Colon Rectal Cancer

Cancer occurs when cells that are dividing go about doing that too often, producing more cells than are necessary in the area, and these are named according to the area it occurs in.

An important organ that aids in the digestion of food in humans in the colon, commonly known as the large intestine. It is the final stage of the digestive tract. Colon rectal cancer is a malignancy that occurs in the inner lining of the colon or the rectum, the end part of the colon. Colon rectal cancer has become a common ailment in today’s world.

All cells in a human body undergo the process of life and death. This growth is considered cancerous when it occurs against the natural rhythm and cannot be controlled by the immune system. This uncontrolled growth then produces a collection of cells known as a tumor. Tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors do not spread or invade any other part of the body. Cells that keep on dividing unmanageably that attack other parts of the body destroying healthy cells are called malignant tumors.

There are many known risk factors that may increase the chance of colon rectal cancer occurring in a human. Those over the age of 40 are said to be at a higher risk of developing colon cancer, and colon cancer has rarely been diagnosed in those under forty. Having a family history of colon cancer can also increase the chances of developing the disease. Other factors like having had benign tumors or polyps removed before, having a diet that is high in fat but low in fiber and having another illness that may increase chances of developing colon cancer are all considered to be risk of getting colon cancer.

Having one of these risk factors does not mean you will definitely get colon rectal cancer. Bleeding from the rectum does not always mean colon cancer but this bleeding should never be ignored. Other symptoms to keep an eye out for include changes in bowel habits and pain in the abdomen or rectum region. If you have these symptoms it doesnt necessarly mean you have colon cancer, but they should be taken seriously and should warrant a doctors visit.

Advances in science and the field of medicine mean that cure rates for this type of cancer are quite high.Using a combination of treatment methods like surgery, radiation and chemotherapy will definitely mean a better prognosis for the patient.