cancer threatment center

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the colon (large
intestine). It is sometimes called colorectal cancer, and it refers to
cancer that affects the colon or/and the rectum. The colon and the
rectum are both part of the large intestine. Colon cancer is one of the
most common types of cancer.

What Causes Colon Cancer

Although
researchers don’t know yet what definitely causes colon cancer, they
have identified several risk factors for developing colon cancer. Risk
factors include age, diet, genetics, alcohol and other factors.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

The
most commonly experienced symptom of colon cancer are rectal bleeding
and narrow stools. Be advised that sometimes colon cancer does not
present any symptoms until the disease has advanced. This makes colon
cancer screening essential.

How to Find Out if You Have Colon Cancer

Report
any symptoms you have to your doctor. It is recommended that people 50
and over have a colonoscopy every 10 years if they are at average risk.
There are other methods of colon cancer screening beside the
colonoscopy. Talk to your doctor about which is best for you and how
often to get screened.

Fast Facts about Colon Cancer

• Colon cancer is the 3rd most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women in the U.S.
• About 105,000 cases were diagnosed in 2005 in the U.S.
• Only 39% of colon cancer cases are detected early
• It is the second leading cause of cancer realted death in the U.S.