Colorectal Cancer
Colon and Rectal Cancer by Morgan Williams
- Also known as colon cancer, rectal cancer or bowel cancer
- Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum
- Cells grow abnormally and then invade and spread throughout the body
- The large intestines are attacked and affected when this occurs
Symptoms
Symptoms of Colorectal cancer may be:
- change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool
- rectal bleeding, dark stools, or blood in the stool
- cramping or abdominal pain
- weakness and fatigue
- unintended weight loss
Possible causes
Causes of Colorectal cancer could much possibly vary and be caused from:
- infection
- hemorrhoids
- irritable bowel syndrome
- inflammatory bowel disease
- dietary factors
- inheritance
Prevention
To prevent cancer, it is suggested to:
- healthy lifestyle, as in diet/nutrition and exercise
- no smoking and/or drinking
- see doctor if any symptoms continuously occur or take place
- surgery is available to prevent Colorectal cancer
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/basics/prevention/con-20031877
Treatment
Diagnosis
Colorectal Cancer diagnosis:
- symptoms do not appear in early sighting of disease
- symptoms often tend to occur in the advanced stage of disease
- regular cancer screening will show Colorectal cancer
- a Colonscopy will also show site of disease
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/detailedguide/colorectal-cancer-diagnosed
Likeliness
Reason being:
- fourth most common cancer in the U.S., including skin cancer; in both genders
- most likely seen in people over the age of 50 but can occur to anyone
- in the United States, African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with this disease
- anyone in poor health, who smokes or drinks, and may be obese, is more likely to be diagnosed than others
April is the month of Colorectal Cancer Awareness
*The picture below illustrates where cancer may be found in the colon