What You Need to Know About Colon Cancer

Posted by Northtexascancer on November 7th, 2014

Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in both men and women in the United States. It’s also a highly treatable form of cancer when it is caught in its earliest stages. To ensure that proper screenings are conducted when necessary, it is important for everyone to have a basic understanding of this disease and the warning signs and risk factors to watch out for.

Colorectal cancers are known to involve rather slow development over time. They start out quite often as small noncancerous cells known as polyps. Over time, these polyps can change and create problems. Since polyps typically present without any symptoms, it’s important for people to undergo routine screenings for their presence. Colonoscopy is the basic screening that is used. In most cases, this type of screening won’t begin until middle age, but for those with a history of colon cancer or polyps in their families, screenings may begin sooner.

If colon cancer does develop, there are a number of symptoms that can signal its presence. They include:

• Bloody stool

• The presence of gas

• Changes in bowel habits

• Cramping in the stomach that is consistent and repetitive

• Abdominal pain

Again, screening for colorectal cancer won’t begin for most people until they are in their 50s. Those with certain risk factors, however, might have physicians request screenings that begin sooner. Some of the risk factors for colon cancer, beyond age, include:

• Family or personal history

• Diet

• Inherited syndromes

• Smoking

• Inflammatory intestinal conditions

• Leading a sedentary lifestyle

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• History of heavy alcohol use

• Having undergone radiation therapy for other forms of cancer

Colorectal cancer is slow-growing and is generally quite treatable if it’s caught in its earliest stages. To ensure the best possible outcomes, it’s important for those who are at risk to undergo routine screening for the disease. If a diagnosis is positive, your doctor can help you explore all the potential treatment options for this condition. Treatments may include surgery, targeted drug therapy, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of several types of therapy. The best possible option for treatment depends on the type of colorectal cancer present and the stage to which it has advanced. Your doctor will go over all the details with you.

About the Center:
North Texas Cancer Center at Wise County is a Choice Cancer Care facility. This state-of-the-art practice uses cutting-edge techniques to provide patients with the best care available for colon cancer and other types of cancer. Like all of our other centers, we have created a patient friendly atmosphere within the clinic and have staffed our clinic with experienced and qualified medical professionals. Our board certified radiation oncologist. Dr. Greg Garrett lives and practices in Decatur with his 30 years of experience and frequently consults with Dr. Gregory Echt. The North Texas Cancer Center of Wise also offers ample and convenient free parking to all of our patients and family members. To get more information you can visit our site northtexascancercenteratwise.com.