Colon cancer is a cancer that attacks the large intestine that is located at the bottom of the digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer which is found in a few inches at the end of the large intestine. Many cases of colon cancer begin with a small size, lump benign cells called adenomatous polyps. These polyps usually cause colon cancer.
Cancer of the colon and rectum (also referred to as colorectal cancer) can invade and destroy the tissue around the intestine and other organs. Cancer cells can also break away and spread to other parts of the body (such as the liver and lungs) to form new tumors.
Causes of Colon Cancer
It is unclear what causes colon cancer. But doctors believe that colon cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the colon unchanged. Normal cells grow and divide to keep the body functioning normally. But sometimes this growth becomes abnormal - cells continue dividing even when new cells the body does not need.
Causes
In the colon and rectum, this exaggerated growth may cause precancerous cells are formed in the digestive tract.
Growth of pre-cancerous cells in the colon
Colon cancer begins most often in the form of clumps of polyps in the large intestine. Polyps can be shaped like a mushroom. Polyps also can not stand or hidden in the wall of the colon. This type of polyp is more difficult to be detected. Removal of both types of polyps before they become cancer earlier can help prevent colon cancer.
Inherited gene mutation increases the risk of colon cancer
Inherited gene mutation increases the risk of colon cancer can be passed down in families, but this is only a small part of the cause of colon cancer. Some colon cancer syndrome, among others:
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
FAP is a rare disease causing thousands of polyps in the large intestine and rectum. People who have untreated FAP and increase the risk of colon cancer before age 40.
Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)
HNPCC, also called Lynch syndrome increases the risk of colon cancer and the cancer tends lain.Orang with HNPCC colon cancer before age 50 years.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer have symptoms such as:
- Changes in bowel conditions, such as diarrhea or constipation or a change in bowel routines unusual
- There is bleeding in the rectum or blood in the stool
- Discomfort in the abdominal area, such as cramps, bloating or pain
- Feeling of incomplete defecation when
- Weak
- Lost weight
- Anemia
- Form of feces (stool) long and resemble small pencil
Prevention
Colon cancer can be prevented by changing the eating habits of excessive fat to amakanan that contain high fiber. The main sources of fat such as meat, eggs, dairy products, salad dressings, and oils used in cooking should be reduced. As counterbalancing, fruits, vegetables, and whole grain breads and cereals containing fiber should be consumed. Keep in mind that the high fiber in the diet led to the formation of the dirt that can get rid of carcinogens.
