Symptoms of colon cancer are often mild or temporary and can be caused by other conditions. If you have noticed any of these symptoms for more than a week, consult your doctor. Your doctor can decide if a screening for colon cancer is appropriate for you. There are two types of colon cancer: non-cancerous and cancerous. Each type affects different parts of the digestive tract. To find out if you have colon cancer, ask your doctor to perform a stool test.
In general, people older than 50 are at increased risk of developing colon cancer, but this risk increases with age. Additionally, African Americans is more likely to develop the disease than other races. Inflammatory bowel conditions and smoking increase your risk of developing colon cancer. Getting a screening is a good idea for anyone over age 45. Colon cancer screenings can help detect this disease before symptoms appear. While screening does not prevent the disease, it can save a person’s life.
There are two basic types of tests used for colon cancer diagnosis. CT scans, which are highly sensitive x-rays, can detect most cancer cells outside of the colon. PET scans, which use special dye with radioactive tracers, are also used to detect cancer. Another test used to identify the type of cancer is the CEA blood test. The test is not conclusive, but is used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests to determine whether or not you have colon cancer.
In addition to colon cancer screening, the condition can be prevented through a polyp removal surgery. A polyp is a benign growth that can become cancerous if left untreated. Surgical removal can prevent colon cancer if these growths are discovered early. Certain risk factors contribute to an increased risk of colon cancer, and some of these factors cannot be changed. Your ethnicity, age, and family health history all play a role in your chances of developing colon cancer.
Treatment of colon cancer varies widely and can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. Surgical treatment for colon cancer is the standard method for most patients with advanced disease. Surgery removes the affected portion of the colon, as well as lymph nodes. While surgery has the highest chance of success, the likelihood of survival depends on the stage of colon cancer and the type of polyp. However, it is important to remember that surgery may not be the right option for everyone.
The treatment of colon cancer depends on the type of colon cancer. If the cancer is early, you may be able to treat it with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is another option, and it kills cancer cells by altering their ability to divide. While chemotherapy has the potential to control the tumors, it is also associated with side effects. In many cases, patients can receive chemotherapy alone, but the side effects are often severe. You should consult your doctor about your treatment options to determine which treatment option is right for you.
