Research works are well underway globally to find better ways of treating cancer. Doctors can’t seem to get it right, there is either a relapse or the cancer ends up ‘travelling’ to a different body part! Here, we discuss briefly what cancer is, then we consider colon cancer(just a little above a broad overview).
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in the body. It carries the potential of spreading to other parts of the body. Cancer has reportedly killed over 8.8 million people since 2015. There are over 200 types of cancer but we talk about colon cancer today to demystify the cause of the death of Chadwick Bozeman.
As its name implies, colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the large intestines(colon). The colon forms the last part of the digestive tract. It is also known as the colorectal cancer. Although it can affect people of all ages, it is popular among the aged (50 plus). This condition starts off as small non cancerous (benign= not scary) clumps of the cells called polyps.
Over a period, some of these polyps develop abnormally and become cancerous(scary!), at which point they are known as colon cancer. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of death in both men and women in the US.
Symptoms of colon cancer
In the early stages of colon cancer, people show very few of the signs but depending on the size and the specific location of the polyp, these symptoms may vary:
1. Persistent change in bowel habits. (Diarrhoea or constipation alternates)
2. blood in stool
3. persistent abdominal discomfort such as cramps
4. weakness
5. unexplained weight loss
Who is most at risk?
1. people with inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis
2. people with a family history of colon cancer or intestinal polyps
3. it appears that smokers, people living sedentary lifestyles, obese people are at higher risks of developing colon cancer.
Treatment options for colon cancer
It is worth noting that studies are ongoing for the cause of colon cancer. People who are prone to colon cancer could focus on making healthy lifestyle choices; less alcohol, no smoking, more exercise, fibre-inclusive diets etc. Should the unexpected happen, however treatment options for colon cancer include:
1. Surgery (when detected in the early stage- ideal!)
2. Chemotherapy (typically used when there is a possible recurrence)
3. Radiation
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669
