American Cancer Society recommended two new screening tests for Colon cancer i.e. Virtual Colonoscopy (CTC) and Simple stool examination along with existing tests like Sigmoidoscopy. These new guidelines were released after extensive research and discussions among various medical departments like Oncology, Radiology and Gastroenterology. These new tests are mainly to detect precancerous lesions like polyps. Doctors’ recommendations for screening: These tests are useful for detection of polyps and cancer. 1. Colonoscopy - every 10 years. 2. Sigmoidoscopy - every 5 years. 3. Double-contrast barium enema or virtual colonoscopy - every five years. 4. Faecal occult blood test – every year. 5. Stool DNA testing. 6. Faecal immunochemical test – every year. Who are at risk? 1. Those who have a family history of colon cancer.2. Above 50 years. Colon cancer statistics: Colon cancer kills around 50,000 Americans per year and it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in United States. Around 0.15 million colon cancer cases are detected a year. Click here to know more about these Colon Cancer guidelines. … [Read more...]
Colon Cancer – Causes and Symptoms
Colon cancer is the cancer of the large intestine. It is the second most cancer in incidence and third most cause of cancer deaths in the western world. 5 million people are dying each year around the world. In United states of America alone, 0.15 million new cases are being diagnosed each year. It is a preventable diseases. Change in the diet habits is the mojor factor behind increased number of colon cancer cases. Causes of Colon Cancer: 1. Diet rich in fat content and Non-vegetarian diet. Fast foods is one of the major reason for increases cancer cases. Increase in red meat and decrease in fruits in the diet is the chief contributing factor. 2. Benign Polyps - If diagnosed early, we can prevent colon cancer cases. 3. Genes: 18% of chance of acquiring colon cancer in the first degree relatives. Risk increases with age especially after 55 years. 4. Alcohol drinking and Tobacco smoking. Signs and Symptoms of colon cancer: 1.Passing of blood in the stools. Change in bowel habits. 2. Constipation 3. Increased frequency of Diarrhoea 4. Anaemia 5. Pain in the abdomen and Abdomenal discomfort. 6. Weight Loss without specific reason. The above all signs and symptoms may appear at the same time or some of them may appear. With increased use of screening tests, early diagnosis of colon cancer cases is rising in the western world. … [Read more...]
