The colon is an important part of the human body. It is part of the digestive system, and it is a very important part because it plays a very important role in the digestive system of the human body. It plays a major role in helping the body absorb much needed nutrients, minerals and water in the body. Colon cancer is the cancer that affects the cells of the colon. It is a very common form of cancer in both men and women all over the world. It is the third most common form of cancer affecting humans. Although this form of cancer is life threatening, it is a very treatable disease if diagnosed early and treated in its early stages.

Colon cancer has five stages, and there are different treatment options for each level. The first stage, known as Stage 0, involves only the lining of the colon, which is also referred to as mucosa. At this stage, polyps, or benign tumors, can be removed when a colonoscopy takes place. Once they are removed, the chance of them recurring does not exist.

Stage I is present when the cancer spreads past the lining to the walls of the colon or rectum. The polyp that has not been treated becomes a tumor, and reaches the wall of the colon or rectum. Treatment options can include a surgical procedure to remove the cancerous part of the colon.

When the cancer reaches tissue that surrounds the colon, but does not reach the lymph nodes, there is a Stage II colon cancer present in the body. When cancer spreads from one part of the body to another like so, it is called metastasis. A resection surgery can be used for treatment at this stage. At this point, the five-year survival rate is dropped at a dramatic rate to 60 percent.

Next, there is Stage III colon cancer. This is when the cancer spreads to reach the lymph nodes, but not to other organs in the body. Treatment must be more aggressive than the earlier stages. This includes a surgical resection of the colon, chemotherapy and medical therapies.

When cancer spreads to other organs along with the lymph nodes, there is a Stage IV cancer of the colon. It can spread to the lungs and liver, among others. Treatment for this stage will include radiation, along with the other mentioned treatments. Recurrent cancer means the cancer comes back after treatment. Checkups are necessary to make sure the cancer does not come back, and to treat it early if it does.

Most cancers of the colon develop from polyps (fleshy growths) in the intestine. The majority of these polyps are harmless but some become become cancerous. If left untreated the cancer in these polyps spreads to the colon and in the worst cases other areas of the body too.

Unfortunately it is not known what causes these polyps to become cancerous but there are a number of associated colon cancer risks. Age is a major risk factor with over three quarters of bowel cancers occurring in people who are over 60 years old. Diet is another significant bowel cancer risk factor with excessive consumption of red meats and alcohol and a low fibre intake all linked to the development of this cancer. Other factors that increase your risk of contracting this cancer include a family history of the disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, a lack of exercise and smoking.

If cancer does develop it is often accompanied by a number of symptoms. These colon cancer symptoms are often quite mild in the beginning but get worse as the cancer grows. Some of the symptoms are directly associated with the growth of the cancer and include abdominal pain, bloody stools, changing bowel movements and rectal bleeding. Rectal bleeding in particular is one of the most common symptoms so if you notice any bleeding from this area you should consult your doctor immediately. Other less obvious symptoms include unexplained tiredness and weight loss.

If you suspect that you have bowel cancer based on the above symptoms you should consult your doctor immediately. They will then be able to perform the necessary tests. The first test is usually a rectal exam where your doctor will feel for any lumps or swollen polyps using a gloved finger. Your doctor may then recommend a colonoscopy, which involves the passing of a small fibre optic camera into your anus, so that they can visual examine your colon.

Surgery is the most common treatment for bowel cancer with the procedure attempting to extract the cancerous cells from the colon and then stitch it back together. Chemotherapy (the use of anti-cancer medications) and radiotherapy (the use of high energy radiation beams) are sometimes used as colon cancer treatments but are more commonly used to help shrink the cancerous cells prior to surgery and then to reduce the risk of the cancer returning after surgery.

Although this cancer can be treated, prevention is a much more attractive and uncomplicated option, plus it is not that difficult It simply involves making a few positive lifestyle changes. Exercising regularly is believed to reduce your risk by as much as 40%. Reducing your red meat and alcohol intake whilst eating more fruits, vegetables and other fibre rich foods can also help prevent colon cancer. Giving up smoking is another important lifestyle change for the prevention of both bowel cancer and other cancers too.