Colon cancer is characterized by cancerous growth of tumor in the colon. The growths are benign but can progress into cancer as time progresses. Colonoscopy is normally used to diagnose colon cancer found in specific regions. Surgery can be used as a curative measure for invasive cancers. When invasive cancers are not treated they tend to move to the regional lymph nodes. Such cancers are called stage three cancers that can only be cured by administration of drugs or by subjecting the patient to surgical procedures. Cancers that spread to distant parts of the body- stage four cancers are normally difficult to cure. Chemotherapeutic approaches can be employed for extension of the victims survival. Rarely have administration of drugs and surgery been used as curative approaches for stage four colon cancers. As a curative measure, radiation is normally used for rectal cancer (Stokes 78). At the gene level colon cancer is caused by a mutation in the Wnt signaling pathway. Wnt binds to cell surface receptor thereby initiating a series of molecular events like movement of beta catenin into nucleus resulting into activation of a gene in the DNA. In colon cancer, APC gene is normally damaged. A failure in the functionality of APC brakes would normally result in a stuck Wnt pathway (Ginsberg 45). Symptoms of colon cancer largely depend on tumor location in the human bowel and its spread to other parts of the body. Cancer which occurs near the anus is normally related with local symptoms (Stokes 78). Local symptoms are associated with cancer located near the anus. These include constipation, diarrhea, tenesmus and reduction in stool diameter. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding and presence of blood in the feaces and presence of mucus in feaces is a pointer that a person may be suffering from colon cancer. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding characterized by black stool is also associated with the presence of colon cancer. Large tumors do cause obstruction of the bowel hence constipation, abdominal pain, vomiting and exhibition of distended stomach by the victims. Local symptoms may also be characterized by vaginal discharge. Chronic bleeding in vic
tims can eventually lead to anemic conditions leading to fatigue and pale appearance of the skin. Emaciation and loss of appetite may also be significant. Infection of colon cancer in the liver is usually characterized by deposits (Ginsberg 60). Colon cancer may spread to the liver causing deposits in the liver. When the bile duct gets blocked by these deposits, this could result in the bile duct being blocked. As ones age advances then the possibility of them developing colon cancer also increases. People of ages 60 and above are more likely to develop complications related to colon cancer than those aged 50 and below who can only develop such conditions if there is history of colon cancer in their family. Presence of polyps of cancer exposes one to the possibility of developing colon cancer. People who were previously diagnosed with colon cancer and treated are more likely to experience the resurgence of the complication. Woman who previously suffered from breast cancer and cancer of the ovary are more likely to develop colon cancer. Colon cancer is hereditary and therefore if one comes from a family with colon cancer history they are more likely to develop similar conditions even before they become 60 and above. Smokers have high chances of developing colon cancer than non smokers. People whom their diets are absolutely composed of red meat are exposed to risk of colon cancer. The physically inactive have higher chances of contracting colon cancer. Exposures to viruses like HPV virus increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Exposure to hormone estrogen is associated with development of breast cancer likewise to heavy drinking of alcohol. Colon cancer diagnosis involves use of many techniques (Stokes 38).These include: Digital Rectal exam (DRE) method used to detect tumors that are large. Focal occult blood (FOBT) is a test that is usually carried out to check for any traces of occult blood in the stool (Ginsberg 21). It involves use of two methods: chemical test and immunochemical tests. Endoscopy is divided into sigmoidoscopy-use sigmoidoscope which check for polyps and colonoscopy which uses colonoscopy to look for polyps.