Theirs was a beautiful love story that started in high school, all the way through college, until they decided to tie the knot last April 2005 in a chapel that stood witness for many fulfilled vows in their quaint town in Nashville. Jerome and Marge had painted their lives together on the canvas of their minds: two kids, a pricey condominium after three years, yearly vacation travels and a beachfront property before both of them reach 50. Two months ago this year, friends and family gathered again in that rustic chapel atop a hill, surrounded by sycamore trees, this time, however to pay tribute to a woman who bravely faced her ordeal, and to a husband who stood by her side, until the bitter end. Colon cancer claimed the life of Marge and put an end to her dreams.
Colon cancer is a “silent” killer. The person may not show any symptoms though the cancer is already present in the body, for years. Varying symptoms that start to manifest will indicate the location of the cancer. Generally, the following are indicators of colon cancer:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Blood in stools
- Feeling of fatigue
- General weakness
- Breathing problems
- Drastic change in bowel movement
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Unexplained weight loss
There are other symptoms which may manifest closely with colon cancer, thus, it is best to consult a physician, at once, should any of the identified symptoms start to show. This will assuage panic and will provide immediate relief to the patient.
Other symptoms indicative of the location of the cancer include anemia, due to loss of blood excreted in the bowels over a long period of time, when colon cancer may not even show apparent sign. This is common among cancers on the right colon. Anemia consequently will produce a feeling of fatigue and general weakness of the body.
In Marge’s case, it all started with an abdominal cramp which she thought was caused by something she ate. Then the cramps progressed to an intense stomachache which drove panic in Jerome’s mind who brought her to the hospital at once. Diarrhea quickly ensued which later worsened, despite of medications. This prompted the doctors to subject Marge under thorough laboratory testing and examination, and the inevitable was found out.
Left colon cancer may cause obstruction in the bowel. Obstruction may either be partial or complete, which may necessitate immediate medical attention. Constipation or intermittent diarrhea are the common symptoms of left colon cancer.
How does colon cancer develop?
Again, it does not happen overnight. The person so inflicted may not even know he has cancer until the general symptoms start to manifest. Polyps can develop in the large intestine which may go undetected for years, until they aggravate into cancerous growths.
The colon is the body’s “trash can”. It stores body wastes until these are excreted through the anus. The end part of the colon which connects to the anus is called rectum.
The long tube which “houses” the colon and the rectum is what we commonly know as the large intestine. Growths, scientifically referred to as polyps, are benign growths in the large intestines, which when left untreated, may develop into malignant growths. These cancerous growths can spread to the neighboring organs, which doctors termed “metastasis” of the colon cancer. When this happens, survival is slim.
Level of risk.
Colon cancer among females ranks fourth in the world as the cause of death while it ranks third in males.
The disease is not contagious, as most cancers are. Patient profile indicates that those who are susceptible consume diets high in fat, may have a family history of deaths due to colon cancer, may have polyps or chronic sufferers of ulcerative colitis.
What procedures may detect colon cancer?
Due to its evasive symptoms, colon cancer cannot be detected early. When the patient shows signs of the disease, and colon cancer is suspected, either an X-Ray utilizing an enema, as well as the clinical procedure called colonoscopy may be resorted to.
As in most cases, early detection leads to an effective cure. Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths in the global perspective. Many more dreams and lives like Marge’s will be snatched away – vigilance and commitment to health and well-being remain our frontline defense.
