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Malignant cancer cells found in the colon or rectum are known as colon cancer. Because colon and rectal cancers have many features in common, they are referred to together as colorectal cancer. Most of these cancers develop slowly over a period of several years, and they often begin as polyps – abnormal growths of tissue that start in the lining of the colon or rectum and grow into the center. Cancerous tumors found in the colon or rectum also may spread to other parts of the body. Removing polyps early may prevent colon cancer from developing.
Excluding skin cancers, colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both women and men. Colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. With appropriate screening, most cases of colon cancer can be prevented and/or detected at an earlier, more treatable stage. When diagnosed at an early stage, patients with colon or rectal tumors have a 90 percent survival rate.
The exact cause of most colon and rectal cancer is unknown but the known colon cancer risk factors include diet, age, and family history as well as others. Less than 10 percent of colon and rectal cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations. It is possible to prevent many colon cancers by lifestyle changes, drug therapy and, perhaps most important to the prevention of colon cancers, is having screening tests at appropriate ages.
It is suggested by the American Cancer society that men and women without a family history of colon cancer begin the screening process (such as colonoscopy) at the age of 50. Those with a family history of colon cancer may consider earlier screenings but should be discussed with their physician.
Early colon cancers often have no symptoms, which is why screening for colon cancer is so important. As the cancer advances, symptoms of colon cancer may resemble other conditions, such as infections, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms of colon cancer may also vary by the individual. A person should always consult their physician for a diagnosis of colon cancer. Treatment for colon cancer depends on the several factors which will be determined by the physician based on the patient’s overall health, medical history, the extent of the disease and other factors.
The St. John’s Mercy David C. Pratt Cancer Center in St. Louis offers conventional treatment with renowned oncologist and sophisticated technology, integrative therapies and a community of support all within a comfortable, healing environment. To learn more about our cancer center, please call 314-251-6400.
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