Colon Cancer Treatment

How is Colon Cancer Treated?

• Surgical Resection. During a surgical resection, a surgeon removes part of the colon and then the colon is reconnected. This can be achieved through an abdominal incision, or for some people, laparoscopically. Laparoscopic assisted resection is a relatively new approach of performing a resection, so a surgeon experienced in this method is needed. It is not recommended for all people, more so for those with earlier stages of colon cancer. A colon resection is also called a colectomy or segmental resection. Several types of resections are performed based on the stage of colon cancer and other factors.

• Resection and Colostomy.When the colon is not reattached during a resection, a colostomy is an option that provides an effective way for waste material to leave the body. The end of the large intestine is brought through the abdominal wall to an opening (a stoma) in the abdomen that allows waste material to drain into a bag, called a colostomy bag. A colostomy may be temporary or permanent.

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Chemotherapy. The organs in our body are made up of cells. Cells divide and multiply as the body needs them. When these cells continue to multiply unnecessarily, the result is a mass or growth, also called a tumor. Chemotherapy drugs work by eliminating these rapidly multiplying renegade cells. Other healthy cells multiply just as quickly, like hair follicle cells. Unfortunately, many chemotherapy drugs may not be able to discern the two, attacking healthy cells and causing side effects like hair loss.

Chemotherapy for colon cancer may be advised in those with stage 2 colon cancer and in those suffering from stages 3 and 4. Chemotherapy for colon cancer may be prescribed before or after surgery and may also be given in conjunction with radiation therapy.

Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy uses certain types high energy beams of radiation to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer cells. Radiation therapy works by damaging a cancer cell's DNA, making it unable to multiply. Although radiation therapy can damage nearby healthy cells, cancer cells are highly sensitive to radiation and typically die when treated. Healthy cells that are damaged during radiation are resilient and are often able to fully recover.

Two primary types of radiation therapy are external beam radiation therapy and internal beam radiation, also called brachytherapy. In colon cancer, external beam radiation is much more common than internal beam radiation.

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Colon Cancer Prevention

Regular colon cancer screening is key to preventing colon cancer. Screening can identify precancerous growths before they potentially progress into cancer. Keep in mind that it takes an average of 10 to 15 years for colon cancer to develop, so routine screening can detect these changes before they turn cancerous. Remember, for average risk people, colon cancer screening should begin at age 50.

Those who are at higher risk from family or personal history of polyps or colon cancer may want to consider genetic counseling to determine if they are a carrier of a mutated gene related to colon cancer. Knowing if you are a carrier can greatly influence how you manage your colon health.

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Avoiding risk factors for colon cancer can also reduce your risk of developing the disease. Eating a balanced diet, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight are all ways to reduce your risk of not only colon cancer, but many other conditions as well.

_Sources:

"What is Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer." Colon Cancer Alliance. Accessed 06 July 2008.

Detailed Guide: Colon and Rectum Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer? American Cancer Society. 7 Mar. 2006. 04 July 2008.

Overview: Colon and Rectum Cancer: What Causes Colorectal Cancer? American Cancer Society. 15 Mar. 2006. 04 July 2008.