How to Prevent Colon Cancer- Basics of Colon Cancer
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How to Prevent Colon Cancer- Basics of Colon Cancer More than 95% of colorectal cancers come from adenocarcinoma polyps. These cancers start in cells that form mucus glands, which lubricate the colon and rectum. A polyp is a group of cells that form on top of each other and may eventually turn cancerous. Carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors and lymphomas also cause 5% of colon cancers. Doctors say the best way to prevent colon cancer is to undergo regular screening tests after the age of 50 and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Before talking about colon cancer prevention, let’s talk a little about what colon cancer is, exactly. Both the colon and rectum are part of the digestive system. The first part of the digestive system, which is the esophagus and stomach, breaks down food to be processed into energy. Next, the broken down food travels to the small intestine/bowel, which is a narrow, 20-foot section that continues breaking down food and absorbing most of the nutrients. The small intestine then sends the remaining material to the five-foot-long colon (which is also referred to as “the large intestine”), where it absorbs salt and water and stores waste. The first part of the colon is the ascending colon, which is attached to the small intestine and the appendix on the right side of the abdomen. The transverse colon runs from the right to the left side of the upper abdomen. The descending colon travels downward on the left side and the sigmoid colon is an S-shaped portion that passes food matter down to the rectum, the final six inches of the digestive system, which will pass food out of the body through the anus. No one is really sure what exactly causes a colon cancer cell to develop in the first place, or why some experience a colon cancer recurrence, but research suggests a variety of lifestyle, hereditary and environmental factors are at play. It may be impossible to completely prevent Colon cancer, but the American Cancer Society says that catching colon cancer symptoms early through screening tests is the key. Regular colon cancer screening should begin at age 50 for most people, unless they’re in a high risk category. Each year, individuals should get a fecal occult blood test, which is done by submitting a stool sample. A stool DNA test may also be done at that same time, since it also uses a stool sample to gather results. Then, every five years, patients should get a flexible sigmoidoscopy, which involves a long, flexible tube that checks the last few feet of the colon for colon polyps, and a double-contrast barium enema that uses an x-ray and dye to check the upper portion of the colon. A virtual colonoscopy using a CT scan machine should also be done every 5 years. Testing options include stool sample testing (fecal occult blood test, stool DNA test), lighted exploratory tubes being placed in the colon to look for polyps (flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy), and x-rays (double-contrast barium enema, virtual colonoscopy). These should be done every 5 to 10 years, on average. Lastly, lifestyle changes are an important way to prevent colon cancer. It goes without saying that smoking, inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption are contributors to many types of adverse health conditions. Colon cancer prevention involves eating the right foods, including cabbage, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, onions, potatoes, broccoli, artichokes, celery, beans, peas, whole grain products, berries, cantaloupes, mangoes, persimmons and dried apricots, etc. In addition to these foods, individuals should limit red meat, saturated fat, alcohol and tobacco consumption. This article was written by Suzanne Jose the editor of http://www.cleanse-your-colon.com, the website dedicated to providing free and quality information on the subject of detox, colon cleanse and weight loss. Click on following link to get your free trial offer of natural colon cleanse & weight loss treatments http://www.cleanse-your-colon.com/specials.
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