Are you curious what is cancer of the colon? It is a tumor that develops in your colon - also known as the bowel. Although a colon tumor does not show early symptoms and signs, changes in your bowel movements are usually indications that something is wrong. Treatments for bowel cancer include traditional chemo and the new ablation therapies.
To understand what is colon tumor, let's start with the basics such as what the bowel is.
The bowel is part of your digestive system. It is a long, muscular tube where waste materials are stored. At its end and beside the anus is your rectum. A tumor can also develop from rectal polyps. That’s why the disease is also called as colorectal tumor.
It is also known as large bowel tumor because both the colon and rectum form the large intestine or bowel.
Prevention of the disease is a necessity because worldwide, it is now the third leading cause of death due to cancer. It is the third leading type in men and the 4th leading type in women in the United States.
It is very common in the Western world and rare in Asia and Africa. But in Asian countries where the people already eat the Western type of diet, its incidence is going up. In the Philippines, cancer of the colon is the 5th type in men and the 7th in women especially those above 50 years of age.
What are colon cancer early symptoms and signs?
A colon tumor at an early stage does not give you symptoms or signs. However, vital local signs involve your bowel habits.
Any unusual change in your bowel movement that persists over a period of time is a reason for you to see a doctor. It might not be a tumor, just polyps in your bowel or rectum. But be aware that polyps can lead to cancer of the colon.
There are many causes. Some are out of your control such as aging and inherited genes. Most are factors you can avoid such as the type of foods that you eat. Unhealthy acidic foods are risk factors.
Just like any other type of solid tumor, TNM staging is used to assess the extent of the disease and the appropriate treatment. Staging for this type of cancer involves 5 stages - Stage 0 to 4.
What are the treatments available for colon cancer?
Treatment options are based on the stage and location of the cancer and how healthy you are. Types of treatment can be traditional such as surgery, chemo or radiation and alternative such as ablation or targeted therapies.
First of all, check your plate. If it contains foods that are high in fat like red meat, change to a healthier diet. Opt for more vegetables, fruits and fiber rich foods. Remember that you are what you eat.
It is also recommended that you detoxify your body. You can do this naturally by taking Ganoderma extract supplements.
Another prevention tip is be physically active. Get moving so you'll not gain weight because being overweight makes you more prone to the disease. See Other Ways to Prevent Cancer of the Colon.
