Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in America. The colon is a muscular thin tube about 5 feet long.
The Colon acts like a sponge to absorb minerals, water and salts from the food mass. Colon cancer begins in the innermost layer of the colon and spreads through the width of the organ. 95% of colon cancers are adenocarcinomas which arise from the glands or even polyps in the colon. Unfortunately, once the cancer has spread to distant organs such as the lungs, survival rate is only about 6% over a 5 year period. Symptoms of colon cancer can include passing blood with feces, abdominal bloating and severe abdominal pain. Prevention consists or a colonoscopy which should be done every 2 years after the age of 40. A colonoscopy allows for a camera to view the inside and determine the presence of any abnormalities. The best treatment is preventative, especially if there is a history of cancer within the family.
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