Colon Cancer: Most Popular Articles

Colon Cancer Symptoms
It's best to get regular screenings rather than rely on colon cancer symptoms to alert you to the presence of a tumor. This is because colon cancer can grow for years before causing any symptoms. But, knowing what to look out for can't hurt.

Advice: Blood in My Stool
I am 17 years old, relatively active, and more often than not I am strictly eating vegetables. Starting this week, I noticed bright red blood in my stool. Not a whole lot, but just in one part of the poop. The minute I noticed it, I became very concerned that it could be colon cancer. But, I realize that this is one possibility among some others.

What is the Rectum?
The rectum is about eight inches long and serves, basically, as a warehouse for poop. It receives waste material from the colon and stores it until you defecate.

Colon Cancer Survival Rates
The purpose of the colon cancer survival rates presented here is to help settle your mind, to give you a number. It's important to remember that these colon cancer survival rates are generalizations and your individual chances of survival may be quite different.

Stage 4 Colon Cancer
Formerly known as Duke's D colon cancer, stage 4 colon cancer is the most advanced cancer stage. In general, stage 4 colon cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body. In general, approximately 8-15 percent of people with stage 4 colon cancer are still alive five years after their diagnosis.

How is Colon Cancer Diagnosed?
For some, a colon cancer diagnosis comes after months of trying to pinpoint the cause of various symptoms. Others receive a surprise diagnosis after a routine colonoscopy. Although there are many ways to arrive at a colon cancer diagnosis, they all have one thing in common: laboratory analysis of a tissue sample that confirms the presence of cancer.

Signs of Colon Cancer
People often ask if there are any signs of colon cancer they can look out for so they'll know if they need to get screened. It's best to get regular screenings rather than rely on signs of colon cancer. This is because a tumor can grow for years before you see any signs of colon cancer. But, knowing what to look out for can't hurt.

15 Causes of Colon Cancer
Interested in what causes colon cancer? Here you'll learn about fifteen things that either cause colon cancer or contribute to its development. Research has shown that alcohol, red meat, smoking, and genetics may all cause colon cancer.

Advice: Narrow Stool
I'm 19 years old and fairly active. I've noticed that for more than a week, on and off, I've had narrow stool. I've read that narrow stool can be a symptom of colon cancer. Can you give me advice about how narrow "narrow" stool is?

Avoiding a Delayed Diagnosis
The next best thing to colon cancer prevention is early diagnosis. The average survival rate for someone who receives a stage 1 colon cancer diagnosis is much greater than for someone who receives a stage 4 diagnosis. We're accustomed to human error on the part of patients, but it's important to remember that doctors are human, too. These tips will help you avoid a delayed colon cancer diagnosis.

Colon Cancer Treatment
There are three standard colon cancer treatment options: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Overview of Colon Cancer Tests
There are five common colon cancer tests: colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, and fecal occult blood test. Each has benefits and drawbacks, so it's best to ask your doctor which colon cancer test is appropriate for you. In the meantime, however, here's an overview of the most common types of colon cancer tests.

Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of colorectal cancer. Learn what "adenocarcinoma" means, where it comes from, what its subtypes are, and more.

Colon Cancer Stages
Determining the colon cancer stage is an important part of choosing an appropriate treatment. The following breakdown should help clarify the basics of each colon cancer stage.

Stage 3 Colon Cancer Overview
Stage 3 tumors are divided into three groups, least advanced to most advanced. When discovered at stage 3, colon cancer has reached the middle layers of the colon and spread to as many as three nearby lymph nodes.

Colon Cancer Prevention
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common, and yet preventable, cancers. To help protect yourself and your loved ones from the disease, follow these ten colon cancer prevention tips.

Screening Recommendations
Colon cancer screening is one of the best ways to prevent colorectal cancer. In general, your risk of developing colon cancer increases as you age. The simplest way for average-risk individuals to prevent colorectal cancer is to receive colon cancer screening beginning at age 50.

Definition of Adenoma
An adenoma is a benign tumor that develops from epithelial tissue. Adenomas in the colon are often referred to as adenomatous polyps. Although adenomas aren't cancerous, they have the potential to become cancerous. Colon cancer screening helps identify and remove adenomas before they become a problem.

Definition of Alimentary Canal
Imagine that you put one end of a hose in your mouth and kept threading it through until it came out of your butt. That's more or less what the alimentary canal is.

Colonoscopy Prep
Did you know that you don't just go get a colonoscopy? You need to prepare your colon first. This article provides general information about proper colonoscopy preparation (colonoscopy prep).

Colon Polyps and Cancer Risk
Virtually all colon cancer develops from adenomatous polyps in the colon, generally referred to simply as colon polyps. Although polyps don't always become cancerous, a personal or family history of polyps puts you at higher risk for colon cancer.

Symptom: Thin Stool
Once stool is no longer in its slushy phase and begins to take shape, how it looks when it leaves your body can provide clues to what's going on inside. For example, thin stool can sometimes indicate that your stool had to squeeze by some sort of obstacle on its way out. In the case of colon or rectal cancer, that obstacle would be a tumor in the latter part of the colon or the rectum.

Definition of Cecum
The cecum marks the beginning of the large intestine and is basically a big pouch that receives waste material from the small intestine.

What is Colon Cancer?
Cancer cells reproduce but they don't die. They're sort of like evil immortals. The body just can't kill them no matter how hard it tries. When these immortals set up shop in the colon, it's referred to as colon cancer.

Large Intestine Diagram
This is a diagram of the large intestine.

Rectum Diagram
This is a diagram of the rectum.

Definition of Malignant Tumor
Malignant tumors are ambitious. Unlike benign tumors that generally stay put, malignant tumors have two goals in life: to survive and to conquer new territory.

Symptom: Stomach Cramps
When we think we know what's causing our stomach cramps, we tend to sit tight and wait for them to pass. That often works, but it's important to realize that stomach cramps can also be a symptom of colon cancer.

Definition of Large Intestine
The main function of the large intestine is to transport waste out of the body and to absorb water from the waste before it leaves. The large intestine connects with the small intestine to the north and freedom (open air) to the south.

Appendix Diagram
This is a diagram of the appendix.

Cecum Diagram
This is a diagram of the cecum.

Symptom: Weight Loss
Many of us wouldn't want to question unexplained weight loss. We'd just be happy to be losing weight! But unfortunately, effortless weight loss is generally a sign that something is wrong. In the case of colon cancer, unexplained weight loss can be a sign that a tumor is present.

Colon Diagram
This is a diagram of the colon.

Definition of Colon Cancer
Our bodies are made up of billions of cells that grow, divide, and then die in a predictable manner. Cancer occurs when something goes wrong with this system, causing uncontrolled cell division and growth. Cancer cells lump together and form a mass of extra tissue, also known as a cancerous tumor. When cancer cells are present in the colon, it's referred to as colon cancer.

Anus Diagram
This is a diagram of the anus.

Mucosa
This diagram highlights the mucosa of the colon.

Colonoscopy Risks
So, you've heard ad nauseam how great colonoscopies are at preventing colon cancer. But your skeptical side (perhaps egged on by the child in you who insists you don't need screening) says there must be more to the story. Here are some facts to help you decide if the colonoscopy risks are worth the benefits.

Types of Colon Cancer
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of colon cancer but there are many other forms as well. Examples include leiomyosarcoma, lymphoma, melanoma, and neuroendocrine tumors. Here, you can learn more about each type of colon cancer.

Radiation Exposure and Cancer
Can radiation exposure give you cancer? The short answer is yes. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, colon cancer has been caused by doses of about 1,000 millisieverts. So, what the heck is a "millisievert" and how do you keep from racking up 1000 of them?

What to do After a Colonoscopy
Did you know that after a colonoscopy, you're supposed to restrict certain activities, watch out for certain symptoms, and avoid taking some medications if you've had a polyp removed? This article provides general information about what you may be asked to do after a colonoscopy.

Definition of Hemorrhoids
Did you know that hemorrhoids can be internal or external? Get a thorough defnition of hemorrhoids here.

Mucinous Adenocarcinoma
Scientists think that the presence of mucus allows cancer cells to spread faster. As a result, mucinous adenocarcinomas are considered more aggressive than regular adenocarcinomas and are harder to successfully treat. Mucinous adenocarcinomas account for about 10-15 percent of all adenocarcinomas.

Screening Help for Uninsured
Approximately 47 million Americans are uninsured and many assume they can't afford colon cancer screening. Some tests aren't as expensive as you might expect; the cost of others may surprise you. If paying for a test isn't feasible, financial help may be available from these state and local resources.

Hematochezia (Bloody Stool)
Hematochezia (the passage of bright red, bloody stools) usually indicates the large intestine is bleeding somewhere. The most common causes of hematochezia are diverticulitis and hemorrhoids. However, hematochezia can also be a symptom of colon cancer.

Stage 4 Melanoma Stats
These stage 4 melanoma survival statistics were derived from a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. Researchers analyzed data from approximately 15,000 patients treated for stage 4 melanoma at the John Wayne Cancer Institute between 1971 and 1993.

Definition of Hypovolemia
Hypovolemia basically means low blood volume. "Hypo" means low, "vol" is for volume, and "emia" refers to blood. Symptoms of hypovolemia may include cold hands and feet, light headedness, infrequent urination, increased heart rate, and weakness.

Stage 4 Melanoma Survival
A lot of factors influence the survival rate of people who have stage 4 melanoma of the colon and rectum. For example, tumor size, thickness, and stage all impact stage 4 melanoma survival rates.

Definition of Metastases
Metastases are tumors that have spread from somewhere else. The word appears often in research articles: how to prevent liver metastases, quality of life after liver metastases, etc.

U.S. Cancer Site Stats
Different survival rates are associated with different cancer sites. These figures provide average survival rates for people in the U.S. based on the exact cancer site in the colon or rectum. The survival statistics were obtained using data from approximately 54,000 cancer patients registered in SEER, a database maintained by the National Cancer Institute.

Stage 2 Colon Cancer Overview
Stage 2 colon cancer used to be called Duke's B colon cancer. Stage 2 tumors are divided into two groups: one that's less advanced and one that's more advanced. The less advanced one is called stage 2A (or Duke's B1) and the more advanced is stage 2B (or Duke's B2).

U.S. Survival Stats
These colorectal cancer statistics were derived from a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute and provide a breakdown of survival rates by each cancer stage.

Advice: Colon Cancer at 19?
I've never heard of a teenager getting colon cancer. Is it possible? And if so, are there any tests other than a colonoscopy that can diagnose colon cancer?

Definition of Xeloda
Xeloda is a chemotherapy drug that decreases the size of tumors. Xeloda comes in tablet form and is used to treat breast and colorectal cancer.

Colon Polyp Picture 1.75 cm
This is an illustration of a colon polyp with a diameter of 1.75 centimeters.

Definition of Appendix
The appendix is narrow, dead-end tube about three-to-four inches long that hangs off of the cecum. Although it's commonly referred to as the "appendix," the real name for it is "vermiform appendix."

Definition of Benign Tumor
A benign tumor is basically a tumor that doesn't come back and doesn't spread to other parts of the body. In general, benign tumors grow more slowly than malignant tumors and are less likely to cause health problems.

Signet Ring Cell
Signet ring cell adenocarcinomas are considered more aggressive than regular adenocarcinomas and are harder to successfully treat. The signet ring cell form is very uncommon and accounts for about 0.1 percent of all adenocarcinomas.

Definition of Colon
The colon is about six feet long and is the part of the body's digestive system that moves waste material from the small intestine to the rectum. You can tell how long waste sits in your colon by how often you poop. In general, the more you poop, the faster your colon is processing material.

Colon Polyp Picture 2.50 cm
This is an illustration of a large colon polyp with a diameter of 2.50 centimeters.

Carcinoid Tumors
Carcinoid tumors are more likely to occur in the rectum than in the colon and don't usually spread to other parts of the body. Carcinoid tumors account for less than one percent of all colorectal cancers.

Advice: Constipation = Cancer?
I'm usually able to have a bowel movement at least two times per week. For the past three weeks, I haven't been able to have a bowel movement on my own. I've been taking a laxative once a week. Can this be a sign of colon cancer?

Colonoscopy Overview
A colonoscopy provides an inside look at your colon and rectum. Although colonoscopy screening offers a combination of benefits that other colon cancer tests don't, it has its share of drawbacks. This colonoscopy overview provides unbiased basics to help you decide if a colonoscopy is right for you.

Colon Polyp Picture 2.25 cm
This is an illustration of a large colon polyp with a diameter of 2.25 centimeters.

Colon Cancer Staging
Colon cancer staging is the process health professionals use to determine where the cancer went when no one was looking. Cancer staging is an important part of choosing an appropriate treatment.

Moderate Exercise Ups Survival
Researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston conducted two studies, both of which revealed that moderate exercise can signficantly increase the survival rate of colon cancer patients.

Symptom: Gas and Bloating
A pattern of gas and bloating may be an indication that a tumor is growing in the colon and occasionally causing a blockage. While the bowel is blocked and air is trapped, bloating occurs. When the blockage resolves itself, all that back-logged air makes a swift and unapologetic exit in the form of flatulence.

Australia Survival Stats
Colon cancer survival rates vary, but these statistics will give you a general idea of colon cancer survival rates for people who live in Australia.

Mucinous Carcinoma Definition
The term "mucinous" means that something has a lot of mucus. Carcinomas that are comprised of at least 60% mucus are referred to as mucinous.

Advice: Dad Has Stage 3 Cancer
I just found out that my father has colon cancer. It is in stage 3 and I am at a loss and I am scared. I just don't know what to do. Can you please help me?

Definition of Polyps
A polyp is a projecting mass of overgrown tissue. It looks a lot like an inflated balloon, with the part you tie off attached to wherever it's growing from. Most colorectal cancer develops from polyps.

Definition of Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a test that provides an inside look at your colon and rectum. A doctor uses a flexible tube (called a colonoscope) that has the ability to snip off polyps.

Definition of Rectum
The rectum is about eight inches long and serves, basically, as a warehouse for poop. It receives waste material from the colon and stores it until you defecate.

Definition of Adenocarcinoma
An adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor of a gland. Adenocarcinomas account for about 90-95% of all colorectal cancers.

Colon Cancer Surgery
Colon surgery is the most common treatment for colon cancer. In ideal situations, a doctor can use a colonoscope to remove the cancer. Most of the time however, colon surgery (usually a resection) is required.

U.S. Death Statistics
Death statistics aren't great conversation starters, but they're good to know. You probably don't hear much about colorectal cancer because the word "rectal" isn't one we like to use a whole lot. But, as these death statistics demonstrate, we should talk about it more because colorectal cancer, and dying from colorectal cancer, is prevalent in our society.

Definition of Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer can occur in the small or large bowel (also known as the small or large intestine). Technically, colorectal cancer is cancer of the large bowel, but it's often referred to simply as bowel cancer.

Signet Ring Carcinoma
Signet ring carcinoma is a type of cancer. More specifically, it's a type of adenocarcinoma. The term "signet ring" describes how the cells of the signet ring carcinoma appear under a microscope.

Colon Polyp Picture 1 cm
This is an illustration of a colon polyp with a diameter of one centimeter.

Colon Polyp Picture 2.75 cm
This is an illustration of a large colon polyp with a diameter of 2.75 centimeters.

Colon Polyp Picture 0.25 cm
This is an illustration of a small colon polyp with a diameter of 0.25 centimeters.

What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. When diagnosed early, 90% of colorectal cancers are completely curable. And yet, more lives are lost each year in the U.S. to colorectal cancer than to breast cancer and AIDS combined. This colorectal cancer overview is a great place to learn about colorectal cancer symptoms, causes of colorectal cancer, and treatment options for colorectal cancer.

2005 Journal Article 18
Cancer research - journal article. Coffee, Tea, and Caffeine Consumption and Incidence of Colon and Rectal Cancer. February 2005.

What's My Risk of Cancer?
Most people have about a six percent chance of developing colon cancer at some point in their lives. Some things, like a personal or family history of cancer, may increase your risk. Other things, like following colon cancer screening guidelines, decrease your risk.

Chemo for Colon Cancer
Chemotherapy literally means "chemical treatment" and is one method doctors use to kill cancer cells and prevent them from reproducing. Chemotherapy is sometimes recommended for stage 2 colon cancer, and usually recommended for stage 3 and stage 4 colon cancer.

Epithelial Tissue Definition
There are two main types of epithelial tissue: lining and glandular. You can develop colorectal cancer in both of them. Cancer of epithelial tissue is called a carcinoma.

Colon Polyp Picture 0.50 cm
This is an illustration of a small colon polyp with a diameter of 0.50 centimeters.

Colon Polyp Picture 3 cm
This is an illustration of a large colon polyp with a diameter of 3.00 centimeters.

U.S. Cancer Type Stats
Different survival rates are associated with different cancer sites. These figures provide average survival rates for people in the U.S. based on their exact type of colorectal cancer. The survival statistics were obtained using data from approximately 54,000 cancer patients registered in SEER, a database maintained by the National Cancer Institute.

Stage 1 Colon Cancer
Stage 1 colon cancer, which used to be called Duke's A colon cancer, is one of the earliest and most-treatable cancer stages. When interrupted at stage 1, colon cancer hasn't gotten very far. In general, more than 90 percent of people with stage 1 colon cancer are still alive five years after their diagnosis.

Definition of Anus
The anus is the end of the line for the alimentary canal. The anal canal lies to the north of the anus and the light of day is to the south. During defecation, waste passes from the rectum, through the anal canal, and ultimately out through the anus.

Colon Polyp Picture 2 cm
This is an illustration of a colon polyp with a diameter of 2.00 centimeters.

Rectal Cancer Survival Rates
The purpose of the rectal cancer survival rates presented here is to help settle your mind, to give you a number. It's important to remember that the rectal cancer survival rates presented here are generalizations and your individual chances of survival may be quite different.

Malignant Melanoma
When most people think of malignant melanoma, the first thing that comes to mind is skin cancer. But malignant melanoma can occur in a lot of places, including the colon and rectum.

Definition of Dysplasia
Dysplasia is a general term for the abnormal growth or development of cells or organs. As it relates to colon cancer, dysplasia is the abnormal growth and development of colon cells. Dysplasia of colon cells is common in ulcerative colitis and can lead to colon cancer.

Colon Polyp Picture 1.25 cm
This is an illustration of a colon polyp with a diameter of 1.25 centimeters.

Colon Polyp Picture 1.50 cm
This is an illustration of a small colon polyp with a diameter of 1.50 centimeters.

Eat a Balanced Diet
Diets high in fat and cholesterol have been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Low-fiber diets have also been associated with increased risk, but the research isn't as clear. Learn how a balanced diet may help you prevent colorectal cancer

Cancer del Colon y Recto
Este indice de medicinas te brinda informacion general sobre las drogas para el tratamiento del cancer del colon y recto.

What's a Risk Factor?
A risk factor is something that is likely to increase the chances that a particular event will occur. Sometimes, this risk comes from something you do. Other times, there's nothing you can do about the risk. It just exists.

Does Alcohol Increase Risk?
Research has indicated that alcohol increases colorectal cancer risk. Research has also shown that it lowers it, or that it has no effect at all. So which is right? All of it may be. The key appears to be what kind of alcohol you're drinking.

Singapore Survival Stats
Mucinous adenocarcinomas are considered more aggressive than regular adenocarcinomas and are harder to successfully treat. These rectal mucinous adenocarcinoma survival statistics were determined using data from cancer patients registered in the Singapore Registry from 1968 – 1997.

Definition of 5-FU
5-FU is a chemotherapy drug that interferes with the growth of cancer cells. It can be used to treat many types of cancers, including cancer of the colon, rectum, breast, stomach, head, and neck. 5-FU is sold under the brand name Adrucil.

Colon Cancer Signs: Nausea
Nausea and vomiting can be caused by many things, such as motion sickness or an unpleasant smell. However, nausea and vomiting can also be symptoms of something serious, such as colon cancer.

Advice: Mom Has Stage 3 Cancer
From the Advice Column: My mom was just diagnosed at age 83 with stage 3 cancer (adenocarcinoma) of the ascending colon just above the cecum. How likely is this to metastasize to bone? What is the treatment at her age for this stage? I am not knowledgeable in this field and would appreciate some advice.

Constipation and Cancer
Constipation can be your body's way of suggesting that you make some minor adjustments in diet or exercise. However, constipation can also be a symptom of a serious illness like colon cancer, depression or organ failure. This article discusses constipation as a symptom of colon cancer.

CC Survival by Country
Colon cancer survival rates vary throughout the world. Quality of care is one reason, but another is colon cancer screening programs. In general, the earlier colon cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.

Colon Polyp Picture 0.75 cm
This is an illustration of a large colon polyp with a diameter of 0.75 centimeters.

Neuroendocrine Tumors
Aggressive neuroendocrine tumors of the colon and rectum account for about four percent of all colorectal cancers. The average age at diagnosis is 65, and they seem to favor the right (ascending) colon.

Lymphoma
Lymphoma of the colon and rectum accounts for less than half a percent of all colorectal cancers. A lymphoma is like a city whose mayor has gone mad and designs a machine to crank out drones who have one purpose: to make sure he stays in office.

Overview
This is an overview of colon anatomy that shows the layers of the colon.

Definition of Cancer
Our bodies are made up of billions of cells that grow, divide, and then die in a predictable manner. Cancer occurs when something goes wrong with this system, causing uncontrolled cell division and growth. Cancer cells lump together and form a mass of extra tissue, also known as a cancerous tumor.

CRC Survival Statistics
What's the survival rate for colorectal cancer in the U.S. and other countries? How do survival rates vary by cancer stage? What's the survival rate for colorectal lymphoma? Get these statistics and others.

Study: Exercise Aids Survival
A study published in the journal Gut explains why exercising can increase a person's chances of surviving colon cancer. The gist is that physical activity decreases insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and increases insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP-3).

Age and Colorectal Cancer Risk
Age is the number one risk factor for colorectal cancer. In fact, research indicates that by age 50, one if four people has polyps. Learn more.

Definition of Eloxatin
Eloxatin interferes with the growth of rapidly-dividing cancer cells, eventually causing them to die. Eloxatin is used to treat colorectal cancer and can be administered by itself or with other chemotherapy drugs.

Study: Green Tea Benefits
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention examined the link between green tea consumption and colorectal cancer risk in women. Researchers surveyed approximately 70,000 Chinese women regarding their green tea consumption and then tracked them for six years to see who developed cancer of the colon or rectum.

Stage 0 Colon Cancer Overview
Stage 0 colon cancer is the earliest stage possible and is also called carcinoma in situ. "Carcinoma" refers to cancer that starts in epithelial tissue and "in situ" means original position or place. Colon cancer is considered stage 0 when it hasn't moved from where it started; it's still restricted to the innermost lining of the colon.

Advice: Discouraging Statistic
My friend has stage 4 melanoma that started as a spot on his back and spread to his lymph nodes, and then to his liver and stomach. He is undergoing chemo and I believe interferon inpatient. Why would the doctors want him to undergo all that chemo if he only has a few more months to live?

Definition of Risk Factor
A risk factor is something that's likely to increase the chances that a particular event will occur. Sometimes, this risk comes from something you do. Other times, there's nothing you can do about the risk. It just exists.

Circular Muscle
This diagram highlights the band of circular muscle present in the colon.

Definition of Colonoscope
A colonoscope allows you to see the inside of your colon and rectum on a video monitor in real time. It also has the ability to snip off polyps and tissue samples.

IBD and Colorectal Cancer
Inflammatory bowel disease, often characterized by conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease, increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Leiomyosarcoma
Colorectal sarcomas occur in the smooth muscle of the colon and are called leiomyosarcomas. Leiomyosarcomas account for less than two percent of colorectal cancers and have a fairly high chance of spreading.

Serosa
This diagram highlights the serosa of the colon.

Submucosa
This diagram illustrates the submucosa of the colon.

Definition of Polyposis
Polyposis describes a condition where there are a lot of polyps. A polyp is a projecting mass of overgrown tissue that looks kind of like a button mushroom. Most colorectal cancer develops from polyps.

Vitamins: Good or Bad?
According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, taking a beta-carotene supplement could increase or decrease your risk of developing colon cancer. Which it might do, depends on you.

Grab Your Leafy Greens
In American culture, eating green leafy vegetables, or any vegetables really, just isn't considered manly. Meat and potatoes? Man-food. Hamburgers, hotdogs, beer: man-food. Barbequed chicken? Healthy man-food. The only manly character I can think of who's known for eating his green leafy vegetables is Popeye, and frankly, there's just something weird about him.

Colorectal Cancer Definition
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. When diagnosed early, 90 percent of colorectal cancers are completely curable. And yet, more lives are lost each year in the U.S. to colorectal cancer than to breast cancer and AIDS combined.

Breast Cancer and Colon Cancer
That's a good question and one the medical community is still asking itself. Some studies indicate that breast cancer increases colon cancer risk and others say it doesn't.

Polyps and Colon Cancer Risk
The short answer is yes. Your risk of developing colon cancer increases when you have polyps and even if your parent, sibling, or child has polyps.

Family History of Colon Cancer
Most colon cancer occurs in people with no family history of the disease. But, colon cancer can run in the family. Whether you're at increased risk depends on which family member was diagnosed and at what age.

Top Colon Cancer Blogs
Cancer blogs are a great way to stay informed about colon cancer and to learn about others' experiences with the disease. Some cancer blogs (like mine) are written by patient advocates. Others, like most of the cancer blogs recommended here, are written by people who use the blog to discuss their personal experiences.

Study: Women and HNPCC
Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that predisposes people to colon cancer and other cancers as well. For example, women with Lynch syndrome also have about a 50 percent chance of developing uterine cancer and a 10 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer. This study looked at ways to prevent the other cancers from occurring.

Study: Colon Cancer in Kids
A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition determined that children with colorectal cancer don't tend to fare as well as adults with the disease. Researchers attributed the worse prognosis to two factors.

Study: Gall Bladder Surgery
A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that gall bladder removal surgery increases the risk of developing colon cancer.

Advice: Neuroendocrine Cancer
I know a lady that has been diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bowel. The doctors here are saying it is rare and we have been struggling to get information about this. Can you help us please?

Avastin for Colon Cancer
Avastin is the brand name for bevacizumab. Avastin can be used to treat colon and kidney cancer, and is usually given with traditional chemotherapy drugs.

CC Survival Statistics
How do colon cancer survival rates vary between countries? What percentage of people are still alive five years after their initial diagnosis with Stage 2 colon cancer? Get these statistics and others.

Smoking and Colon Cancer
How does smoking increase colon cancer risk? Two main ways. The gist is that tobacco smoke transports carcinogens to the colon and tobacco use increases the size of polyps.

Longitudinal Muscle
This diagram highlights the band of longitudinal muscle present in the colon.

Avastin and FOLFOX4
In June of 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Avastin as a second-line treatment for colon cancer. A second-line treatment is basically like a do-over.

Screening Persuasion Tips
We try to get the people we love to get screened for colorectal cancer because, well, we love them. But let's face it. It's not easy. And when it comes to persuading someone to do something that's good for them, there's a fine line between being loving and being annoying. If you find yourself walking that line, these articles may help.

Find a Colon Surgeon
While all colon surgeons must meet certain requirements to practice, some surgeons are better than others. That's why finding the right colon surgeon is one of the most important steps you can take as a colon cancer patient.

RC Survival Statistics
What country has the highest rectal cancer survival rate: Australia, Korea, Norway, or the United States? How do survival rates vary according to rectal cancer stage? Learn these answers and others.

2004 Full-Text Article 18
Cancer research - free full text. Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer Offers No Survival Benefit after 10 Years. August 2004.

Study: Avoid Emergency Surgery
Research published in BMC Gastroenterology explained an option for avoiding emergency surgery when a tumor is blocking the colon. Specifically, the study reported two cases where doctors used endoscopes to remove pieces of the tumor rather than resorting to emergency surgery.

The Journey Through Cancer
The Journey Through Cancer acknowledges the need for conventional treatments, but also emphasizes the benefits of positive thinking, emotional connection, and certain complementary therapies. The book explains that cancer is a unique journey for each individual and as such, each person requires a different combination of treatments to heal the body, mind and spirit.

Environment and Cancer Risk
Research has shown that environment can play a big part in colon cancer development. Where you live, who's around you, your occupation, and even when you work may all influence your risk of developing colon cancer.

Definition of Leucovorin
Leucovorin is a vitamin complex used to treat advanced colon cancer. By itself, leucovorin isn't able to fight cancer at all. It helps patients by increasing the effectiveness of another drug.