Colon Cancer:  General Info

Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer or bowel cancer, is a form of malignancy that includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix.   Colon cancer is one of the commonest forms of cancer in the Western world; in fact, it is the third most common form of malignancy and the #2 leading cause of death among cancers in developed countries. 

Colorectal cancer is the cause of 655,000 deaths/year globally. 

Apart from the role played by inherited genetic factors, and a few colon cancer cases developing in the unstable mucosa of ulcerative colitis, the most important factor in the development of colorectal cancer appears to be environmental. 

This means diet.  Diet affects the bacterial levels of the large bowel. 

Some bacterias can transform bile acids into carcinogens resulting in colon cancer.  A high-fibre, low-fat diet is always recommended.

Colon Cancer: General Info

Subsequently, many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from adenomatous polyps (small, unexpected growth of the lining) in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time.

The majority of the time, the diagnosis of localized colon cancer is through what is known as a colonoscopy (telescope examination of the whole large bowel).  However, some doctors prefer not to take risks, and instead perform a biopsy (taking small bits of tissue), after which the sample can be tested for malignant or benign colon cancer.  Or, in some cases, the growth is completely removed.

Symptoms of colon cancer include dizziness, weight loss, weakness, paleness, tiredness and sometimes a shortness of breath.

If colon cancer is discovered, therapy is usually through surgery, which in many cases is followed by chemotherapy.