WHY COLON CANCER IS KILLING CELEBRITY MEN
Studies have revealed that the Cancer of the Colon
is another killer disease fighting this generation. Though it affects both men
and women, it is found more in men. It is the third leading cause of cancer in
males and the fourth leading cause of cancer in females. Prior to this time,
Colon Cancer wasn’t more common in Nigeria,
but one of the reasons that can adduced for the increase is our diets. Recently,
there have been recorded cases of Nigerians who have lost their lives to this disease.
A lot of people are ignorant of the disease; the first wake up call was when
the nation’s freedom fighter musician, the Ozziddi King,Evangelist Sunny Okosun
lost his life. He died at the Howard University Hospital, United States of
America after battling with the Cancer of the Colon
for almost one year. During the periods he suffered from the disease, his
health was failing drastically and was shuttling between Nigeria
and the US.
is another killer disease fighting this generation. Though it affects both men
and women, it is found more in men. It is the third leading cause of cancer in
males and the fourth leading cause of cancer in females. Prior to this time,
Colon Cancer wasn’t more common in Nigeria,
but one of the reasons that can adduced for the increase is our diets. Recently,
there have been recorded cases of Nigerians who have lost their lives to this disease.
A lot of people are ignorant of the disease; the first wake up call was when
the nation’s freedom fighter musician, the Ozziddi King,Evangelist Sunny Okosun
lost his life. He died at the Howard University Hospital, United States of
America after battling with the Cancer of the Colon
for almost one year. During the periods he suffered from the disease, his
health was failing drastically and was shuttling between Nigeria
and the US.
Authorities of the Howard University Hospital, Washington
D.C which is renowned for handling Colon Cancer cases spoke after his death and
explained why they could not save the late
musician. According to Sunny Okosun’s doctor, Bruce Taylor, he said, early detection
would have made a big difference in Okosun’s life. By the time he got to the
hospital, the disease had spread to other parts of his body, and the hospital
could not operate on him because of his condition. The hospital, according to Taylor
planned to stabilize him before taking a more aggressive approach but he went
into a comma and never came back to life.
D.C which is renowned for handling Colon Cancer cases spoke after his death and
explained why they could not save the late
musician. According to Sunny Okosun’s doctor, Bruce Taylor, he said, early detection
would have made a big difference in Okosun’s life. By the time he got to the
hospital, the disease had spread to other parts of his body, and the hospital
could not operate on him because of his condition. The hospital, according to Taylor
planned to stabilize him before taking a more aggressive approach but he went
into a comma and never came back to life.
Cancer has become
the third leading killer of young people in Nigeria. In this report, BOLA AKINBOADE brings to you all
the details of this deadly disease, the causes, symptoms and preventions.
the third leading killer of young people in Nigeria. In this report, BOLA AKINBOADE brings to you all
the details of this deadly disease, the causes, symptoms and preventions.
WHAT IS COLON
CANCER?
CANCER?
Colon cancer is
a disease that occurs in the large intestines or rectum area. It occurs when
abnormal cells continue to reproduce and create more abnormal cells. The
abnormal cells become cancerous if they are not removed. The abnormal cells
build up and create polyps in the colon. Often when the polyps are not removed
from the colon they become cancerous. Cancer cells can also break away and
spread to other parts of the body (such as liver and lung) where new tumors
form. The spread of colon cancer to distant organs is called metastasis of the
colon cancer. Once metastasis has occurred in colorectal cancer, a complete
cure of the cancer is unlikely.
a disease that occurs in the large intestines or rectum area. It occurs when
abnormal cells continue to reproduce and create more abnormal cells. The
abnormal cells become cancerous if they are not removed. The abnormal cells
build up and create polyps in the colon. Often when the polyps are not removed
from the colon they become cancerous. Cancer cells can also break away and
spread to other parts of the body (such as liver and lung) where new tumors
form. The spread of colon cancer to distant organs is called metastasis of the
colon cancer. Once metastasis has occurred in colorectal cancer, a complete
cure of the cancer is unlikely.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF COLON
CANCER?
CANCER?
Doctors are certain that colorectal cancer is not contagious
(a person cannot catch the disease from a cancer patient). Some people are more
likely to develop colorectal cancer than others. Factors that increase a
person’s risk of colorectal cancer include high fat intake, a family history of
colorectal cancer and polyps, the presence of polyps in the large intestine,
and chronic.
(a person cannot catch the disease from a cancer patient). Some people are more
likely to develop colorectal cancer than others. Factors that increase a
person’s risk of colorectal cancer include high fat intake, a family history of
colorectal cancer and polyps, the presence of polyps in the large intestine,
and chronic.
Diet and colon cancer
Diets high in fat are believed to predispose humans to
colorectal cancer. In countries with high colorectal cancer rates, the fat
intake by the population is much higher than in countries with low cancer
rates. It is believed that the breakdown products of fat metabolism lead to the
formation of cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens). Diets high in vegetables
and high-fiber foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals may rid the bowel
of these carcinogens and help reduce the risk of cancer.
colorectal cancer. In countries with high colorectal cancer rates, the fat
intake by the population is much higher than in countries with low cancer
rates. It is believed that the breakdown products of fat metabolism lead to the
formation of cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens). Diets high in vegetables
and high-fiber foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals may rid the bowel
of these carcinogens and help reduce the risk of cancer.
Colon
polyps and colon cancer
polyps and colon cancer
Doctors believe that most colon cancers develop in colon polyps.
Therefore, removing benign colon polyps can prevent colorectal cancer. Colon
polyps develop when chromosome damage occurs in cells of the inner lining of
the colon. Chromosomes contain genetic information inherited from each parent.
Normally, healthy chromosomes control the growth of cells in an orderly manner.
When chromosomes are damaged, cell growth becomes uncontrolled, resulting in
masses of extra tissue (polyps). Colon
polyps are initially benign. Over years, benign colon polyps can acquire
additional chromosome damage to become cancerous.
Therefore, removing benign colon polyps can prevent colorectal cancer. Colon
polyps develop when chromosome damage occurs in cells of the inner lining of
the colon. Chromosomes contain genetic information inherited from each parent.
Normally, healthy chromosomes control the growth of cells in an orderly manner.
When chromosomes are damaged, cell growth becomes uncontrolled, resulting in
masses of extra tissue (polyps). Colon
polyps are initially benign. Over years, benign colon polyps can acquire
additional chromosome damage to become cancerous.
Ulcerative colitis and colon cancer
Chronic ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the inner
lining of the colon. Colon cancer
is a recognized complication of chronic ulcerative colitis. The risk for cancer
begins to rise after eight to 10 years of colitis. The risk of developing colon
cancer in a patient with ulcerative colitis also is related to the location and
the extent of his or her disease.
lining of the colon. Colon cancer
is a recognized complication of chronic ulcerative colitis. The risk for cancer
begins to rise after eight to 10 years of colitis. The risk of developing colon
cancer in a patient with ulcerative colitis also is related to the location and
the extent of his or her disease.
Genetics and colon cancer
A person’s genetic background is an important factor in
colon cancer risk. Among first-degree relatives of colon cancer patients, the
lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is 18%.Even though family history of
colon cancer is an important risk factor, majority (80%) of colon cancers occur
sporadically in patients with no family history of colon cancer. Hereditary
colon caner syndromes are disorders where affected family members have
inherited cancer-causing genetic defects from one or both of the parents.
colon cancer risk. Among first-degree relatives of colon cancer patients, the
lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is 18%.Even though family history of
colon cancer is an important risk factor, majority (80%) of colon cancers occur
sporadically in patients with no family history of colon cancer. Hereditary
colon caner syndromes are disorders where affected family members have
inherited cancer-causing genetic defects from one or both of the parents.
Chromosomes contain genetic information, and chromosome
damages cause genetic defects that lead to the formation of colon polyps and
later colon cancer. Patients who have inherited the hereditary colon cancer
syndrome genes are at risk of developing large number of colon polyps, usually
at young ages, and are at very high risk of developing colon cancer early in
life, and also are at risk of developing cancers in other organs.
damages cause genetic defects that lead to the formation of colon polyps and
later colon cancer. Patients who have inherited the hereditary colon cancer
syndrome genes are at risk of developing large number of colon polyps, usually
at young ages, and are at very high risk of developing colon cancer early in
life, and also are at risk of developing cancers in other organs.
And unless the condition is detected and treated (treatment
involves removal of the colon) early, a person affected by familial polyposis
syndrome is almost sure to develop colon cancer from these polyps. Cancers
usually develop in the 40s. These patients are also at risk of developing other
cancers such as cancers in the thyroid gland, stomach, and the ampulla (the
part where the bile ducts drain into the duodenum just beyond the stomach).
involves removal of the colon) early, a person affected by familial polyposis
syndrome is almost sure to develop colon cancer from these polyps. Cancers
usually develop in the 40s. These patients are also at risk of developing other
cancers such as cancers in the thyroid gland, stomach, and the ampulla (the
part where the bile ducts drain into the duodenum just beyond the stomach).
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COLON
CANCER?
CANCER?
Symptoms of colon cancer are numerous and nonspecific. They
include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, change in bowel habits, narrow
stools, diarrhea or constipation, red or dark blood in stool, weight loss,
abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating. Other conditions such as irritable bowel
syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, and peptic ulcer disease can have
symptoms that mimic colorectal cancer.
include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, change in bowel habits, narrow
stools, diarrhea or constipation, red or dark blood in stool, weight loss,
abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating. Other conditions such as irritable bowel
syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, and peptic ulcer disease can have
symptoms that mimic colorectal cancer.
Colon cancer can
be present for several years before symptoms develop. Symptoms vary according
to where in the large bowel the tumor is located. The right colon is spacious,
and cancers of the right colon can grow to large sizes before they cause any
abdominal symptoms. Typically, right-sided cancers cause iron deficiency anemia
due to the slow loss of blood over a long period of time. Iron deficiency
anemia causes fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. The left colon is
narrower than the right colon. Therefore, cancers of the left colon are more
likely to cause partial or complete bowel obstruction. Cancers causing partial
bowel obstruction can cause symptoms of constipation, narrowed stool, diarrhea,
abdominal pains, cramps, and bloating. Bright red blood in the stool may also
indicate a growth near the end of the left colon or rectum.
be present for several years before symptoms develop. Symptoms vary according
to where in the large bowel the tumor is located. The right colon is spacious,
and cancers of the right colon can grow to large sizes before they cause any
abdominal symptoms. Typically, right-sided cancers cause iron deficiency anemia
due to the slow loss of blood over a long period of time. Iron deficiency
anemia causes fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. The left colon is
narrower than the right colon. Therefore, cancers of the left colon are more
likely to cause partial or complete bowel obstruction. Cancers causing partial
bowel obstruction can cause symptoms of constipation, narrowed stool, diarrhea,
abdominal pains, cramps, and bloating. Bright red blood in the stool may also
indicate a growth near the end of the left colon or rectum.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS AND SURVIVAL FOR COLON
CANCER?
CANCER?
Surgery is the most common treatment for colon cancer.
During surgery, the tumor, a small margin of the surrounding healthy bowel, and
adjacent lymph nodes are removed.
During surgery, the tumor, a small margin of the surrounding healthy bowel, and
adjacent lymph nodes are removed.
The long-term prognosis after surgery depends on whether the
cancer has spread to other organs (metastasis). The risk of metastasis is
proportional to the depth of penetration of the cancer into the bowel wall. In
patients with early colon cancer which is limited to the superficial layer of
the bowel wall, surgery is often the only treatment needed.
cancer has spread to other organs (metastasis). The risk of metastasis is
proportional to the depth of penetration of the cancer into the bowel wall. In
patients with early colon cancer which is limited to the superficial layer of
the bowel wall, surgery is often the only treatment needed.
In patients with advanced colon cancer, wherein the tumor
has penetrated beyond the bowel wall and there is evidence of metastasis to
distant organs, the five-year survival rate is less than 10%.
has penetrated beyond the bowel wall and there is evidence of metastasis to
distant organs, the five-year survival rate is less than 10%.
In some patients, there is no evidence of distant metastasis
at the time of surgery, but the cancer has penetrated deeply into the colon
wall or reached adjacent lymph nodes. These patients are at risk of tumor
recurrence either locally or in distant organs. Chemotherapy in these patients
may delay tumor recurrence and improve survival.
at the time of surgery, but the cancer has penetrated deeply into the colon
wall or reached adjacent lymph nodes. These patients are at risk of tumor
recurrence either locally or in distant organs. Chemotherapy in these patients
may delay tumor recurrence and improve survival.
Chemotherapy is the use of medications to kill cancer cells.
It is a systemic therapy, meaning that the medication travels throughout the
body to destroy cancer cells.
Chemotherapy is given shortly after surgery to destroy these microscopic
cells. Chemotherapy given in this manner is called adjuvant chemotherapy.
It is a systemic therapy, meaning that the medication travels throughout the
body to destroy cancer cells.
Chemotherapy is given shortly after surgery to destroy these microscopic
cells. Chemotherapy given in this manner is called adjuvant chemotherapy.
Other treatments include the use of localized infusion of
chemotherapeutic agents into the liver, the most common site of metastasis.
This involves the insertion of a pump into the blood supply of the liver which
can deliver high doses of medicine directly to the liver tumor. Additional
experimental agents considered for the treatment of colon cancer include the
use of cancer-seeking antibodies bound to cancer-fighting drugs. Such
combinations can specifically seek and destroy tumor tissues in the body. Other
treatments attempt to boost the immune system, the bodies’ own defense system,
in an effort to more effectively attack and control colon cancer. In patients
who are poor surgical risks, but who have large tumors which are causing
obstruction or bleeding, laser treatment can be used to destroy cancerous
tissue and relieve associated symptoms.
chemotherapeutic agents into the liver, the most common site of metastasis.
This involves the insertion of a pump into the blood supply of the liver which
can deliver high doses of medicine directly to the liver tumor. Additional
experimental agents considered for the treatment of colon cancer include the
use of cancer-seeking antibodies bound to cancer-fighting drugs. Such
combinations can specifically seek and destroy tumor tissues in the body. Other
treatments attempt to boost the immune system, the bodies’ own defense system,
in an effort to more effectively attack and control colon cancer. In patients
who are poor surgical risks, but who have large tumors which are causing
obstruction or bleeding, laser treatment can be used to destroy cancerous
tissue and relieve associated symptoms.
Colon cancer
remains a major cause of death and disease, especially in the western world. A
clear understanding of the causes and course of the disease is emerging. This
has allowed for recommendations regarding screening for and prevention of this
disease. The removal of colon polyps helps prevent colon cancer. Early
detection of colon cancer can improve the chances of a cure and overall
survival. Treatment remains unsatisfactory for advanced disease, but research
in this area remains strong and newer treatments continue to emerge. New and
exciting preventive measures have recently focused on the possible beneficial
effects of aspirin or other anti-inflammatory agents. In trials, the use of
these agents has markedly limited colon cancer formation in several
experimental models. Other agents being evaluated to prevent colon cancer
include calcium, selenium, and vitamins A, C, and E.
remains a major cause of death and disease, especially in the western world. A
clear understanding of the causes and course of the disease is emerging. This
has allowed for recommendations regarding screening for and prevention of this
disease. The removal of colon polyps helps prevent colon cancer. Early
detection of colon cancer can improve the chances of a cure and overall
survival. Treatment remains unsatisfactory for advanced disease, but research
in this area remains strong and newer treatments continue to emerge. New and
exciting preventive measures have recently focused on the possible beneficial
effects of aspirin or other anti-inflammatory agents. In trials, the use of
these agents has markedly limited colon cancer formation in several
experimental models. Other agents being evaluated to prevent colon cancer
include calcium, selenium, and vitamins A, C, and E.
BEBEAKINBOADE is the fresh voice of African style, offering an informative, inspiring and entertaining mix of fashion,beauty ,entertainment,events ,place, inspirational and much more
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