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Reduce Colon Cancer Risk By Eating These Vegetables

Posted by Asbestos Poot Monday, May 21, 2012 0 comments

Australian researchers have come upon some interesting findings while assessing colon cancer risk. After examining the eating patterns of just under 1000 patients suffering with colorectal cancer, along with another 1,021 control subjects without the disease, they found that eating certain fruits and veggies was associated with a lower risk of cancer for both the upper and lower colon.

While fruits and veggies have been researched extensively in terms of colon cancer risk, no work has been done in terms of food intake and the site of the cancer within the colon. If these findings are repeated in larger studies, this might spur recommendations for a higher consumption of veggies as a way to reduce the cancer risk in the lower part of the colon.

Eating the brassica veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and turnips appears to bring down the risk for cancer forming in the upper area of the colon.

Both fruit and veggie intake (even total veggie intake on its own) cut the risk of cancers of the lower colon.

Eating more apples, as well as dark, yellow veggies was also associated with a significantly smaller chance of colon cancer developing in the lower regions.

Unexpectedly, higher consumption of fruit juice was tied to a higher risk of rectal cancer.

So where does this leave you if you're at risk, or know someone who is?

Work to avoid as many of the risk factors for this form (and all forms) of cancer as you can. Make the changes to your diet (low fat, high fiber) that bring your body more of the good, natural, healthy foods and limit (or eliminate) the calorie and saturated fat laden treats.

Get up and get active - 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise each day is a good goal to work for. And make other changes in your lifestyle - such as quitting smoking or limiting your alcohol Intake - those will also help cut your chances of getting colon cancer.

Experts know there is no one cause of colon cancer. Nearly all of these cancers start out as benign (non cancerous) polyps. From the time those first unusual cells grow into polyps, experts believe it takes an average of 10 - 15 years for cancer to form. Regular screening finds, and gets rid of, these polyps while they are non-cancerous.

This is why it is vital to get the screenings (usually starting at age 50) that are recommended for you. Colonoscopy is the standard test used to view the whole colon, and therefore the best screening process for cancer in this body system.

By being screened as your doctor recommends, before you have any symptoms, you'll have the best chance of any cancer being found while it is still small, and most treatable.

The American Cancer Society estimates that this type of cancer a leading cause of cancer related deaths in the U.S. In 2011, it will claim an estimated 49,380 lives. The good news is that the death rate has dropped in the last 15 years, surely the result of increased colon cancer risk awareness and more of us being screened for this disease.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6671365

Colon Cancer From Cheese?

Posted by Asbestos Poot Sunday, March 25, 2012 0 comments

My neighbor was labeled as "cheese man", as he used to bring us lovely cheese specialties from his privately owned cheese house. After 2 years of the launching of the business, he disappeared and no one knew where he had gone. We started to worry. Later, after he returned home, we were informed that he had been to the hospital because he had developed colon cancer. How? - we wondered as he ate the right kinds of food. He used to eat high-fiber food for breakfast, yogurt, juice, tons of fruits, and cheese. He was one of the healthiest people we had ever known.

There was no reason for him to develop colon cancer, yet it happened. The reason? Constant exposure to cold in his cheese depot. He used to spend 8 hours in a huge fridge. A large piece of his colon had to be removed and he was living with a bag hanging from his side. He had immense pain and could only eat liquid for nearly six months. I have seen his pain and struggle, since then I have been very conscious of my circumstances and the exposure to which my body is object.

Cancer does not differentiate. It can come to everyone. Yet not many of us are aware of the risks that lead to developing this disease. Our digestive system is at times not given due importance or attention. People are not clear about the difference between their appendix, small intestine, and colon.

What causes colon cancer? Colon cancer can develop from growing of polyps in the colon. These growths that have a mushroom-like shape, are not deadly, but some may develop into cancer with time. The cancer is diagnosed through colonoscopy, a rather painful examination. Treatment is via surgical intervention which in certain cases has to be followed by chemotherapy.

The patient in many cases do not experiences any symptoms, i.e., asymptomatic. Therefore, fecal occult blood testing is recommended to be carried out on a regular basis. Symptoms become stronger with the lesion being closer to the anus. Such symptoms are changing in bowel habits. For example, change in frequency, quality and consistency of stool, bloody stools, stools with mucus, stool with melena (black color due to oxidation of the iron in hemoglobin as it passes through the colon.) Anemia with dizziness, anorexia, and asthenia, weakness are symptoms as well.

Mostly people over the age of 60 are at risk of developing colon cancer. Removal of colon polyps in time reduces the possible risk of cancer. Individuals with previous colon cancer are apt to developing it again in the future. This disease can be developed on hereditary basis. Needless to say, smoking is a high risk for this type of cancer.

Insufficient consumption of fresh vegetables and fish, and over consumption of red meat can lead to this disease. Naturally, if you are physically active, your digestive system works better and faster, therefore you are at less risk. Human papilloma virus can be the cause of this cancer, therefore you need to check the nature of your virus with your physician when you catch any. Early diagnosis can save your life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/542086

Colon Cancer Causes and Risk Factors

Posted by Asbestos Poot Wednesday, March 21, 2012 0 comments

You or a family member have been diagnosed with colon cancer and you want to know what caused this cancer. Doctors don't know the exact cause of colon cancer, but they do know that it usually starts as small growths on the inside of the colon called polyps. These polyps can take years to grow large enough to be seen during a routine colonoscopy and then it takes several more years for those polyps to become cancerous.

While the exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, there are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing this cancer. A risk factor is something that can raise the chances of you developing cancer or another disease. Some risk factors, such as age, cannot be changed while others, such as diet, can be modified and reduce the risk. The risk factors for colon cancer range from age to hereditary diseases.

The first risk factor for colon cancer is the most common. It is your age. Approximately 90% of all colon cancer cases are found in people over the age of 50. Many of these cases have no other risk factors, making this the most important factor in developing this cancer. This is why many doctors suggest getting a colonoscopy as part of your annual exam starting at age 50.

Another risk factor for developing colon cancer is your family's medical history and any hereditary diseases that may affect the development of colon polyps. If a member of your immediate family (parents, siblings, or children) has had colon cancer, you are more likely to develop it. The risk depends upon how many relatives have had it, how old they were when they were diagnosed and if the history spans multiple generations. This is referred to as a strong family history of colon cancer and may be caused by genetic mutations. These mutations are more common in certain ethnic groups, such as Jews of Eastern European heritage. If this is your case, you may want to have a blood test to check for any genetic mutations.

These genetic changes can cause several conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (AFAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). All of these genetic conditions can develop into colon cancer, if left untreated. These conditions are rare and few of the people diagnosed with colon cancer actually have them.

Your medical history also contributes to your risk of developing colon cancer. Your risk is higher if you have had any cancer in the past. Large polyps, even after removal, can increase your chances of developing colon cancer. There are also certain diseases that can increase your risk of colon cancer, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

The final - and easiest to change - risk factors are diet, exercise and habits. A high fat, high calorie and high protein diet has been shown to increase the chances of you developing colon cancer. This type of diet may also contribute to another risk factor, weight. Lack of exercise also contributes to your risk. You can minimize these three risk factors by making some simple changes such as eating more fruits and vegetables and beginning exercise. These two changes will help you lose weight and improve your diet. Smoking and drinking also contribute to colon cancer risk. Some studies have shown that smoking increases your chance of developing colon cancer. Alcoholics are also at an increased risk for colon cancer because of their alcohol consumption. Studies have shown that drinking more than 2 drinks a day increases the risk of colon cancer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/583302

Colon Cancer: Are You At Risk?

Posted by Asbestos Poot Tuesday, March 20, 2012 0 comments

Colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers for both men and women in the Untied States. It is important that you understand your risk for developing this disease, as well as lifestyle changes you can make now to reduce your chances of falling victim to colon cancer.

Cancer of the large intestine, or colon, typically begins as small clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Often, these small polyps form in your colon and produce few, if any, symptoms. If they are not removed, they may eventually become cancerous. This is why physicians recommend routine screening to identify and remove polyps before they become a problem.

One of the best ways to prevent death from colon cancer is to have regular screenings. Because more than 90% of all colorectal cancers are found in people who are 50 and older, the American Cancer Society recommends that you start getting routine colon screenings at age 50. If you have a family history of this disease, your physician may recommend that you start screening earlier.

Three of the most common screenings for colon cancer include a stool test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. Your physician will make recommendations for how often you should have these tests administered.

Aside from age, there are some other risk factors that may make you more susceptible to developing colon cancer. Some of these factors include:

Race
African-Americans have a higher risk for developing this disease than people of other races
Family history
Parents, siblings, and children of a person diagnosed with colon cancer are at a higher risk than the average person of developing the disease themselves.
Personal history of polyps or cancer
Inflammatory intestinal conditions
Two of the most common conditions are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
High fat, low fiber diet
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Diabetes
Smoking
Heavy use of alcohol

While some of these risk factors, like race and age, cannot be changed, there are some lifestyle alterations that you can make to reduce your chance of developing this type of cancer. Keep in mind that just because you have one or more of these risks, it does not mean you will develop colon cancer. You should talk with your physician about these risk factors so that he or she can provide adequate screening and give you suggestions for a healthy lifestyle.

Many people exhibit few, if any, symptoms of colon cancer in the early stages of the disease. As it progresses, patients may notice unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal discomfort, a change in their bowel habits, rectal bleeding, blood in their stool, weakness, or excessive fatigue. The only way to truly know if you have colon cancer is through screenings and tests administered by your physician.

The good news is that colorectal cancer is often highly treatable. The key to survival is identifying and removing polyps early, before they turn into cancer. Those patients, whose cancer is discovered early, before it has spread, have a very high 5-year survival rate. With more awareness about colon cancer screenings, the death rate from this disease continues to decline.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6529992

Blueberries May Help Prevent Colon Cancer

Posted by Asbestos Poot Tuesday, March 13, 2012 0 comments

Researchers from Rutgers University and the US Department of Agriculture have found that a naturally occurring key compound in blueberries, pterostilbene, may be able to prevent the onset of one of the most virulent and dreaded neoplasms, colon cancer.

Colon cancer, also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer, is characterized by growths in the rectum, colon and appendix. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the Western world and is the third most common form of cancer. Surgery is the most common treatment to remove the growths and is usually followed by chemotherapy.

How was the link between blueberries and colon cancer discovered? The Rutgers University researchers conducted a small study with eighteen rats for an eight week period. The test rats were given azoxymethane (a cancer causing agent) to induce colon cancer and were given a balanced diet, while half of the study rats were given supplemental amounts of pterostilbene. At the end of the study, it was found that the rats who were supplemented with the blueberry compound, pterostilbene, had 57 percent less pre-cancerous cells. They test subjects also showed a lesser degree of inflammation and had reduced cell division in the bowels, both considered risk factors for developing colon cancer.

Pterostilbene is a compound that is believed to exhibit anti-cancer,anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, anti-hypertriglyceridemia properties. Pterostilbene is also thought to have the ability to fight off and reverse cognitive decline. Pterostilbene also happens to be a natural antioxidant and studies have further suggested that pterostilbene could potentially be helpful in lowering blood cholesterol.

Experts strongly suggest that the risk for colon cancer is increased by overeating, consuming high amounts of saturated fats and calories, and eating a lot of red and processed meat. To reduce this risk, leading health experts and nutritionists suggest eating at least five portions of fruits and vegetables per day to protect the body against all cancers and other diseases, and to obtain natural sources of vitamins and antioxidants. Physical exercise is also thought to decrease the risk of developing colon cancer. Making these recommended lifestyle changes is thought to decrease the risk of colon cancer by up to 70 percent.

Pterostilbene is not only found in blueberries, but can also be found in grapes, red wine, sparkleberries, lingonberries and cranberries. The researchers are suggesting putting this powerful and potential cancer-fighting compound into a pill.

Article Source: ezinearticles

Colon Cancer Survival Rate - Are You A Survivor?

Posted by Asbestos Poot Sunday, March 11, 2012 0 comments

The colon cancer survival rate of a patient may be determined by the type of treatment plan he/she is using. Knowing that colon cancer has about an asymptomatic stage followed by 4 disease stages, we should also know that not all colorectal cancers are detected at the earliest stages. In actuality, the truth behind most cancers is that they are only diagnosed once the symptoms become severe to the point that it has affected the daily livings of the patients. Like what is commonly said-cancer is a traitor disease: it strikes when u least expected it and only makes itself known when you have started experiencing all its crazy bout of symptoms. In most cases, the average detection point of colon cancer is when most of the painful symptoms are experienced because this is the time when patients seek medical advice and check up to diagnose the disease. Usually, people get help when the cancer is at the 2nd to 3rd stages.

Since this article will tackle about the colon cancer survival rate with the treatment plan as the determinant variable, we will base our colon cancer survival rate from the stages where most patients ask for help - stages 2 and 3. This is also the time when these is a boost of treatments available to try combating the proliferation of cancer.

Colostomy

The most common treatment advised once the cancer has grown enough to appear on medical laboratory tests and confirm diagnosis is to subject the patient to a colostomy or colon surgery. Surgery is considered a crucial part in increasing your colon cancer survival rate. Since the cancer has not yet infected bigger parts of the colon (or parts beyond the colon) at this time, your five-year colon cancer survival rate is around 70-90%. Patients who were able to survive the surgery and began to display acceptance of the post-operative consequences showed a higher and long-term prognosis after surgery. There is also a number of cases where patients were able to return to their normal lifestyle and survive the cancer. However, there is one major downside of this treatment. Since colostomy means your solid intestinal waste will be excreted from no longer out of your anus but will be out of a surgically made hole on your stomach, it can be extremely inconvenient for many patients. Bowel excretion through your stomach is going to be forever, hence, lifetime maintenance is also needed. For many colon cancer sufferers, the consequences of the surgery seem to be more dreadful than the disease itself, therefore a lot of patients would never dare try the surgery.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the next treatment of choice for colon cancer (and probably as well as for most cancers). It is done by the use of medications to destroy or stop the proliferation of the cancer cells in hopes of prolonging your life. Often, after surgery, a patient may also be subjected to a series of chemotherapy to kill the remaining microscopic cancer cells. Recent studies have shown that with the surgery and chemotherapy combined, there is delay of tumor recurrence therefore increasing your colon cancer survival rate as well (average percentage is around 90%). The effect may not be as substantial if the patient will only rely on chemotherapeutic drugs (average percentage of 60-80%).

Radiation Therapy

Updates have been made in the treatment of colorectal cancer and radiation therapy is now limited to patients whose origin of cancer has started at the rectal part of the colon. Without radiation, there is about 50% risk percentage for patients with rectal cancer, making your colon cancer survival rate a dire 50% as well. Risk is then lowered for 7-10% for patients who had surgery and undergone radiation therapy as well.

Article Source: ezinearticles

Tips on Spotting Colorectal Symptoms

Posted by Asbestos Poot 0 comments

Spotting colorectal cancer symptoms early is vital to the prognosis of the condition. In cancer, getting early treatment is very important. If the cancer has been spotted on time, measures might be taken to eradicate the cancer cells from your body. During the first stages of cancer development, your doctor might opt for surgery. This way, they would be able to remove the cancer cells from the body without harming your normal ones. Late stages of cancer would require chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This type of treatment would not only kill your cancer cells but would also affect your normal cells.

The symptoms of colorectal cancer usually depend on the location and the size of the mass. However, most of them are pretty much the same. So, how do we spot the symptoms of colorectal cancer? Here are the most common manifestations of the condition:

• Changes in bowel movements. Different people manifest different signs. For some, their stools are looser than usual. For others, they frequently experience constipation. There are also some that have reported not being able to defecate at all. Not being able to defecate for several days is what usually prompts them to go see a doctor.

• Bleeding. Bleeding is almost always a common symptom of cancer. This could be due to a variety of reasons. One would be because the tumor has swelled to a certain size and has ruptured certain capillaries or veins, thus causing the bleeding. Another would be that the tumor itself has ruptured. Bleeding in cancer may not always be evident. There would be times that you would really be able to see fresh blood but, more often than not, the bleeding might go undetected. Black stools are great indicators of intestinal bleeding. The black color of the stools comes from the mixture or blood with fecal matter.

• Narrow stools. Some medical practitioners refer to this as ribbon-like stools. This could be caused by the narrowing of your colon or rectal passageway. This narrowing is caused by the tumor growth in your intestines. Your stool would not be able to pass through properly, thus the change in their appearance. So, when do you get alarmed? If you observe that your stools start looking like pencils, or you start to notice that your stools look more different than usual, consult your doctor immediately. Do not wait for your symptoms to worsen.

• The feeling of wanting to defecate again after just defecating could be caused by a growth in your bowels. The feeling is caused by the mass bumping into the opposite intestinal wall. Your bowels' messages to your brain would cause you to think that this is fecal matter, and you would try to push it out.

These four manifestations would be the most common symptoms felt by a patient that is suspected to have colorectal cancer. When you notice that you are exhibiting these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. This way, he would be able to recommend some laboratory tests so that he could make an accurate colon cancer diagnosis.

Article Source: ezinearticles

Are You Afraid to Get A Colonoscopy?

Posted by Asbestos Poot Wednesday, March 7, 2012 0 comments

I'm 26 years old and I had to have my first colonoscopy done a few months back. My grandmother had and lost her battle against colon cancer. Of course this made me scared of what they may find but I found the American Cancer Society website useful to help calm down my nerves.

The only thing that you should really dread, if any, is the prep process. The prep time consists of drinking medicines that will help clean out your system. Of course you will not be able to have anything to eat or drink that is solid or has any type of flavor, unless you like broth and jell-o as long as it is not red. You will then spend pretty much all day in the bathroom. While I was prepping I came up with a few ideas to help make the prep time more productive.

Make sure you bring in a book or magazine, move your TV into your bathroom if you have space, use your laptop to play games on the internet or instant message your friends and see if they can guess what you are doing, play a hand-held videogame, if you are a female, paint your toe/ finger nails and wax/ shave your legs and one thing you need to always remember is to MAKE SURE YOU TAKE YOUR PHONE INTO THE BATHROOM. You never know when the moment will hit when you have to "go". After all, it always seems that people call you whenever you are in the bathroom. I hope this will help you with making the prep time a bit easier to deal with.

Article Source: ezinearticles

Colon Cancer and the Nature of Human Being

Posted by Asbestos Poot Tuesday, March 6, 2012 0 comments

Thean (not real name) was 86 years old when he was diagnosed with recto-sigmoid cancer in October 1999. There was no evidence of metastatic spread. Due to his age, Thean declined medical interventions. So he did not receive the standard medical package of surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Six month after the diagnosis Thean's daughter came to seek our help on 2 April 2000. Thean had rashes probably due to the side effects of the antibiotics that he was taking, otherwise he was a normal, healthy person. Thean was prescribed Capsule A, C-tea and GI-tea.

After this first visit, I did not have any further records about him or his progress. However, his daughter came to our centre once in a while, to pick up herbs for her father. Seven years later, on 6 May 2007, I met the daughter who came to our centre to pick more herbs. I was told that in late April 2007, Thean had blood in his stools. He was sent to a private hospital where he stayed for two days undergoing medical examinations. At his age of 93, he declined medical interventions and was sent home.

Thean is an independent man who cherished his freedom. He insisted on living on his own, in spite of his advanced age. Since his wife passed away he has been living by himself in his own home, refusing to move and live with his son's family.

When asked what the doctor said about his condition, the daughter's reply was: "I don't know." I asked if Thean has been taking herbs. She did not think that he has been taking them anymore. At best, Thean only took Capsule A. In view of the deterioration of Thean's condition, I suggested that Thean take Capsule A, GI-One and GI-Two Teas. Her answer to me was: "I need to ask the son first (i.e., her brother first) if he is willing to boil the herbs for him or not." The daughter does not live in the same town as Thean and does not know much about what is going on. Her responsibility is to come and buy the Capsule A and pass it on to her brother's family. On the other hand, the son's family who lives in the same town as Thean has the responsibility to see the old man lives a normal life in his own home. I requested that the son bring me the medical report.

I was told that Thean has nine children and the one who comes to collect the herbs regularly is the first daughter in the family.

Comments: This is a straightforward medical case history. Medically, it is interesting in that even without medical treatment the patient survived his recto-sigmoid cancer. He had already lived for seven years with the help of the herbs, without any medical intervention. It is interesting to note too that Thean's nephew is a medical doctor and it was he who asked Thean's family to seek our help. CA Care is known to have helped many patients with cancer using herbs. Many people who know and want another option often come to us. From the "rational and traditional" viewpoints of patients in Malaysia, the options available to Thean at this point in time (then aged 86 and now 93) is a choice between the "devil or the deep blue sea". The result obtained from this herbal therapy is indeed amazing. And even with a recurrence Thean is not about to give up yet. If he decides to take the herbs diligently we predict that Thean can still live on.

Another facet of his case is about the nature of human being. Though Thean has nine children, most of them have moved away from his home and found their own priorities in life. Thean ended up a lone, independent and stubborn (that is what the daughter described him) old man fighting a battle against cancer. I don't know if this is a sad case or not. I would love to imagine that as we grow old, we would be surrounded by many loving children, grand children and great grandchildren. With them around us, our battle against illness is made easier.

Unlike the cultures of the modern world, to us Orientals, filial piety is our way of life or lifeblood. It is expected of all children to respect, honour and to take care of the parents and elders in old age. I am reminded of a Chinese saying: "A mother can feed, care and educate ten children, but ten children cannot take care of one mother." Now, I wonder if the norm has become obsolete or we have outlived such era.

Article Source: ezinearticles

Who Is at Risk of Developing Colon Cancer?

Posted by Asbestos Poot Friday, March 2, 2012 0 comments

KNOWING YOUR RISK

When pondering the top culprits that contribute to the most deaths occurring from cancer, rarely does one consider the colon. Though in all actuality colorectal cancer is the third most common acause of cancer related deths in the United States with nearly 50,000 per year. This is a staggering number but, fortunately, it has decreased dramatically over the years (2002 had almost 150,000 deaths due to colorectal cancer), and with public awareness and early screening chances of survival are encouraging.

Who is at risk of developing colon cancer and what can help to prevent it?

Although colon cancer can strike anyone, there are certain ethnic groups, genetic factors, and lifestyle behaviors that do increase one's risk for colon cancer. Some of them can be prevented, and some can't, but what is important is being educated and open with your doctor to keep your risk as low as possible.

ETHNIC BACKGROUND

African Americans have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer in the United States. Jews of Eastern European decent have the highest frequency of colorectal cancer in the world. The reason for this is unknown.

AGE

Since 9 out of 10 people who develop cancer-causing polyps do so after the age of 50, this is current recommended age to have a first colonoscopy. There is a certain genetic condition, which predisposes a person to excessive polyps and an extremely high risk for cancer. These individuals should begin being screened at puberty.

PERSONAL HISTORY OF POLYPS OR INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)

If you have had a previous screening, which was positive for polyps, then you should be screened more often. Your Gastroenterologist will determine how often this should be done. Individuals who suffer from IBD can have an increased risk of developing abnormal cells in the tissue of the colon. These abnormal cells can lead to a higher risk of cancer.

FAMILY HISTORY OF COLON CANCER

Statistics show that incidents are higher if a first-degree family member has had colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps, but studies fail to show whether this is a genetic link, or possible similarities in lifestyle and environmental factors.

LIFESTYLE

A number of health issues and lifestyle choices have been strongly linked to one's risk of colorectal cancer. Certain comorbidities, such as diabetes, have been linked to colorectal cancer, as well as, lifestyle choices that can be controlled, some being:

    Smoking
    Heavy alcohol use
    Diets high in saturated fats
    Inactivity/lack of physical activity

It is important to let your doctor know if you have any symptoms that could indicate a problem, such as, blood in the stool, changes in your usual bowel movements, or any sudden weight loss. These are just some of the risk factors associated with colorectal cancer. Some can be controlled, while others must be monitored. Either way it is important to follow what guidelines your doctor recommends. Although colorectal is one of the most common cancers, it is also one of the easiest to prevent and, when caught soon enough, treat.

Article Source: ezinearticles

Foods For Fighting Cancer

Posted by Asbestos Poot Sunday, February 26, 2012 0 comments

Some intriguing, but preliminary, research on foods for fighting cancer and colon cancer. Supplements of ginger have been shown to reduce some inflammation indicators in the colon according to a new study.

This work is an initial step in finding out if the compounds that are naturally a part of ginger root might also prevent cancer of the colon. While the study is hailed as being well done, exciting even, it's still early in the game.

According to the lead study author there are many cell culture studies that have shown ginger to be an anti-inflammatory. Mouse and other rodent studies have demonstrated that ginger can stop the tumors from forming when fed to the subject animals that were exposed to a colon cancer forming chemical.

Ginger has been commonly used in food preparation in Asia for many thousands of years. Researchers admit that there's likely a reason for such long-standing popularity, though science has yet to figure out exactly what it is.

Naturally the researchers wanted to see if findings on ginger root in rodents translated to people.

To get the answer, the team assigned 30 healthy adult subjects at random to take capsules of either 2 grams (in eight 250-miligram doses) of powdered ginger root or a replacement powder each day for 28 days. The amount used in the research measures out to be about 30mg of powdered ginger.

People in the ginger study took the supplements with meals, and weren't allowed to take any other drugs, even aspirin or NSAID medications, either prior to or throughout the duration of the study as these are also known for their anti-inflammatory effects.

Both at the start and end of the research, tissue samples from each participants' colon were taken. The team tested the samples for eicosanoids, a chemical known to up inflammation in the digestive system.

They saw that ginger could bring down the number of inflammatory markers found in the tissue, in comparison to the tissue samples from those taking the placebo. And we do know that high levels of inflammation in the digestive tissue is very strongly associated with the development of precancerous lesions, even cancerous polyps.

While the amount of ginger used in the study was way over what the average American might take in as part of our daily diet, in India, China and Japan people eat that much day to day. Coincidence then that these countries also have lower incidences of colorectal cancers?

Of course the Asian diet might also be protective because it has more veggies and fiber, and a lot less red meat. Researchers are still working that out.

The side effects of ginger supplements are an upset stomach, heartburn and gas, but nothing more serious. Supplements of ginger are usually well tolerated and safe for most people.

Certainly if you are at high risk of colon cancer, you'll want to discuss this research on foods for fighting cancer with your own healthcare team. While no one is ready to have you running for supplements or putting ginger on everything you eat, it can do no harm to enjoy a little bit now and again. Certainly a preventive approach that's neither toxic nor harmful to quality of life, and is affordable to boot, is all worth further study.

Article Source: ezinearticles

Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer

Posted by Asbestos Poot Friday, February 24, 2012 0 comments

Chemotherapy is the use of very strong anticancer drugs to kill colon cancer cells.

Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment and will address cancer that is in the entire

body which is why it is often used to prevent spread or to treat cancer that has

already spread. This is not the only reason why chemotherapy is used so if you

doctor suggests treatment with chemotherapy drugs do not assume that your

cancer has spread and metastesized.

Chemotherapy plays a few roles in the treatment of colon cancer.

used to kill colon cancer cells that might have not been removed during surgical

removal of the colon cancer.

reduces the size of the tumor before surgery is performed

used to treat colon cancer by controlling the growth of the tumor.

used to relieve some of the symptoms of the colon cancer.

reduce the likelihood of recurrence

Chemotherapy is often used after surgery is performed to eliminate cancer cells that

may have been left behind and not removed by surgery. The chemotherapy can be

administered through an IV (intravenously) or in pill form. Once the chemotherapy

drugs enter the bloodstream they can reach cancer cells in all parts of the body.

Some studies have shown that using a regimen of chemotherapy after surgery for

colon cancer can increase the surivival rates for some stages of colon and rectal

cancers.

In patients with advanced colorectal cancer chemotherapy is often useful in relieving

the symptoms of the cancer.

Who is given Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer?

The general opinion in the medical community differs on whether chemotherapy for

Stage II colon cancer will be beneficial to the patient after surgery. It is usually only

advisable in very high risk patients.

Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery is the standard of care for patients with Stage

III colorectal cancer. Also patients with Stage IV cancers of the colon or rectum can

benefit from the use of chemotherapy as it often will help to shrink the tumor,

increase life expectancy and improve the quality of life.

How is Chemotherapy Administered for Colorectal Cancer?

The use of adjuvant chemotherapy typically involves monthly administration of the

chemotherapy drugs for usually 6 to 8 months. Usually on or a combination of the

following drugs are administered:

5-FU (5-fluorouracil)

leucovorin

irinotecan

oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)

The standard adjuvant chemotherapy combination for colon cancer consists of 5-FU

and leucovorin.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy can produce some side effects. The type of side effects experiences

depends upon the type of chemotherapy drugs used, how much of the drugs are

given and the period of time they are administered. The side effects also depend on

the individual.

The most common side effects for 5FU :

the feeling of being sick

diarrhea

sore mouth or mouth ulcers

drop in blood cell count

overall feeling of tiredness

The most common side effects of irinotecan :

increased perspiration

increase in the production of saliva

watery eyes

pain or cramps in the abdomen

diarrhea

overall feeling of being sick

drop in blood cell count

overall feeling of tiredness

hair thinning or loss

The most common side effects of oxaliplatin:

feeling of being sick

numbness or tingling of the extremeties

numbness in the lips

Article Source: ezinearticles

Colon Cancer Information

Posted by Asbestos Poot Wednesday, February 22, 2012 0 comments

Colon cancer is more commonly known as bowel cancer, this is where there is a malignant growth in the colon.

Early symptoms of colon cancer can include a change in bowel movements either constipation or diahoerria , pain in the lower abdomen, blood mixed in with the faeces. These symptoms are fairly mundane, so often go un-noticed causing the tumor to grow undetected, inperticulally as people still find it hard to discuss there bowel movements with anybody especially there

Doctor. Occasionally there are no symptoms until the tumor has got so large that it causes a blockage in the intestine or

Could possibly even perforate the intestine.

Some forms of colon cancer can be genetic/hereditary however in some cases of colon cancer the precise reason people

Contract the disease is unknown. Diet may be cause of colon cancer, eating a lot of meat, too much fatty foods and not enough fiber, fruit and vegetables all add up to a un-healthy diet so increasing the risk of colon cancer.

The tests carried out to diagnose colon cancer include a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy. A sigmoidoscopy is when a camera is inserted into the anus to examine the rectum and the sigmoid colon. A colonoscopy is when a flexible fibre-optic camera

Called a colonscope is put into the body via the anus and fed along the colon. Instruments may be fed down the colonscope

So this is how a biopsy would be performed.

Colon cancer can often occur with other diseases of the colon, for example ulcerative colitis.

The chance of a cure for colon cancer depends on whether you get a early enough diagnosis. Surgery is the best chance of

Survival and sometimes radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also be offered, but there would be no guarenties of a very long term future. The surgical procedure involves a general anesthetic and the diseased part of the colon is removed plus a bit extra on both sides to make sure they have it all. The amount of colon that has to be removed varies from person to person but the

Majority of people will end up with a colostomy. This is where a small inscision is made in the stomach and the healthy colon

Is pulled through it and secured this is called a stoma. The stoma makes it possible for the person to still have there bowels opened by means of a colostomy bag which is attached to the stoma usually by a adhesive. These bags are disposable and

Keep all smells etc in [until you change them when the bowel has worked]. The colostomy is sometimes only temporary depending on how much bowel was removed. If it is to be only temporary it could be there for up to six months just to allow the colon to heal without faeces being past through it. If the colostomy is to be permanent than the anus may be sewn up whilst the person is in theatre having there diseased colon removed and the stoma made.

Colon cancer is still a large killer but mostly because people do not get it diagnosed early enough. The survival rate is much better when diagnoses are made early as treatment can begin and may not end up being so evasive. It is a shame to die from embarrassment is it not.

Article Source: ezinearticles

How to Prevent Colon Cancer Disease

Posted by Asbestos Poot Saturday, February 18, 2012 0 comments

There are many cases of colon cancer today, with significantly more people being diagnosed with this potentially deadly disease below age 50 than previously. Colon cancer used to be considered a disease of the elderly, but nowadays many younger people are diagnosed with this kind of disease. This is more because of unhealthy lifestyles such as eating habits, lack of exercises and many other factors.

People tend to consume junk food and any other foods that are over-processed and contain high fat and sugar. This allows the chemically-laced food to sit in colon for longer time and lead to the cancer disease.

Several ways to keep your colon healthy:

1. Balancing your diet

A balance diet will supply your body with sufficient nutrition: balance in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. It will be better to get all these nutritions naturally by consuming healthy foods such as: fresh vegetables and beans, fish, fruits, seafood and milk. Taking daily supplements also will help.

2. Reduce over-processed foods
Reduce intake of over-processed foods, especially fried foods because these foods contain of high fat that is dangerous to health. You can also choose organic foods that are higher in nutrition. Avoid sausage, hot dogs, ham, and many of which contain salt, sodium nitrites and sodium nitrates, which play big role in leading to colon cancer.

3. Exercise regularly

Do exercise at least 3 times a week is adequate to maintain your stamina and health. If you have any disease, it would be wise to consult with your doctor what exercise suits your current condition.

4. Drink eight glasses of water daily

Adequate water is essential to your body and will help to clean your system by gently washing out offensive bacteria and germs that can harbor in the colon and lead to illness or problems.

5. Colon cleansing

Colon cleansing method has been so popular as an option to keep your colon healthy. Consult with your doctor if you wish to take this method.

6. Visit your doctor and have an annual medical check-up to prevent diseases.

Article Source: ezinearticles

The Best Colon Cancer Treatment Options

Posted by Asbestos Poot Saturday, February 11, 2012 0 comments

Among the most spread cancers, colon cancer usually occurs in men and women over the age of 50. The main causes of colon cancer are related to the patient's diet: very low in fiber and high in fat and calories. By keeping a healthy life style and good eating habits, you can prevent developing cancer of the colon even before this becomes a problem. You might also want to try and check your family history for cases of colon cancer and adopt a healthier diet in order to make sure you will avoid this problem in the future.

Colon cancer treatments are varied and you can choose from a series of traditional and alternative methods of dealing with this condition. Surgery is often the number one choice - the surgeon removes the tumors on the colon, even if the cancer cells are spread beyond the colon itself. This ensures less problems in the future of the patient's life, reducing chances of bowel problems or internal bleeding. Colon cancer surgery is usually categorized in four main areas: rectum resection, radio frequency ablation, colostomy and colon resection. The surgeon will determine which method is best suited for each individual patient.

Detecting cancer at a very early stage is important, as the problem can be corrected in a decisive and final manner. By using a polypectomy, the surgeon will remove suspicious polyps in order to minimize chances of the disease. Local excision may also be used in early stages, in order to remove the cancer cells. After surgery, your hospital should provide you with ongoing support in order to ensure a fast and efficient recovery.

Intra arterial chemotherapy is another treatment worth consideration. This treatment targets tumors by delivering a powerful dose of chemotherapy. Primary systemic chemotherapy is often used before a surgical procedure in order to destroy a large majority of cancer cells. Systemic therapy is usually used with metastatic cancer, while the third method, adjuvant chemotherapy, targets any cancer cells that might have been left over after surgery. All three chemotherapy procedures are delivered through the hepatic artery and are an option if the cancer has spread to the liver.

Another choice comes from chemoembolization treatment. In addition to being delivered intra arterially, this type of treatment blocks the blood flow to the areas affected by cancer. It traps the chemotherapy drugs in the area of the tumor, thus ensuring that they work efficiently and on target.

Article Source: ezinearticles

Colorectal Cancer and Pain Killers

Posted by Asbestos Poot Thursday, February 9, 2012 0 comments

Some evidence from observation and studies seem to indicate that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Does this mean you should take an aspirin every day to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer or prevent it? Well it could be said that it would help and research seems to point to that fact. Of course it would not have to be aspirin, it could be Motrin, Advil or a host of other such over the counter type drugs.

Are researchers and doctors recommending this? No they will not go so far as to recommend you take them, unless you are perhaps in an extremely high-risk category. However the studies look to be pretty conclusive in fact go so far as to say they you reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by a little over 50%, which is a huge amount if you start to think about something so simple reducing the risks by that wide of a margin. A weekly usage and the number of years taken seemed to be the key. Too much usage can cause intestinal bleeding and that is a horrible side effect; so do not try this. But the study is interesting indeed.

Much research is continuing in the study of colorectal cancer as it kills about 56,000 Americans per year and about 145,000 are diagnosed now every year. The 20-year study was done on over 83,000 women between the ages of 30 and 55. These women who used aspirin only had a 23 percent less likelihood of colorectal cancer as opposed to those who were non-aspirin users.

While the evidence suggests a reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer from such drugs, it is probably not a good strategy to prevent colorectal cancer. You will need to do your own research and ask your doctor about such things, however this is a very interesting finding and something think about.

Article Source: ezinearticles

Finding a New Appreciation For Life After Cancer

Posted by Asbestos Poot Thursday, February 2, 2012 0 comments

I have just spent a delightful two weeks with my sister, Joy. Joy is the strong, energetic type who enjoyed a daily run before starting her teaching job. She had recovered well from a total mastectomy due to breast cancer twenty three years ago, and for the last two years had been having regular check ups for polyps in the bowel.

While running early one morning, she noted her foot was hurting. It was still troubling her several days later, so she decided to make an appointment with her doctor. The doctor examined her foot and suggested it would be a good idea to have a routine blood test.

This showed that Joy was anemic, which prompted the Doctor to do a colonoscopy. Wilma's other sister rang with the disturbing news! The colonoscopy revealed Joy had colon cancer and faced the difficult decision to have the whole bowel, or a major part of the bowel removed.

Six weeks after surgery and in between chemotherapy, Joy came to me to recover. "I am going to enjoy every day," she said. "This has made me appreciate life, as none of us know what is in the future." And enjoy every day we did! During our bush walks the birds seemed to sing louder and sweeter, the moss appeared greener, the trees bigger. To Joy, the mountains were awesome, and the walk along the beach with the feel of the sand between her toes and the clear blue water were described as, 'just beautiful'.

Joy praises God for every new day

As nature came alive and Joy took on a new appreciation of it, I was drawn to this thought for the week.

"When men invented flying machines they were noisy, but God made songbirds so they could sing the purest music on earth! (Genesis chapter 1, verse 21)

The sophisticated song mechanism of birds leaves scientists speechless. Birds are such skilled musicians that it often requires someone with a degree in music to fully appreciate their brilliance. Nightingales can have a repertoire of 300 songs stored in their brains! They will often sing 70 songs before they repeat the repertoire again with perfect accuracy. Many birds have 'absolute pitch', meaning that they can determine exactly what key they sing in without reference to anything like a tuning fork!

Some birds can perform antiphonal singing where two birds alternate notes in a song. This requires knowledge of the duet by both partners and split second timing in the execution of the duet. When human beings do this it's considered very skillful and impressive yet birds can accomplish it easily! Since man-made music has an intelligent composer, it's perfectly reasonable to assume that birdsong has an intelligent, divine Composer.

Article Source: ezinearticles

How Oily Fish Could Help in the Fight Against Bowel Cancer

Posted by Asbestos Poot Friday, January 27, 2012 0 comments

Researchers at St George's Hospital in London have discovered that the Omega 3s found in oily fish could help prevent bowel cancer.

The participants had all suffered from polyps in the bowel, which can turn cancerous if not removed, so these people were prone to developing bowel cancer.

Our bodies are continuously renewing cells - they grow and die.

In a normal person, one cell dies and is replaced by another cell the same, but it's been discovered that in a patient who has polyps, their cells are produced at a faster rate than they die. This results in too many cells and so a polyp is formed where cells grow on top of each other.

30 patients who had had bowel polyps took part in a 3 month trial. Samples of the colon lining were taken and examined at the start.

They were randomly given Omega 3 oil capsules or no treatment and then at the end of the trial, further samples were taken.

In the group who had taken the oil, it was found that their cell generation rate had fallen by nearly 25% - so they were producing a lot less cells in their bowel.

The rate at which cells had died had increased by over 100% - resulting in less cells again.

The levels of the fatty acids in the cells were doubled -indicating that the Omega 3s play a part in cell regeneration.

Maybe over a period of time, they could return these patients to a normal rate of cell reproduction, thereby eliminating the risk of polyps forming and preventing that specific type of bowel cancer developing.

Two further trials are being planned. The first is to measure the levels of the fatty acids and cell production and death after 6 months, which will help to confirm the trial's results and reach a conclusion as to the best dosage,

The second one is even more exciting. This will be on patients who have familial adenomatous polyposis. This is a condition where people are genetically likely to form polyps which would in turn make them more likely to develop bowel cancer.

If these trials prove their original findings, it could mean that one more cancer that threatens us could be prevented.

You are what you eat is an old saying and all research is pointing to the benefits of eating oily fish

Article Source: ezinearticles

Colon Concern

Posted by Asbestos Poot Thursday, January 5, 2012 0 comments

Colon cancer, clinically called as colorectoral cancer, is the growth and spread of cancerous cells in the colon, rectum, and appendix. These cancerous cells form into tissues, and the mass then turns into a tumor. Tumor in colon cancer arises from the inner wall of the large intestine. If the tumor is benign, it is called polyp. If the tumor is malignant, then it is cancer.

Polyps do not reach the stage of metastasis. If detected and removed early enough, polyps can be prevented from being a threat to life and can be removed through colonoscopy. But if polyps are not removed early on, they eventually evolve into the malignant stage and can be very deadly. When the case is already malignant, the cancer cells are most likely to spread to tissues and other parts of the body, resulting in more damages. Colon cancer cells usually attack the liver and the lungs, and form new tumor growth in them.

Just like in most cancers, the medical field has not yet tracked the main cause of colon cancer. There are only known several factors that increase the risk of developing colon cancer. The most unavoidable of all is the predisposition of genetic structure. People from a family with cancer history are more likely to develop colon cancer, or any cancer at that. Genetics also play a big role in having colon cancer syndromes. First identified genetics-caused syndrome is the familial adenomatous polyposis or FAP. In FAP, affected family members develop countless numbers of colon polyps, starting in the teenage years. Unless the condition is detected and treated (treatment involves removal of the colon) early, a person with FAP is almost a hundred percent sure to develop full-blown colon cancer. The second genetics-caused syndrome is the attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis or AFAP. It is a milder version of FAP, where less than a hundred polyps develop in a person's body. Third is the hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer or HNPCC, where colon polyps develop in the right colon during early ages of 30 to 40. Last known genetics-caused syndrome is the MYH polyposis syndrome where 10-100 polyps occur around the age of 40.

What can further trigger the genetic factor in colon cancer are high-fat diets and unhealthy lifestyles. Studies have shown that a diet high in red meat and low in fresh fruit, vegetables, poultry, and fish increases colorectal cancer risk. However, the link between high-fiber diet and lower risk of colon cancer still needs a lot of proving. Smoking, on the other hand, makes people more susceptible to develop not just lung cancer but colon cancer as well. In one study conducted by the American Cancer Society, it was found out that women smokers have 40% chances of dying from colon cancer than those women who do not smoke. The same goes for men smokers who are at a 30% higher risk level in contrast to men who do not or never smoked. High alcohol intake and physical inactivity are also known elements of lifestyle, increasing the risk of developing colon cancer.

Generally, abnormalities in a person's bowel movement is the major indicator or a possible colon cancer. But more symptoms can exist like fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating. Conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulosis, and peptic ulcer may have the same symptoms as that of colon cancer; so clinical diagnosis is necessary to really determine if the condition is colon cancer or not.

Surgery is the most availed treatment for this type of cancer. Tumor surgery has five classifications. First is the surgical treatment for localized tumor. This type of surgery may require full mesorectal excision (anterior resection) or abdominoperineal excision. In the second classification, palliative resection, the primary tumor is being removed to at least mitigate the damages its metastasis might cause. The proximal fecal diversion, the third classification, is for cases where excision is technically difficult to administer. This is done when the tumor has already invaded the surrounding vital structures of the colon. The fourth is the bypass (alternate to fecal diversion) and the last is the open-and-close surgery. The open-and-close surgery is administered in worst cases where the tumor is unresectable and resorting to other options is more harmful than beneficial. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are the post-surgery support therapies being administered to reduce the chances of the cancer recurring.

Article Source: ezinearticles

How Colon Cancer and Retinoic Acid are Interrelated

Posted by Asbestos Poot Wednesday, January 4, 2012 0 comments

Progress has been made recently in the search for a treatment to cure colon cancer. On October 6, 2006, The Journal of Biological Chemistry published a study about this and the results were astounding. They found out a particular molecule that is most probably one of the major cause of colon cancer worldwide. This particular molecule is termed as the C-Terminal Binding Protein or (CTBP). The C-Terminal Binding Protein is found in 85% of those diagnosed with colon cancer, this figure is astonishing and it proves beyond doubt that controlling this particular molecule is the answer to most of the cases in colon cancer in humans.

By immobilizing this particular molecule, doctors can stop the mutation that this molecule will brought about in the human gene called adenomatous polyposis coli, by doing this, doctors would prevent their patients from having colon cancer as this mutation is actually the first and foremost step in the development of colon cancer.

The scenario we can see in a human that has healthy cells, the adenomatous polyposis coli gene in humans would actually stop the spread of the C-Terminal Binding Protein by destroying it, therefore controlling the amount of this particular molecule in the body, the problem arises when the adenomatous polyposis coli gene has already mutated because it would no longer be able to control the amount of C-Terminal Binding Protein in the body. If this mutation isn't stopped, the human intestine would not be able to function normally.

One of the results that come from C-Terminal Binding Protein is that it stops the normal procedure in the body that turns the Vitamin A it accumulated that later change into retinoic acid. If the Vitamin A isn't changed into retinoic acid as is the normal procedure, the body would not be able to manufacture normal cells because retinoic acid is actually the ones responsible for the determination of what kinds of cells the body should form and how long these cells will remain in the body.

If the body had retained an unnecessary amount of C-Terminal Binding Protein, it could be dangerous as this could lead to colon cancer. The reason for this is because the body would not be able to produce adequate amount of retinoic acid that it really needs. So when in the mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli the culprit, the C-Terminal Binding Protein is removed, the result would be the restoration of the normal function in the intestines because the level of manufacturing the retinoic acid that is of utmost importance was made to be back to normal.

But the downside to this otherwise beneficial breakthrough is that the C-Terminal Binding Protein is an unfamiliar agent to stop or remove from the body. Researchers are now studying some drugs that can help the body in stopping the actions of the C-Terminal Binding Protein before it poses a greater threat to the human body.

Understanding the importance of retinoic acid and its role in preventing the mutation of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene in the human body is important. By understanding the functions of our body better we will be able to protect ourselves against colon cancer and also safeguard our over all health.

This particular study is really an essential break through because right now cancer in the colon is one of the cancers that really kills people especially in the United States. This type of cancer is also one of the common types found in the Western World.

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Article Source: ezinearticles

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