Important Facts You Need to Know About Stage 4 Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, ranks number two as the most widespread cause of cancer-related deaths the US with approximately 130,000 new cases of the disease reported each year.

Colon cancer normally occurs in the last 6 feet of the large intestine (colon) and/or in the rectum. Cancerous cell growth in the colon and rectum areas is referred to as adenocarcinomas; large formations of these malignant cancer cells are called tumors.

Although the precise cause of colorectal cancer remains undetermined, some of the factors that increase the risk of developing the disease have been identified.

Genetics play an important factor in determining colon cancer risk; medical research reveals that approximately 5% of colon cancer patients have inherited the disease or the genetic predisposition that trigger the development of disease.

Prior history of bowel disease and/or colon polyps, benign growths of colon tissue. These are early indicators that the individual is more likely to develop colon cancer in latter stages of life. Similarly, any colon-related disorder that causes inflammation and irritation of the bowel increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Individuals who are obese or overweight have a higher risk factor in developing colorectal cancer.

Individuals beyond the age of 50 and who are sedentary have a higher risk for developing colon cancer. A healthy and active lifestyle is necessary for the prevention of any type of cancer.

Night shift work may increase the risk of colorectal cancer since exposure to artificial lights during nighttime inhibits the body’s natural production of melatonin, a hormone that prevents certain intestinal cancers from flourishing.

Symptoms and Warning Signs of Colon Cancer
Presence of blood in the stool or rectal area.
Frequent feelings of urgent bowel movement.
Recurring stomach or abdominal pains.
Constipation, diarrhea, or pencil-thin stools.
Severe feelings of fatigue.
Lack of appetite.

Common tests for colon cancer are a digital rectal exam and a fecal occult blood test (FOBT). These tests alone can determine an individuals susceptibility in developing colon cancer and can aid in the timely management and treatment of the disease. Other tests that may be necessary are sigmoidoscopy the examination of the rectum and lower are of the colon or a colonoscopy the viewing of the interior of the entire colon. These procedures are normally performed under local anesthetic since they cause undue discomfort to the patient. A lower gastrointestinal x-ray may also be employed in order to establish how much of the large intestine is affected by the disease.

A positive diagnosis of colon cancer requires more testing in order to establish the spread of the disease in the body. There are six different stages of colorectal cancer:
Stage 0 the earliest stage of colon cancer and the disease is still localized.
Stage I the cancerous cells have multiplied and invaded up to the second or third layers of the inside wall of the colon but has not yet metastasized beyond the colon.
Stage II the cancerous cells has metastasize beyond the colon but has not yet spread to the bodys lymph nodes.
Stage III neighboring lymph nodes are already affected but cancer cells have not yet spread to other organs or parts of the body.
Stage IV cancerous cells have spread all over the body.
Stage V the cancer reappears in the colon or in another part of the body.

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