Mark is one of about 105,000 persons in the United States who will find out they have colon cancer this year. Because it is so common, it is recommended that people over 50 years of age be routinely screened for colon cancer. This is done by having a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy may be done sooner if you have symptoms of cancer. These include:
· A change in bowel habits
· Blood (bright red or very dark) in the stool
· Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
· Stools that are narrower than usual
· General abdominal discomfort (bloating, gas pains, cramps)
· Weight loss for no known reason.
· Constant tiredness.
· Vomiting.
Mark would encourage each of you to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms, and schedule a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer if you are over 50.
The colon is the first 6 feet of the large intestine. Colon cancer happens when cells in the colon grow out of control and divide over and over for no reason. It often starts as a polyp, or outgrown of the intestinal lining. Polyps can easily be removed if caught early. A polyp may eventually change into a tumor, with cells multiplying and growing out of control. The tumor may continue to grow thru all the layers of the colon, and even spread (metastasize) to other organs in the body. The liver is the most common place to which colon cancer will spread. Like Mark, about half of people diagnosed with colon cancer will already have spread to their livers. This is called Stage IV disease. Treatment for Stage IV disease includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.