Most colorectal cancers arise from adenomatous polyps-clusters of abnormal cells in the glands covering the inner wall of the colon. Over time, these abnormal growths enlarge and ultimately degenerate to become adenocarcinomas.
People with any of several conditions known as adenomatous polyposis syndromes have a greater-than-normal risk of colorectal cancer.
•In these conditions, numerous adenomatous polyps develop in the colon, ultimately leading to colon cancer.
•The cancer usually occurs before age 40 years.
•Adenomatous polyposis syndromes tend to run in families. Such cases are referred to as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Celecoxib (Celebrex) has been FDA approved for FAP. After 6 months, celecoxib reduced the mean number of rectal and colon polyps by 28% compared to placebo (sugar pill) 5%.
Another group of colon cancer syndromes, termed hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndromes, also run in families. In these syndromes, colon cancer develops without the precursor polyps.
•HNPCC syndromes are associated with a genetic abnormality. This abnormality has been identified, and a test is available. People at risk can be identified through genetic screening.
•Once identified as carriers of the abnormal gene, these people require counseling and regular screening to detect precancerous and cancerous tumors.
•HNPCC syndromes are sometimes linked to tumors in other parts of the body.
Also at high risk for developing colon cancers are people with any of the following:
•Ulcerative colitis or Crohn colitis (Crohn disease)
•Breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer now or in the past
•A family history of colon cancer
The risk of colon cancer increases 2-3 times for people with a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with colon cancer. The risk increases more if you have more than one affected family member, especially if the cancer was diagnosed at a young age.
Other factors that may affect your risk of developing a colon cancer:
•Diet: Whether diet plays a role in developing colon cancer remains under debate. The belief that a high-fiber, low-fat diet could help prevent colon cancer has been questioned. Studies do indicate that exercise and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help prevent colon cancer.
•Obesity: Obesity has been identified as a risk factor for colon cancer.
•Smoking: Cigarette smoking has been definitely linked to a higher risk for colon cancer.
•Drug effects: Recent studies have suggested that estrogen replacement therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin may reduce colorectal cancer risk.
#2
Colon cancer is when some cells in the colon malfunction and a distortion or mutation occurs in the replication of cells. That mutation then duplicates and on it goes except these cells are abnormal and start developing a source of nutrition by forming blood sources nearby and taking over the organism. This group of cells will then form a blob or tumor, the tumor will probably ulcerate and that bleeding will cause anemia. The cancer can develop anywhere in the colon and can form from a small growth called a polyp.
I had colon cancer and these are the symptoms I had that first showed up when I was 44 years old: pain in my abdomen/stomach area, then sudden weight loss without trying (4 pounds in one month), then I was very tired all the time, shortly before it was found I began throwing up my breakfast every morning. There was never any visible blood in my stool but a lab test found blood in it. Some people can actually see blood in their stool and have problems with abnormal bowel movements. There is no colon cancer history in my family and colon cancer can happen to younger people, even some younger than me. My doctors all said I was young to have it, the majority occurs at an older age and that is why the medical establishment recommends you get a colonoscopy at the age of 50 as routine. I did not have any symptoms that warned me something was wrong until the tumor got very large, it may have been there for 10 years before it was found.
#3
The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus.cancer of the colon and rectum is the third leading cause of cancer in males and the fourth leading cause of cancer in females.
#4
Firstly let me set your mind at rest. Colon cancer is an old person's disease. It is the cancer of the large bowel The symptoms can be tangible....and they may not be. The tangible symptoms would be blood in the toilet bowl after a bowel motion...and perhaps pain.
The intangible would be lethargy.....fatigue.
Many people are discovered as having colon cancer via a blood test. They do a blood test for something totally irrelevant to any test/s for colon cancer and they are found to be anaemic.
#5
Absolute rubbish about colon cancer is an old persons decease, i certainly wouldn't call myself old yet last February I had keyhole surgery and some of my large intestine removed. Since then I am on Chemotherapy which will come to the end middle of October. I am very lucky to have had a Doctor who acted quickly, although my symptoms were not a big deal. No blood ever in my stool, but it had changed to bits and pieces. Little discomfort either. But then the colour changed to quite dark, which prompted me to go to the doctor. I had an MOT as she called it - blood tests, X-ray's etc. Nothing. Everything in order. She sent me to a specialist, who said: Doubtful if it's serious all your tests came back normal, but she'll ask for a colonoscopy as soon as possible. That I had and that's when it was noticed that I had a polyp which could be cancerous or not. A biopsy was taken and it showed cancerous. Then the keyhole surgery and part of the colon was removed.Again that was examined and they found that amongst 17 lymph nodes 1 showed cancer. That's why I now have Chemo. I am not loosing my hair have a bit of nausea for a few days, fatigue, and general a feeling of being on a cloud. that's all. I am very positive. but never ignore any changes in bowel movement but there doesn't have to be blood and certainly one doesn't have to be old, middle age more likely.
#6
My mom had it, and she is okay now. Here are some signs.
A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks
Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
Abdominal pain with a bowel movement
A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
Weakness or fatigue
Unexplained weight loss