Archive for the ‘Colon Cancer Symptoms’ Category

Colorectal cancer will take nearly 50,000 lives the year, and is our country’s second largest killer. Screening is available, though there is a significant effort required in terms of preparation and the time needed to perform the test. For most people, the recommendation for your first colonoscopy is at age 50, though it may be sooner if you have risk factors for colon cancer or have noted any potential colon cancer symptoms.

If you’ve heard horror stories about colonoscopy, the test used today to screen for colon cancers, new technology may just save you from being someone who can tell them. There’s a new x-ray alternative that’s currently being studied by the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) National CT Colonography Trial and is showing itself to be effective at spotting most cancers.

The long anticipated study involved 15 medical centers across the U.S. and compared the accuracy of CT colonography to colonoscopy, the current gold standard of colon cancer diagnosis. The results of this study were published in the Sept. 18, 2008, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

A “virtual colonoscopy” (known technically as CT colonography) is a cheaper, less intrusive ‘super’ x-ray used for colon screening. The new test was able to pick up nine out of ten people who had large growths or cancers also detected by traditional colonoscopies. Of the false positives detected by the new type of scan, one in four turned out to be correct.

The new screening still involves some preparatory work i.e. cleaning the colon with laxatives or suppositories, just as you do today. You then go to a hospital radiology department to have the test, which takes about 10 minutes (compared to 30-60 minutes for colonoscopy). You lay first on your back and a thin tube is inserted into the rectum, air pumped in and then the table moved though the scanner, taking pictures all the time. You will then go through the scanner again, only this time lying on your stomach. After the two scans, a computer will process the images to create a picture of your lower digestive tract.

Unfortunately, radiologists can more easily misread the virtual colonoscopy. Polyps can be spotted that aren’t there, which may lead to unneeded follow up treatment and the terrible anguish of the threat of a serious health problem. However, sometimes the testing picks up other conditions, outside the colon, that wouldn’t have come to light that need to be addressed or investigated.

One other concern involves the amount of radiation you are exposed to during the test. The dose is half that of a standard CT scan, but experts worry about what this exposure means over time. Especially since this new test should be done every five years, as opposed to every ten years for traditional colon screening.

The new “virtual colonoscopy” seems to have the most value in getting people in for screening and identifying who may need further follow up. And early detection of colon cancer symptoms does save lives.

Colon cancer is just one of the hundreds of cancer types which may inflict anyone. This is painful as it affects the rectum and even the internal organs. What causes colon cancer? What are the symptoms behind it? How can it be prevented?

Causes of colon cancer

The real cause of colon cancer could not really be traced. Generally, it has been said that some individuals are prone to it while some are not affected. Heredity could also be a culprit. Despite the latter, it was found out that 80% of cases are not related to genetics. Other risks that may lead to colon cancer are: the presence of other cancer cells in the body; any history of breast cancer; and Crohn’s disease.

Symptoms of colon cancer

As there is no root cause to colon cancer, symptoms are hard to detect as well. However, some indicators may be used in order to prevent the cancer cells from spreading to your colon. Most of these factors are related to colon cleansing. If you experience any or a combination of the following, you might as well use it as symptoms to colon cancer: abdominal pain or cramps; gas and bloating; change in bowel habits; constipation or diarrhea; fatigue; intestinal obstruction; stool discoloration (red or any dark color); shortness of breath; and weakness.

Preventing colon cancer through colon cleansing

Once you are aware of the symptoms above, you could definitely prevent yourself from the risks that go side-by-side colon cancer. Most of the indicators as I have previously said are related to colon cleansing. A good way to help you determine your state would be through colonoscopy especially if you are already within the 50 and above age bracket.

Cleansing of the colon may be done in several ways. To help you prevent colon cancer, you are specifically advised to do the following colon cleansing techniques:

Start with having a high-fiber diet. As part of the change to your diet and lifestyle, this process prevents cancer. Oftentimes used as a colon cleansing procedure, a diet high in fiber could be used to reduce the possibilities of cancer in the colon.

Reduce red meat consumption. A lot of people, specifically men, are prone to eating red meat. They use this as one of the main courses when they are having drinking sprees. Some women do love the same thing. Red meat is not cooked well and with this regard, what happens is that there may be some parasites which have not been removed from your food. Your intestines will then be affected. To have a cleansed colon, you have to eliminate this from your menu.

Colon cancer is a concern for most people. Since you could not really determine whether or not you are prone to it, you are advised to take utmost diligence and care. You have to start by having a cleansed colon.

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Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in United States. It is estimated that about 108,070 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in 2008. The lifetime risk for developing is about 1 in 19. This risk is slightly higher in men than women. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in US for about 50,000 deaths during 2008. There are some risk factors for colon cancer: age (90% are older than 50), personal and family history, inherited genetic, racial and ethnic background, types of diets (high in red , processed meats and animal fat), obesity, smoking, type 2 diabetes. No wonder that healthy colon is becoming a major concern in our society even if colon cancer has been dropping in the last 20 years. The question is: can colon cancer be prevented.? For sure, it can.

It’s so amazing how many health problems could be eliminated when you have an HEALTHY COLON and amazing also it can now be to keep your colon clean. But a colon that is not healthy and clean can present dangerous health problems. When your colon is clean and is working properly, your overall health can improve because your body’s organs can get the proper nutrients to function. When the partly digested food enters the colon from the small intestine, the colon removes water and nutrients from the food and turns the rest into waste (stool). If your colon is clogged with fermented feces it could block beneficial nutrients from entering your system. Moreover, the fecal matter could seep into your bloodstream and deliver toxins to every organ in your body, killing you slowly.

COLON CANCER PREVENTIVE STEPS

If you have digestive problems, fatigue, weight gain, bowel and stomach problems, bloating, diarrhea, arthritis, flatulence and IBS, chronic constipation, blame your colon. The solution of those problems could very well be HEALTHY COLON. Hippocrates, founder of modern medicine, said: “Colon toxicity is the common denominator of all disease,” Now, to solve those problems above, people relied upon over-the counter remedies that provide short-term relief and upset the natural balance of bacteria and enzymes that is essential to a normally functioning digestive system impairing your body’s ability to break down foods, Most of those products like laxatives and antacids are for short-term use. The real lifelong, lasting solution is a clean, properly working colon. For sure, colon cancer can be prevented with natural, plant-based ingredients that help clean your colon. You could feel fast relief, and your relief could last and last. Take action now for healthier and longer life.

Gilles Coulombe B.A. B.LL D.S.A.

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