Colon Cancer

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Colon Cancer Symptom

Tumor can grow for years without showing symptoms. Moreover, very often the symptoms themselves are poor indicators for colon cancer. Therefore regular screening is still the best way to detect cancers if any.

The following are common symptoms of colon cancer, though other health conditions may show the similar symptoms.

Constipation
Having bowel movement less than 3 times a week can be considered as having constipation. The stool will solidifies by the time it reaches the end of colon. A tumor at the far end of colon or in the rectum can make the waste very difficult to pass through, thereby causing constipation.

Thin Stool
Solidified stool will take shape when it leaves our body. Thin stool may indicate the waste has been squeezed through some sort of obstacle, and the obstacle could be some abnormal growth at the latter part of colon or rectum.

Stomach Cramps
When tumor causes bowel obstruction, solids, liquids or gas may be blocked and this lead to abdominal cramps. If the tumor has perforated the bowel wall, it will causes a painful cramps. This is a medical emergency condition.

Hematochezia (Stool with blood)
Tumors tend to bleed. The bleeding is inconsistent and it may shows on and off in the stools.

Unexplained Weight Loss
This may be the sign that the tumor is releasing some chemicals that causes higher metabolism rate.

Sense of Fullness
Our body may sense the tumor at the end of colon or rectum as waste that yet to release. And the sensation of the need to relieve persist.

Nausea and Vomiting
If the tumor is big enough and causes bowel obstruction, and lead to constipation, restrict blood flow and abdominal cramping. Any one or all of these conditions may result in nausea or vomiting.

Gas and Bloating
When the vowel is blocked by the tumor, air is trapped and this causes bloat. When the blockage resolves, the person become gassy.

Lethargy
Tumor tends to bleed, and this results in loss of iron. The person may feel tire (lethargic) due to iron deficiency anemia.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Colon Cancer - Alternative Natural Cure to Prevent Recurrence

Cut out the colon cancer.
This is universally accepted most effective treatment for most new cases of colon cancer.

But, what after the surgery is a different story. Most conventional doctors would recommend combination of radiation and chemotherapy. On the other hand, alternative practitioners are in the believe that it is important to change the environment of the colon itself to prevent recurrence of the cancer.


Yogurt
Establishing healthy bacteria in the colon is critical for preventing a recurrence of colon cancer. It is as simple as taking unflavored yogurt daily. Look for the brand with "active" or "live" cultures, this means that it contains the necessary friendly bacteria.


Colostrum
A milk-like substance that female mammals produce soon after giving birth. It is full of potent, immune-stimulating factors. It is thought that it can helps a person fight off recurrence of colon cancer. Look for a concentrated, purified, nonallergenic form of bovine colostrum and follow the dosage recommendations on the label.


Bromelain
A digestive enzyme found in pineapples. It helps breakdown a tumor's protein coating, and thus allowing immune cells to attack the cancer. This is helpfull in prevention of colon cancer recurrence. Bromelain supplements can be taken by following the instruction of the label.


Antioxidants
Antioxidant vitamins and minerals help fighting the formation of free radicals. A combination of vitamins and minerals may help:

- Selenium: 200microgram daily

- Zinc: 50mg daily

- Vitamin E: 400 international units twice a day

- Vitamin C: 1000 mg four times a day

- Beta-carotene: 30 mg daily


Herbs

Some herbs supplements are thought to be effective in combat against colon cancer. However it has to be taken under supervision and approval of your doctors.

- Echinacea. It slow tumor growth and increase survival time of patient in some inoperable colon cancer cases.

- Gingko. It improve blood circulation and strengthening immune system.

- Astragalus. It helps prevent weight loss during chemotherapy, stop the spread of tumors and strengthen the immune system.

- Cat's claw. It helps beneficial friendly bacteria thrive in the colon.

Caution

Cancer is a complex and life-threatening diseases that requires professional medical care. Some alternative remedies may actually worsen cancer if not used appropriately. Therefore only take alternative remedies discussed above only as part of a cancer treatment program. Inform and check with your doctors on all the treatments you intend to receive.

Preventions better than cure

Most cases of colon cancer are caused by a tumor-promoting lifestyle. This also means it is in fact easy to prevent:

- Eat high-fiber diet to hustle carcinogens through your colon before they bring any harms.

- Drink plenty of water. Dehydrated stalls stool in colon may expose you to more carcinogens.

- Avoid red meat which are found linked to colon cancer cases.

- Limit alcohol intake.

- Get enough calcium, magnesium.