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Colon Cancer

Cancer of the colon and rectum is one of the most curable forms of the disease. When this type of cancer is detected early, the chances of cure are excellent; almost 75% of patients can be cured and are able to return to normal life. However, only about 40% actually survive because of our human tendency to avoid diagnosis and treatment. Most people find it embarrassing to discuss the symptoms, others ignore or dismiss the symptoms.

Colon and rectal cancers develop over a period of time and it is possible to detect the disease long before symptoms develop. Early detection of small cancers and polyps reduces the likelihood of major surgery and often colostomy can be avoided. Warning signals like bleeding from the rectum, blood in the stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or unexpected weight loss, warrant an immediate thorough examination by a physician. Patients with personal or family history of colon and rectal cancer, polyps, colon and rectum and inflammatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis, are at a high risk to develop colon and rectal cancer and require an examination at regular and more frequent intervals.

For early detection of colon and rectal cancer in people without symptoms or the previously mentioned risk factors, the American Cancer Society recommends three tests as valuable aids. The digital rectal examination performed by physicians in their office can detect up to 15% of cancers. This quick and inexpensive examination is recommended once a year after the age of 40.

The second test, a stool blood slide test, detects hidden blood in the stool. Polyps and early cancers before they become symptomatic, shed a small amount of blood in the stool, not typically visible by the naked eye. The specimen is obtained by the patient at the home and returned for examination. If any of the slides show signs of blood, further checking as to its source is necessary. The American Cancer Society recommends this test every year after age 50.

These guidelines apply to people without symptoms. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, see your doctor right away.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, with an estimated 108,000 cases in 2007 with 50,000 males and 58,000 females.