Cancer And You - Dr. Mark Walker
Posted by myideas1 on 14th November 2008
The diagnosis of cancer still produces fear, anxiety, and a sense of foreboding even today. It is important to outline facts regarding the care of people with cancer. This information may help all of us cope with this frightening condition.
First, cancer is not one disease. It is several diseases characterized by similar cell traits. Cancer cells exhibit uncontrolled growth and the ability to spread throughout the body. Lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer are some of the more common malignancies seen in America today.
It must be emphasized time and again that certain cancers can be cured. Colon, breast, prostate and even lung cancer can be cured if detected early enough and appropriate treatment is received. With this as a background, let’s examine colon cancer.
Colon cancer may make its presence known with a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, weight loss or even abdominal pain. Each of these symptoms must be investigated. A test for hidden blood in the stool will be done, along with a rectal exam. Colonoscopy or a visual assessment of the colon with a lighted scope will be done. Once the problem area has been detected, surgical removal will be advised. The involved portion of the colon will be removed. Further treatment will be recommended based on the pathology report. Chemotherapy may be necessary to eliminate hidden disease. If detected early, colon cancer can be cured.
Know your family history for cancer. Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables. Tomatoes, broccoli, brussel sprouts, almonds, and sesame seeds are healthy foods that may lower our risk of cancer.
It is important for each of us to assess our individual risk for cancer and take steps for ourselves, our families and our communities to decrease and improve outcomes from this continuing epidemic.
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