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Stage 4 Colon Cancer - Don't Give Up Hope If You Reach This Stage Of Colon Cancer


Once colon cancer reaches the level of stage 4, this is the point, statistically, when the rates of survival decrease rapidly. The average five-year survival rate at this stage tends to be around 20 to 30 percent. Whilst these figures make the outlook look bad, an end to all hope should not be dismissed with stage 4 colon cancer. The importance of screening and early detection at this time is paramount.
If stage 4 colon cancer has been diagnosed, this means that the cancer has now manifested itself in other parts of the body. It is almost certain that the cancer has invaded the lymph node system and could possibly be found in the liver, lungs, bones and even the brain. Even at this stage, it is still possible for people to live past the projected five-year period. It all depends on the location of the spread of the stage 4 colon cancer. However, overall, the prognosis for stage 4 survival is not overly optimistic.
Even now, when stage 4 colon cancer has been diagnosed, there are several medical procedures and treatments that can be used to lessen symptoms. In areas where tumors can be removed, surgery can be performed to remove these tumors. If surgery isn't an option, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used to help. Whilst there may not be a 'cure' for stage 4 colon cancer, doctors strive to help those diagnosed to live their lives, if not a little longer, then at least a little more comfortably.
Prevention is of paramount importance in ensuring that people do not end up with stage 4 colon cancer. This in itself is not going to prove 100% effective for everyone, but to help avoid this cancer, here are a few things that people can do:
Reduce the risks. Not all of the risks can be removed. Some can though, and they simply involve changing your lifestyle habits. Smoking, over indulgence of alcohol and a diet that is high in fat and low in fiber are all risks that can be eliminated. Other personal risk factors that can be addressed are obesity and lack of exercise.
Undertake a screening program. The normal check up procedure of screening starts around the age of 50. However, if the risks are deemed high in a person, then screening will start at an earlier stage. Both men and women are prone to colon cancer, so both can expect to have their physicians request screening exams every few years.
The importance of screening programs and risk reduction are highlighted by the fact that symptoms of colon cancer do not generally appear until the later stages. The best form of defense can be installed by making these two things a priority. By doing so, one can help to reduce the chances of stage 4 colon cancer forming.
Stage 4 colon cancer is not good and if diagnosed with this cancer, it doesn't mean that all hope is lost. With the proper medical treatment and care, the chances of beating the five-year survival rate could be improved. Avoiding this situation in the first place by employing the combination of preventative measures and undergoing regular screenings is obviously the best step to take. These actions alone won't guarantee that you won't reach stage 4 colon cancer, but they will help in decreasing the chances for advancement of the colon cancer.
Would you be able to recognise any of the signs or symptoms of colon cancer? For a wide range of information about colon cancer visit www.coloncancersigns.info RIGHT NOW. It could literally mean the difference between life and death.
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Colon Health Check - Self Test For Early Colon Cancer Detection


Colon Cancer Symptoms in Women - Colon cancer, also known as colonic or bowel cancer is quickly becoming a mass killer among us. It is the third most common cancer for both men and women and it is estimated that 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed this year in America. One of the biggest problems is early detection. There usually no symptoms associated with the early stages of colorectal cancer, making makes this type of cancer very lethal. Until recently, no self test kits were available for colon cancer early detection. Fortunately technology has advanced and now this is a very real option.
Screen Yourself with a Self Test Kit for a Home Colon Health Check
Before you rush to your doctor and embark on a series of unpleasant tests, such as a colonoscopy, you may consider a new alternative now available. It is possible to perform a colon health check for detection of early stages of colonic cancer by identifying fecal blood in the stool. In fact the American Cancer Society strongly recommends people test for fecal occult blood every year. Fecal occult blood indicates bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract which may be an indication of cancer.
Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract can also be caused by benign conditions such as hemorrhoids, polyps, stomach ulcers, rectal fissures and more. In any case this will be detected in the colon health check self test after which you would see a physician as soon as possible to determine the cause of the bleeding.
Who Should Take a Colon Health Check?
Testing for colon cancer is recommended to anyone over the age of 40 as well as for any one who is at high risk to develop colon cancer. High risk categories include:
People who have had colon or rectal cancer, breast, or reproductive tract cancer, anyone with benign intestinal polyps. People that have a family relation to anyone who has been diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer. African-American men and women.
Colon cancer is very real and can happen to anyone. It is recommended to self test your colon once a year, remember, one simple test every year can help save your life!
Early detection of colon cancer can save your life! Colon Health Check provides a promise to increase early colon cancer detection and is the first self test kit to be used in the comfort of your own home. There are many small lifestyle changes you can make to increase your chances against colon cancer including diet, exercise and colon cleansing.
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The Best Colon Cancer Treatment Options


Colon Cancer Symptoms in Women - 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.
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Colon Cancer and Nutrition


Colon Cancer Symptoms in Women - Colon Cancer also known Colorectal cancer. Colon cancer 2nd most deaths for cancers in the US. Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). 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. Together, they form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also known as the large bowel). Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps. Cancer of the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer. In the United States, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and women. It is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Colorectal cancer causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year. Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from adenomatous polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time.
Colon cancer often causes no symptoms until it has reached a relatively advanced stage. Thus, many organizations recommend periodic screening for the disease with fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy. It is common in the Western world, and is rare in Asia and Africa. In countries where the people have adopted western diets, the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Polyps of the colon and rectum are almost always benign and usually produce no symptoms. They may, however, cause painless rectal bleeding or bleeding not apparent to the naked eye. There may be single or multiple polyps. Polyps greater than 1 centimeter have a greater cancer risk associated with them than polyps under 1 centimeter. Polyps with atypia or dysplasia are also more likely to progress on to colon cancer. The risk of cancer is much higher in sessile villous adenomas than in pedunculated tubular adenomas. Cancer is found in 40% of villous adenomas, as compared to 15% in tubular adenomas.
Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer. Surgery remains the primary treatment while chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be recommended depending on the individual patient's staging. High-fiber foods help move waste through your digestive tract faster, so harmful substances don't have much contact with the lining of the intestine. High-fiber foods are also rich in phytonutrients, which appear to protect against several forms of cancer. Calcium and vitamin D also seem to help protect against colorectal cancer. There is certainly just as much buzz about folate and colorectal cancer prevention as there has been about calcium. The jury is still out on antioxidants and the prevention of colorectal cancer. Taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C or carotenoids, may reduce cancer risk but other studies have failed to back up these results. Vegetables high in folate, like leafy greens, seem to offer particular protection from colon cancer, especially for those who drink alcohol. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain phytochemicals that may prevent damage to colon cells.
Colon Cancer Treatment and Nutrition Tips
1. Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer.
2. Radiotherapy may be recommended Treatment fot colon cancer.
3. High-fiber foods help move waste through your digestive tract faster.
4. Calcium and vitamin D also seem to help protect against colorectal cancer.
5. Taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C or carotenoids, may reduce cancer risk but other studies have failed to back up these results.
6. Vegetables high in folate, like leafy greens, seem to offer particular protection from colon cancer, especially for those who drink alcohol.
7. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain phytochemicals that may prevent damage to colon cells.
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Belly Bulge Increases Colon Cancer Risk


Colon Cancer Symptoms in Women - Carrying extra weight around your middle, as opposed to the hips or thighs may increase your risk of colon cancer. Men in particular have this risk, although women are not excluded. If you have a high BMI - body mass index - you are at an increased level of risk.
BMI is a measure of someone's weight in relation to height. How do you calculate your own personal BMI? Multiply your weight in pounds X 703 ( lbs X 703). Then divide by the square of your height in inches (inches X inches).
  • A BMI under 18 is underweight
  • A BMI greater than 25 is considered overweight
  • A BMI greater than 30 is obese
For example a women weighing 130lbs who is 5 feet five inches tall would have a BMI of 22 which is in the "normal" range:
Weight: 130 X 703 = 91,390
Height: 65 X 65 = 4225
BMI 21.6
A diet high in fat will not only contribute to obesity and heart disease, it may also increase your BMI and put you at risk for colon cancer as well. A low fat diet high in fiber is your best choice for optimal health. Women should aim for a diet of at least 21 to 25 grams of fiber a day, while men should try to eat 30 to 38 grams of fiber daily. What to eat to get that fiber? Dietary fiber - found mainly in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
Why is fiber so essential? Unlike other food we consume like fats (oils and nuts), proteins (meat, fish, poultry) or carbohydrates (bread, pasta, sweets) - which your body breaks down and absorbs - fiber isn't digested by your body. Fiber is the part of plant foods that the body can't digest or absorb, it is also called "roughage".
Excellent fiber choices to enhance your diet include:
  1. Whole grain products
  2. Vegetables
  3. Fruits
  4. Legumes, beans and peas
  5. Seeds and Nuts
Using a colon cleansing supplement every few months will help remove the excess waste in the colon that your low-fiber diet may be failing to eliminate. Try an all natural supplement like Co-Clean.
Jennifer Hughs is the pen name for the health and lifestyles writer who is compensated by Value Marketing, Inc. d/b/a Lab88. The author has 20+ years in the cosmetic and health industries and has worked with leading beauty and health publications.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4451318

10 Warning Signs of Cancer in Women


Even though women are generally more realistic about danger signals than men, many do not pay attention to the warning signs that could signal cancer. Here are some danger signals that should never be ignored.
1. Changes in the breast become apparent to most women immediately but many are on the lookout only for "lumps". However, there are other symptoms that they should also be aware of: thickening and rash-like redness of the skin, nipple discharges when not breastfeeding and changes in the nipple's shape are all things that should be checked out immediately.
2. Skin pigmentation changes are also a danger signal, specially if bleeding develops or there is too much scaling on the skin.
3. Blood in the stool or urine is never a good sign and could signal colon cancer. Blood in the toilet could be from menstruation but it is good to get this checked and be sure.
4. Indigestion without any apparent reason is a caution sign for stomach cancer.
5. Lymph node changes, specially if they get larger and have been around for over a month, you need to get checked right away to make sure they are not due to an infection. These are under your armpit or your neck usually.
6. Unexplained fevers that linger without any signs of the flu or other infections may signal cancer in its early stages in the case of blood cancers like leukemia or advanced stages after cancer has already spread.
7. Unexplained weight loss should be considered a danger signal at any time and checked out right away. While it could be an overactive thyroid, this type of weight loss is normally considered cancer unless proved otherwise.
8. Unusual bleeding should never be ignored, specially bleeding that takes place between periods. Sometimes, gastrointestinal bleeding is mistaken for menstruation but anything that is out of the normal for you should be checked out and if you are normally regular, this is a danger signal. Some women do spot between periods and that's OK but if this is a new development a checkup is urgent.
9. Difficulty in swallowing could be a sign of gastrointestinal cancer like cancer of the esophagus. This is so removed from the idea of cancer that many people, including women, never worry about it.
10. Depression accompanied by abdominal pain may point to pancreatic cancer. Although a link has been found, it has not been well understood yet but it should definitely be check out right away.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3381630

Colon Cancer - Everything For the Layman


Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine, the lower part of your digestive system. It is the second most common cancer in the USA with equal distribution between men and women. It usually affects people over the age of 40, with the majority of people who are diagnosed with the condition being over 60 years of age. This disease may affect any racial or ethnic group; however, some studies suggest that Americans of northern European heritage have a higher-than-average risk.
INCIDENCE
Colon cancer is more common in industrialized nations and in those societies where red meat is a major part of the diet, although evidence tends to suggest that merely changing your diet to white meat and seafood as in for instance Japan, tends to just swap stomach cancer for colon cancer. In almost all cases it is a treatable disease if caught early.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Colon cancer usually begins with the growth of benign growths such as polyps. Often there are no early symptoms. If signs and symptoms of colon tumors do appear, they may include: 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 and unexplained weight loss.
CAUSES
The exact cause is unknown, but it appears to be influenced by both inherited and environmental factors. Studies show a concentration in areas of higher economic development suggesting a relationship to diet, particularly excess animal fat and low fiber. Other factors that increase the risk of developing CC are: age over 40, the presence of other diseases of the digestive tract, family history and ulcerative colitis.
Development of colon cancer at an early age, or at multiple sites, or recurrent cancer, suggests a genetically transmitted form of the disease as opposed to the sporadic form. There also is a slight increased risk for colon cancer in the individual who smokes.
The most common cancer cell type is adenocarcinoma which accounts for 95% of cases.
DIAGNOSIS
The development of polyps of the colon usually precedes the development of tumours by five or more years. The American Gastroenterologial Association revised its screening guidelines in 2003 to recommend that people with two or more first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer or a first-degree relative with colon or rectal cancer before age 60 should have a screening colonoscopy beginning at age 40 or beginning 10 years prior to the age of the earlier diagnosis in their family (whichever is earliest). Those with a first-degree relative diagnosed with colon cancer after age 60 or two second-degree relative with colon or rectal cancer should begin screening at age 40 with one of the methods listed above, such as annual sigmoidoscopy. The most common screening tests are colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and fecal occult blood test.
CT scans and Barium enemas are also routinely used for diagnosis of colon and rectal cancers.
TREATMENT
Almost all the cancers are treated with surgery first, regardless of stage. The malignant tumor, adjacent tissues and any lymph nodes that may contain cancer cells are removed.
Chemotherapy after surgery is usually only given if the tumors have spread to the lymph nodes (Stage III). Radiation therapy may also be used to induce tumor regression. As with other cancer treatments, the incidence of side effects varies with patient health and the exact nature of the treatment.
PREVENTION
There is not an absolute method for preventing colon cancer. Still, there are steps an individual can take to dramatically lessen the risk or to identify the precursors of the cancer so that it does not manifest itself. People who turn age 50, and all of those with a history of colon cancer in their families, should speak with their physicians about the most recent screening recommendations from physician and cancer organizations. They should watch for symptoms and attend all recommended screenings to increase the likelihood of catching the cancer early. Exercise is believed to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Apparently, no association exists between frequency of bowel movement or laxative use and risk of getting the disease.
PROGNOSIS
Prognosis depends on the stage of the tumour and the overall health of the patient. If diagnosed early, before the tumor has spread from the bowel, these treatments are very effective, with about 90% of patients alive five years after diagnosis. If the colon cancer does not come back (recur) within 5 years, it is considered cured. Prognosis is poor in patients with liver and lung metastases.
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Top 5 Signs Of Colon Cancer


1) Colon cancer usually will not have any symptoms. Unfortunately it will be in the later stages that symptoms will show, they include, cramping, rapid weight loss, bloody stools, and thin stools. If you have any of these go to your doctor. The earlier you find signs the better chance you have to survive.
2) One in four people over the age of 50 will have a polyp. The average age of someone with colon cancer is 64, more than 90 % are over 50. So if you are over 50 make sure you make a doctors appointment for a screening, and then make sure you go to your appointment. Most people will make the appointment then skip it because they think it will not happen to them.
3) Balanced diet has shown to prevent the chances of colon cancer. Diets high in fiber are the best. High fat cholesterol diets have shown to increase the risk of colon cancer.
4) Studies have shown that over weight men are more at risk than over weight women to colon cancer. Also where the fat is on your body can also be a factor. Apple shape ( fat in the waist) has a increased chance of colon cancer, while Pear shape ( fat in the hips or thighs) have a less chance. Although being over weight is not a sign, it is better to maintain a healthy weight to keep the chances down.
5) Get to know your family medical history. This can be an early sign of colon cancer. If you have anyone in your family that has had this, it can impact your chances. Make sure if you have a family history of colon cancer or any other cancer to let your doctor know. The more your doctor knows about you the better they can treat you. Early detection is the best prevention.
These are just a few of the signs of colon cancer. Make sure you get out and exercise regularly. Studies have show that exercise can help reduce the risk of colon cancer by 40 percent. Other things that can increase your chances of colon cancer is smoking. So if you want to reduce your chances of getting colon cancer eat healthy, exercise and don't smoke. If you think you might have any sign of colon cancer go see your doctor, its always better to be safe than sorry.
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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Facts About Colon Cancer in Women

Colon Cancer Symptoms In Women - Contrary to the popular misconception, colon cancer is a common ailment that affects both men and women. Indeed, it is seen as the third most common reason for cancer deaths in women. Hence, women should never underestimate their ability to develop cancerous enlargements on the inner walls of their colons. This terrible fallacy of it being a 'man's disease' needs to be replaced with education on the risk factors for women, how they can curtail the occurrence of colon cancer, and the proper ways to receive screening and treatment, diminishing its impact.

What are the risk factors for women with regards to cancer of the colon? Well, it has been stated that as a woman increases in age, she is more likely to develop colon cancer as this hazard increases two fold every five years. This is not made better with the process of menopause or if colon cancer runs in the family.

Unfortunately, women with other types of cancers such as breast and uterine cancer, are also viable prospects for colorectal cancer. But when all is said and done, there are ways in which a woman can protect herself from developing colon cancer or in cases where it already exists, decrease its impact. These include receiving the proper screening, more formally known as a colonoscopy. This test detects the early signs and symptoms of colon cancer so that it can be treated. This is why it is important for women to not have a high fat or low fiber diet but one rich in fruits and vegetables, as it reduces these risks. Furthermore, hormone replacement therapy is a good method used with women who have gone through menopause to reduce the likelihood of colon cancer as well. All in all, regular exercise and daily supplements such as calcium should be taken, which has been proven to have reduced the risk of having a cancerous colon by 30-50% in women.

Finally, as the colonoscopy has been proven to be the best tool employed for early detection of cancer of the colon, women should know all about such a procedure. A colonoscopy gives doctors a clear view of the lining of the colon to identify any signs of growths or enlargements resulting in this cancer. This 15-30 minutes examination involves the insertion of a slender, supple scope with a camera and an illuminator into the anus. With a running cost of $500 to $1000, the patient is made to take a number of pills or to drink a lot of a special fluids to release the bowels beforehand so that when the individual is sedated and examined, a clear depiction of what is going on inside the colon can be obtained.

There is really nothing to be scared about while going through this process. You will normally be sedated and made as comfortable as possible while you are examined. Besides, it is all for a good cause, which is maintaining your health. Because colon cancer is becoming so common in women, it is better to be in the know than to be clueless until it is too late. Be proactive and get yourself tested today!

Check out our site to find out more about recovery from colon cancer after surgery and colon cancer surgery complications.

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