The Hazards of Colon Cancer

CEBU, Philippines - “Cancer cells can create breakage and spread to the other parts of the body,” according to Dr. Raul Albura, a doctor specializing in International Medicine. If not treated properly, such diseases like colon cancer can assault and damage neighboring tissues and organs.

Colon cancer is also known as colorectal cancer, when malignant (tumor) cells form in the tissues of the colon, rectum and appendix. The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. Tumors found in the colon and rectum are growths arising from the inner wall of the large intestine.

It was on May 29, 2008 when former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino was rushed to Makati Medical Hospital due to weakness and loss of appetite. For over a year, the former president was diagnosed of having stage-four colon cancer.

“Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m., August 1, 2009, of cardio-respiratory arrest,” her son Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III announced at about 5a.m., outside the hospital.

The death of the former president Aquino came as a shock to Filipinos. Her demise disheartened her family and a lot of followers who have continuously supported her throughout her battle against colon cancer.

During the fourth stage of cancer, the cells already affect the other parts of the body, such as the liver and the lungs. Among all the stages of colon cancer, this is the most critical. The treatment of stage IV includes surgeries to remove the tumor in the parts where the cancer cells may have perished or spread, Dr. Albura said.

The symptoms of colon cancer actually depend on the location of the cancer cell or the tumor in the colon and whether it has spread in the other parts of the body. “Commonly, symptoms are based on where the tumor is located,” Dr. Albura said. There would be a change in bowel habit, blood in the stool, constipation, abdominal pain and vomiting. When the tumor has already reached and affected other parts of the body, this may result in low energy, heart palpitation, leading to weight loss and decrease in appetite.

Risk factors comprise of the age (50 or older), family history of cancer of the colon, personal history of the sickness, smoking, diet, physical inactivity, virus, low levels of selenium, environmental factors, exogenous hormones and alcohol intake.

“Lifestyle and nutrition greatly affect one’s living,” according to Dr. Albura. He strongly suggests two ways of preventing cancer: healthy lifestyle and eating nutritious food. One can decrease the risk of colorectal cancer through high intake of dietary fiber (fruits, vegetables, cereals, and other high fiber products).

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network advocates increased surveillance in greatly helping people to prevent the risk of having colon cancer. Regular check-up is recommended and prescribed.

Dr. Albura emphasized: “A healthy body weight, physical fitness and regular exercise will help to make the body stronger and be able to fight the risk of colon cancer.”