and the fourth worldwide. The combination of these facts gives rise to the importance of colon screening methods aimed at determining early stages of colon cancer.

There are a number of screening methods available for colon cancer detection. These tests are done alone or in combination with other tests in order to distinguish colon cancer from other intestinal diseases. Hereunder is a list of these screening and detection procedures.

Digital Rectal Examination

A routine part of physical examination, digital rectal examination (DRE) examines the lower portion of the rectum for tumor and polyp growth. This test is done using a lubricated gloved finger inserted inside the rectum to feel for anomalous growths. This test is also capable in ascertaining prostate cancer in men.

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

The American Cancer Society recommends FOBT to be done yearly in combination with sigmoidoscopy. FOBT is statistically noted as being 24% effective in finding colorectal cancer by itself. There are currently two types of fecal occult blood test, these are the Guaiac FOBT and the Immunochemical FOBT. The Guaiac FOBT utilizes the chemical, guaiac, to detect the presence blood protein hemoglobin in fecal samples by checking for traces of Heme. Heme is an iron-containing component of hemoglobin. Immunochemical FOBT uses antibodies to check stools for human hemoglobin. According to studies, FOBT when performed annually reduces colorectal deaths by about 15 - 35%.

Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy is a test wherein a lighted instrument, the sigmoidoscope, is inserted into the rectum and lower colon to examine the area. Precancerous, cancerous and other abnormal growths can be detected during this test, and these growths can be removed and biopsied. Statistics show that when done in conjunction with FOBT, the sigmoidoscopy helps in detecting about 76% of colon tumor growths among individuals in the 50s-80s age range.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscope is a lighted instrument used to examine the colon and rectal area for abnormal growths. During a colonoscopy, abnormal polyps or growths can be traced, removed and biopsied. Colonoscopy can examine areas missed by a sigmoidoscope mainly due to its longer reach. Before colonscopy is performed a thorough cleansing of the colon is carried out and patients are sedated.

Double Contract Barium Enema (DCBE)

In DCBE, air is introduced into the colon and the patient is given an enema filled with barium solution to help outline the colon for an array of x-rays. In conjunction with colonoscopy, DCBE helps in detecting about 30-50 percent of colorectal cancer cases. However, DCBE may miss smaller polyps according to research.

Computerized Tomographic Colonoscopy

As called Virtual Colonoscopy, the test is accomplished with the use of a special x-ray equipment to generate photographs of the colon and rectum at different angles. These photographs are then assembled by a computer to produces an image detailing the large intestine and showing polyp growth and other abnormalities. Like standard colonoscopy, it is necessary to perform a thorough cleansing of the colon. However, since this test is less invasive, it is less discomforting and does not require sedation.

Despite the presence of these tests, it was reported that about 44% of adults within the 50s-80s age group have undergone routine screening raising colorectal cancer incidence. Let us not be afraid to undergo cancer screening, we must realize that early detection is tantamount to survival from cancer.

For further reading about colon cancer detection, treatments, and symptoms read some of material that I have published.

Don't Fall Victim to Colon Cancer, Identify the Early Warning Signs and Find out about Symptoms and Treatment Options Today. Visit Symptoms-of-Cancer.com today and find more information about how to identify Colon Cancer Symptoms

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4 Possible Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that affects the last section of the digestive tract (usually the colon or rectum). It is responsible for over 16,000 deaths in the UK each year and is therefore one of the most dangerous types of cancer around. There are a number of symptoms which could indicate that you have bowel cancer. In this article I will be discussing these signs and symptoms and hopefully give you the information to identify this disease sooner rather than later.

Unlike other conditions where the symptoms are often clear and easy to identify, colon cancer symptoms are usually vague and more difficult to spot. As the cancer becomes more advanced and the tumour grows, the symptoms become more noticeable. However, by this time it is often more difficult to treat the cancer effectively. That is why it is essential for you to be on the lookout for signs of bowel cancer at all times. By doing this you can significantly improve your chances of identifying colorectal cancer early and getting it treated. There are many symptoms associated with this type of cancer but below I have outlined four of the most common.

1) BLOOD IN THE STOOLS OR RECTAL BLEEDING:- This is probably the number one symptom of colon cancer. With this type of cancer the tumour develops in the final section of the digestive tract. Therefore, if the tumour bleeds some of this blood usually comes out of the rectum or in your stools. The bleeding is not usually significant but if you notice any at all then you should inform your doctor immediately.

2) PAIN IN THE STOMACH:- If the tumour gets large enough it can cause a blockage in your colon. This blockage can prevent solids, fluids or gases passing through your bowel which then leads to cramps and pains. In the worst cases, the tumour can grow so large that it breaks through your bowel wall which again causes major stomach pains. Although stomach pains are associated with multiple conditions, any prolonged pains could be indicative of colon cancer. If you experience these pains for an extended period go and see your doctor right away.

3) DIFFERENT BOWEL MOVEMENTS:- If the tumour becomes large it can also have an impact on your bowel movements. The blockage created by a large tumour can prevent stools from passing through the colon leading to constipation (difficulty passing stools). It can also cause a build up of fluid behind the tumour which eventually leaks through leading to diarrhea (difficulty controlling your bowel movements because your stools have become watery). If you notice any unusual bowel movements, particularly for long periods, this could be a sign of colorectal cancer and you should consult your doctor.

4) UNEXPECTED WEIGHT LOSS:- Sometimes tumours release chemicals which increase your metabolism and cause you to burn more calories than usual. Therefore, if you experience any unexpected or unexplained weight loss you should consult your doctor and get yourself tested for bowel cancer. Even if the weight loss is not linked to cancer it is still advisable to see your doctor because any weight loss that you cannot account for is likely to have some underlying cause.

As you can see from this article the symptoms of colon cancer are not always obvious and easy to identify. However, I hope this article has shown you some of the things you should be looking out for. Bowel cancer is much more treatable if it is caught in the early stages so if you notice any of the above symptoms do not take any chances. Go see your doctor right away and get a professional verdict.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Colon cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about the various colon cancer symptoms and get a free Fitness Tip every day for a full year by visiting his fitness websites.

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What Are The Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon cancer is currently the second most common cancer in the United States, and causes over 50,000 deaths in the country each year; and for the record, which is about as many American soldiers that died in the entire Vietnam conflict. This is an especially tragic and frustrating fact because the majority of the deaths caused by colon cancer could have been prevented or reduced.

The symptoms include pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, blood in the feces, and sometimes constipation or sometimes even blocked bowel movements. It can range from very mild, and to extremely severe. There are cases of colon cancer that are almost without symptoms until the latest stages.

It is not a good idea to wait until you have noticeable sign before learning about the disease and taking some action. Once you've developed such symptoms, the disease has probably entered into the middle or late stages, and there is a high chance that it has spread to other areas of your body. Once it has spread to other parts of your body, your likelihood of survival lowers dramatically.

If you catch colon cancer in the earlier stages, there is an extremely high chance that you will recover and survive well. Over 90% of people who are diagnosed with an early stage are able to undergo a successful surgical removal of the cancer before it spreads to other parts. It is important to note that in the beginning stages, the signs are rarely noticeable, so it is only those who regularly go for a colonoscopy or other colon exam that will be able to catch the disease early.

This cancer also has a high tendency to run in families. There is a genetic trait for developing 'polyps' that can be passed down from one generation to the next, and this trait vastly increases your odds of getting the disease. If you parents, grandparents, or siblings have even been diagnosed with this disease, there is a good chance you may have this polyp gene, and it is especially important that you get checked regularly once you reach the age of 40.

Clearly, it is extremely important to get a regular colon exam, irregardless of whether the disease runs in your family or not. Also, contrary to some myths, women are as likely to develop colon cancer as compare to men. People of African decent seem to be especially prone to such disease, and should consider getting their first exam starting even earlier than age 40. No one likes the thought of a colon exam, as they are certainly unpleasant, but late stage colon cancer are definitely worse to have.

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Colon Cancer Symptoms and Information

Colon cancer is a serious disease, as are all types of cancer. Noticing little changes in your body will help you to realize that something could possibly be wrong, resulting in early detection and treatment or cure of this devastating disease. There are actually several different symptoms that can be related to this cancer.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer can take a while to become detectable. Taking notice of your normal bowel habits can be of benefit in the event that something does go wrong. The following are symptoms of this cancer:

· A change in your bowel habits. Whether it is constipation, diarrhea, or any other change in the consistency of your bowel movements, these are all important signs to take note of in your daily routine and can help you catch this disease in the earlier stages.

· Rectal bleeding. Patients often dismiss rectal bleeding as just being hemorrhoids. Don't let this happen to you. Usually with cancer, the bleeding will continue. It may stop for a while, but it will always come back.

· Blood in your stool. You may notice that there is blood whenever you have a bowel movement. You may not actually notice any blood between movements.

· The feeling that your bowel has not completely emptied after a bowel movement. Tumors can actually grow inside the colon and become large enough to block a portion of the colon.

· Unexplained weight loss.

· Fatigue or weakness.

Many times, people who have developed colon cancer may not experience any signs or symptoms in the earlier stages of the disease. This is why it is important to schedule a regular exam with your physician to be checked, especially if you are within an at-risk group for developing colon cancer.

Symptoms will vary from person to person. Each person is different and the cancer within those patients is different. No two cancers will grow the same, spread the same, and affect the exact same area. This is why symptoms will usually vary from person to person. The above listed symptoms will serve only as a guideline of what to be on the lookout for.

If you feel that you may be experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, contact your physician immediately. You want to catch the cancer in the earlier stages. Chances for treatment or curability decreases in the later stages of colon cancer and the prognosis is not good. If caught in Stage 0 or Stage 1, there is greater than a 90% chance of a 5-year survival rate. If caught in the last stage, the chance is less than 10%.

It is imperative that you pay attention to your body and notice any types of changes. If you notice changes, seek immediate medical help. Even if you don't notice any of these symptoms, do whatever you can to prevent colon cancer.

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Colon Cancer - How to Reduce the Risk

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the US. According to the American Cancer Society's most recent estimates, there were over 108,000 cases of colon cancer and almost 41,000 cases of rectal cancer in 2009, causing almost 50,000 deaths.

Overall, the lifetime risk for developing colorectal cancer is about 5.3% or 1 in 19. Men are slightly more likely to have it than women.

According to a study from the December 2009 issue of International Journal of Cancer, if you want to reduce your risk of colon cancer you need to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables and drink more tea and red wine. The authors followed a group of 120,852 men and women who were 55-69 years old at the beginning of the study. Every participant filled out detailed dietary questionnaires, indicating how much of different types of foods and beverages they consumed. The reason for the study was to see if there was a link between diet and cancer and also whether certain types of food could reduce cancer risk.

This study lasted about 13 years, during which time,1,444 men and 1,041 women developed colon or rectal cancer.

After analyzing the diet of people with and without cancer, the researchers found that higher flavonoids and catechins intake was associated with a reduced incidence of rectal and colon cancer.

Flavonoids, also called bioflavonoids, include many different substances that are sometimes collectively referred to as Vitamin P. They are found in large amounts in plants, such as fruits and vegetables. They are also known by another name - phyto-nutrients. Literally hundreds of these have been identified and many more are still being discovered.

Catechins are types of bioflavonoids that have a slightly different chemical structure.

All bioflavonoids have anti-oxidant activity, which means that they have the ability to neutralize dangerous free radicals that are generated by the body as a result of normal metabolic activity. They also have general health-enhancing and anti-cancer activity.

All fruits and vegetables have a variety of bioflavonoids. Tea, grapes, red wine, dark chocolate are also very rich in catechins and other bioflavonoids. Red wine has a lot of resveratrol, a bioflavonoid that has been linked to reduced cancer risk, plus many other important substances.

So the lesson is to include fresh fruits, vegetables, berries and other plant-based foods in your diet. It is not only good for preventing cancer, but also for reducing the risk of other diseases, including heart disease.

Michael Teplitsky, MD has been practicing alternative and holistic medicine for over 20 years. He has treated thousands of patients using nutrition and nutritional supplements. His book Nutrition and Your Health explains complex and confusing nutritional concepts in an easy to understand layman language. Please visit the http://www.CommonSenseHealthGuide.com to get the book, a Free Report 7 Health Myths That Can Hurt You, health news, and other valuable information.

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Colon Cancer Symptoms

The colon is part of the body's digestive system and, like many other parts of the body, can become a place for the growth of cancer. A tumor in this region is known as colon cancer. And like some other cancers, the tumor can develop without necessarily giving the patient obvious signs or symptoms, certainly at the beginning of the disease. And again like some other cancers, the patient can have symptoms which are common to colon cancer without the cancer being there at all.

The colon plays two important roles. It helps the body absorb various essentials such as minerals, nutrients and water and it also assists in ridding the body of waste products. Most of the large intestine is part of the colon and the latter part of the large intestine is made up of the anal canal and the rectum.

So what symptoms could be a sign that the patient has developed colon cancer? Well here are some of the symptoms which deal specifically with your toilet habits and your colon.

1. Constipation which means the patient has trouble having a bowel movement. There could be a blockage due to the growth of a tumor.

2. Unusual bowel movements which could mean [a] more movements than normal or fewer movements or [b] producing abnormal stools which may be thinner than usual or [c] discolored stools which could be red or black.

3. Diarrhea

4. A combination of constipation followed by diarrhea.

5. Abdominal pain which could include cramps, gas or bloating.

There are other symptoms for patients with colon cancer but these are more general and can apply to the body as a whole.

1. Weight loss particularly when the patient is not trying to lose weight.

2. A change of skin color which can be called jaundice seen also in the whites of your eyes.

3. Being sick with vomiting and nausea and generally feeling unwell.

4. Losing your appetite and not being interested in food.

5. Being tired and even fatigued to the extent that you have little energy.

6. Anemia which is a lack of iron in your blood.

As with other cancers, having some of the above symptoms does not mean you have colon cancer and many people will suffer from an upset stomach and anemia when they do not have colon cancer. But the advice is always the same. Do not delay in seeing your doctor if these symptoms exist. It is far better to be safe than sorry and the sooner any cancer which may exist is detected, the better are your chances of beating the disease.

There will always be some people who are afraid of or embarrassed about taking a colon cancer test. There is no need to think or feel that way. Patients should know that the test does not hurt, that millions of people have been tested for this disease and that the medical staff who are involved in the test have at some time been patients themselves. It's a simple and safe procedure with potentially great benefits.

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The Colon Cancer

The design of stepwise genetic modifiation in cancer is best highlighted by observations made in colonic lesions representing various phases of development to malignancy. Particular anatomical alterations are discovered commonly in early-stage adenomas, whereas others have a tendency to occur with substantial frequency only after the development of wide spread neoplasia. These modifications are in maintaining with the idea that serial phenotypic modifications must happen in the mobile for it to exhibit full malignant (wide spread and metastatic) properties. Two principal lines of proof assistance the model of stepwise genetic modifiation in intestinal tract cancer.

1. The uncommon familial syndromes associated with predisposition to colon most cancers at an early age are now recognized to result from germline mutations. Familial adenomatous polyposis is the end result of a mutation within the APC gene, which encodes a cell adhesion protein which has also been implicated within the control of -catenin, a potent transcriptional activator. Within the tumors that subsequently produce, the remaining allele have been lost. Similarly, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal most cancers is linked with germline mutations in DNA repair genes such as hMSH2 and hMLH1. These genes can also be affected in sporadic cancers.

2. The carcinogenic effects of factors known to be linked to an elevated risk of colon most cancers constitute the second line of evidence for the anatomical basis for colon most cancers. Substances derived from bacterial colonic flora, ingested meals, or endogenous metabolites such as fecapentaenes, 3-ketosteroids, and benzo[]pyrenes are mutagenic. Amounts of those ingredients can be reduced by low-fat and high-fiber diets, and several epidemiologic studies confirm that this kind of diets decrease the risk of intestinal tract cancer. Furthermore, because the chance of sporadic intestinal tract cancer in older individuals is mildly elevated in the presence of a good family background, there might be other inherited anatomical abnormalities that interact with environmental elements to trigger colon most cancers.

The sequence of genetic changes might not require to become exact to result in the improvement of an wide spread cancer, although there is mounting evidence that some genetic lesions tend to produce earlier, whereas other people may develop late in the course of the natural disease. All phenotypic changes can't be explained by a known anatomical abnormality, nor do all identified anatomical modifiation have a known phenotypic result. Nevertheless, the stepwise dynamics of genotypic and phenotypic irregularities is well set up.

The earliest molecular defect within the pathogenesis of intestinal tract cancer is the acquisition of somatic mutations in the APC gene within the normal colonic mucosa. This defect brings about abnormal regulation of -catenin, which leads to abnormal cell proliferation and the initial actions in tumor formation. Subsequent defects in the TGF- signaling pathway inactivate this important growth inhibitory pathway and lead to more tumor mucosal proliferation and the introduction of little adenomas. Mutational activation of the K-ras gene leads to constitutive activation of the essential proliferative signaling pathway, is common at these stages, and further boosts the proliferative potential of the adenomatous tumor cells. Deletion or reduction of expression from the DCC gene is common in the progression to wide spread intestinal tract cancers.

The DCC protein is a transmembrane protein from the immunoglobulin superfamily and might be a receptor for certain extracellular molecules that guide mobile development and or apoptosis. Mutational inactivation of p53 can also be a frequently observed step in the development of wide spread intestinal tract cancer, observed in late adenomas and earlier wide spread cancers, and prospects to loss of an essential mobile cycle checkpoint and inability to activate the p53-dependent apoptotic pathways. Identification of genetic irregularities within the development of colon cancer to metastatic disease is presently under investigation.

In parallel to these sequential irregularities in the regulation of mobile proliferation, colon cancers also acquire defects in mechanisms that guard genomic stability. These generally include mutations in mismatch restore genes or genes that prevent chromosomal instability. Mismatch restore genes are a family of genes which are involved in proofreading DNA throughout replication and consist of MSH2,MLH1,PMS1, and PMS2. Germline mutations in these genes cause the hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndrome. Nonhereditary colon cancers develop genomic instability via defects within the chromosomal instability (CIN) genes. Defects in these genes result in the gain or reduction of large segments or whole chromosomes throughout replication primary to aneuploidy.

The stepwise acquisition of genetic irregularities described previously is associated with modifiation in the phenotypic behavior of the colonic mucosa. The earliest change in the development to colon most cancers may be the improve in cell number (hyperplasia) on the epithelial (luminal) surface. This creates an adenoma, which can be characterized by gland-forming cells exhibiting increases in sizing and cell number but no invasion of surrounding structures. Presumably, these changes are due to improved proliferation and loss of mobile cycle manage but prior to acquisition of the capacity to invade ECM. Additional dysplastic modifications such as reduction of mucin production and altered mobile polarity may be present to some variable degree.

Some adenomas may improvement to carcinoma in situ and ultimately to invasive carcinoma. An early function linked with disrupted architecture even prior to invasion occurs is the development of fragile new vessels or destruction of existing vessels that may trigger microscopic bleeding. This could be examined for clinically like a fecal occult blood determination employed for screening and earlier diagnosis of preinvasive and invasive intestinal tract cancer. It isn't known regardless of whether all wide spread colon cancers pass via a hyperplastic or preinvasive stage, and there is no information available for epithelial malignancies generally.

Additional functional modifications in the cell and surrounding tissue are also manifested in the preinvasive and wide spread stages. Once the basement membrane is penetrated by invasive malignant tissue, entry could be gained towards the regional lymphatics, and spread to regional pericolic lymph nodes can occur. Entry of cells into the bloodstream can result in distant distribute in the pattern that reflects venous drainage. Consequently, hematogenous spread from primary colon tumors towards the liver is common, whereas rectal tumors usually disseminate to liver, lung, and bone. Additionally to anatomic considerations, there may exist specific tropism of malignant cells mediated by surface proteins that cause the cells to preferentially home in on certain organs or sites.

Colonic epithelium is specialized to secrete mucus proteins and to get water and electrolytes. The upkeep of a tight luminal barrier, intracellular charge distinctions, and the capability to exclude toxins are additional specialized features. Some of these features are maintained within the progression to neoplasia and may lead to some specific phenotype of the malignant cell. One instance is the expression of a transporter membrane protein, MDR-1, present on a number of types of epithelium, such as the colon.

MDR-1 is recognized to trigger efflux of several compounds out from the tissue, presumably like a protective system to exclude poisons. In sophisticated colon cancer, this protein might lead to the relative resistance of this along with other tumor types to some variety of chemotherapeutic agents which are transported by MDR-1. In some instances, the activation of a latent gene encoding carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) can result in measurable levels from the CEA protein in the serum of sufferers with localized or metastatic colon cancer as well as other adenocarcinomas.

Franco Zinzi has been involved with online marketing for nearly 3 years and likes to write on various subjects. Come visit his latest website which discusses of Mesothelioma Treatment Options and cancer related information for the owner of his own healthcare.

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Colon Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Understanding what the colon is and what its functions are will help us better identify colon cancer signs. The colon is a crucial component of a human's digestive system. Human beings rely heavily on their colons to help the body absorb vital nutrients, water and minerals.

Sometimes colon cancer is also known as colorectal cancer or large bowel cancer. Colon rectal cancer means having cancerous cells growing in the colon, appendix or rectum. These adenomatous polyps growths that resemble mushroom shapes are generally benign in nature but over time have the potential to develop into deadly cancer. It is one of the top leading cause of cancer related deaths in the Western countries. Knowing whether you have cancer without being diagnosed first is almost always a challenging task, therefore it is more helpful to keep a close eye on picking up the signs or symptoms of colon rectal cancer.

Learning more about the colorectal cancer signs and familiarising yourself with the symptoms can mean quicker identification of an underlying problem and therefore increasing your chance of catching it early. Often, when cancer is caught early, the patient has a much higher chance of achieving success in its treatment. Sometimes it may feel cumbersome having to go to the doctor for something that you are not sure about but like the old saying goes, "better be safe than sorry".

Early detection of some cancer growths could sometimes mean the difference between life and death. It should not be something that is swept under the carpet and be forgotten about. Whenever cancer is involved, nothing is ever simple. It is a complicated disease.

Colon rectal cancer signs and symptoms are generally divided into localised or regional cancer (which means the cancer spread is restricted to just a confined area), constitutional (which means it is affecting the whole body) and the most serious kind metastatic (which means the cancer has actually spread to other parts or other organs in the body and this would normally imply it is now in the blood stream). Localised cancer has a much higher success rate in responding well to aggressive treatment which means the patient will stand a good chance of beating the cancer.

Colon rectal cancer signs are often mistaken for other conditions such as irritation bowel syndromes, Crohn's Disease. Significant colon rectal cancer signs can include a sudden change in your bowel habits. If you develop diarrhoea or severe constipation, or if you notice a change in the consistency of your stool for more than two weeks in a row, consult your doctor immediately. Any constipation or digestive complaints should clear within five to seven days and should not last for more than two weeks. Sometimes these discomforts or symptoms can also happen to patients with digestive tract problems, that is why it is best to consult your local doctor as soon as you notice any abnormal bowel habits to allow time for the correct diagnosis.

If you are not experiencing haemorrhoids or are not suffering from Crohn's disease and yet you have rectal bleeding or notice blood in your stool, again this could be signs of colon rectal cancer. Other signs to watch out for are persistent abdominal pain, painful stomach cramps, pain with each bowel movement, constant fatigue and chronic bloatedness.

There are many colon cancer warning signs which you need to be aware of. For colon cancer Symptoms

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What is Colon Cancer and is it Treatable?

Most people have heard that colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the Western world. But most people don't have a good understanding of what it is or what causes it to occur. Many times in life, we learn so many complex things that the simple things we ought to remember from health class in high school seem like nothing more than a mystery to us. The problem is that quite often in our busy lives, we don't recognize symptoms and problems when they start to occur. Colon cancer is a good case in point. Simply put, the colon is the part of the digestive system that stores waste material to be excreted later through the anus via the rectum.

Colon cancer is also classified as large bowel cancer or colorectal cancer, which one can infer has something to deal with the rectum. In this sense, it involves the development of cancerous tissue abnormality in the colon, thereby affecting the rectum and the appendix. These tissue abnormalities are more commonly known as adenomatous polyps which frequent the inner walls of the colon and are similar in shape to that of mushrooms. As these polyps are seen as simple in the beginning, their development into malignant abnormalities is what is regarded as colon cancer. For this reason, colonoscopies are encouraged so that there can be an early detection of these polyps and can be removed before they cause more serious problems. Importantly, researchers have found that a lot of the cancers of the colon found their origin in polyps which were left to develop untreated over time.

The most dangerous thing about this disease is the fact that it causes damage to one's tissues and organs, the building blocks of the body. In this way, the liver and lungs may also be affected, halting the important digestive system and making it hard for the individual to breathe efficiently. This metastasis late stage process is the final sign that there is no coming back from treatment and that unfortunately, the result would be death.

Certainly, from this we cannot underestimate statistical reports that conclude that over 650,000 people die per year from this cancer, with the Western societies having the most frequent cases. It rarely takes place within Africa and Asia. Leading these statistics is the United States, which considers this disease as the fourth most common form of cancer as well as the third leading cause of death relating to cancer.

Other useful information for a person interested in the topic of colon cancer is the fact that it is treatable with surgery as well as chemotherapy in the more serious cases. Now I am going to leave you with something to think about colon cancer which was not mentioned earlier to pique your interest on further reading. In this way, more precaution and action can be taken if you happen to have this deadly disease. Genes along the chain of the colon are ultimately damaged with the development of this cancer, in particular the APC gene. What do you think the effect this will have on the body as well as children of these individuals? All the more reason to get preventative screenings early and often.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with colon cancer, find out more about bowel cancer surgery and colon cancer surgery recovery on my site.

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