Lot in Life By Sindy Morales & Benjamin Enyinnaya Topic: Your partner has been diagnosed with Colon Cancer Psy (2070): Human Growth and Development Professor: Angela Taylor May 2, 2012

Abstract  This presentation focuses on providing a description and definition of colon cancer. Also, it identifies a specific local community resource, such as phone numbers and contact information, and program details that are available to support a family in colon cancer situation.

Colon Cancer  The colon is the longest part of the large intestine and the lowest part of the digestive system.  Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth, and colon cancer forms when this uncontrolled cell growth initiates with cells in the large intestine.

Location of the Colon:  The digestive system is made up of the esophagus, the stomach, and the small and large intestines. The small intestine extends from the lower end of the stomach to the large intestine, and the large intestine extends from the end of the small intestine to the anal opening. The large intestine has two parts: the first part is the colon, which is about six feet long, and the last part is the rectum, which is between six and ten inches long.

Community Source  Maryland Colorectal Cancer Control Program provides information for colon cancer screening. This agency is located in the Department of Health and mental Hygiene. Center for cancer Surveillance and control 201 W Preston Street, Baltimore, MD Tel: 1(800)

Diagram the Colon Cancer: Fig 1

Causes of Colon Cancer  Cancer is ultimately the result of cells that uncontrollably grow and do not die. Normal cells in the body follow an orderly path of growth, division, and death (apoptosis). Video I: KKVLQ

Statistics:  1n 2010, the American Cancer Society estimates that 102,900 new cases of colon cancer were diagnosed in the United States. Although colon cancer is among the most common forms of cancer, the number of new cases and the number of deaths attributed to the disease have declined in recent years due to improved screening and diagnostic techniques.

Risk Factors:  Age: Most people who have colon cancer are over age fifty, although the disease can affect a person at any age.  Personal history: People who have had colorectal cancer before and women who have had ovarian, uterine, or breast cancer are at a slightly increased risk of getting colon cancer.  Ulcerative colitis: People who have ulcerative colitis, inflammation of the lining of the colon, have an increased risk for colon cancer.  Diet: Colon cancer is associated with a diet that is high in fat and calories and low in fiber.

Symptoms:  A change in bowel habits –Diarrhea –Constipation –Narrowing of the stool  Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool  Cramping or gnawing stomach pain  Decreased appetite  Vomiting  Weakness and fatigue

Diagnosis:  Rectal Examination: Wearing thin gloves, the doctor puts a greased finger into the rectum and gently feels for lumps.  Proctoscopy: Looking inside the rectum and lower colon with a special instrument called a sigmoidoscope.  Colonoscopy: look inside the rectum and the entire colon with a special tool called a colonoscope. –Video II:

Stages:  Stage 0 or carcinoma: Carcinoma in situ is very early cancer.  Stage I: At this stage, the cancer has spread beyond the innermost lining of the colon to the second and third layers and involves the inside wall of the colon.  Stage II: Cancer has spread outside the colon to nearby tissue, but it has not gone into the lymph nodes or beyond.  Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, but it has not spread to other parts of the body.  Stage IV: At this stage, the cancer has spread beyond the colon to other parts of the body

Treatment Options:  Surgery  Radiation Therapy  Chemotherapy  Biological Therapy

Surgery:  Surgery is the most common treatment for all stages of colon cancer. A doctor may remove the cancer using one of the following procedures: –Local excision –Bowel or colon resection –Colostomy  Side effects –Patients are often uncomfortable during the first few days after surgery, but the pain can usually be controlled with medicine.

Radiation Therapy:  Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumor  Side Effects –Tiredness –Skin reactions in the treated areas –Loss of appetite.

Chemotherapy:  Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Most anticancer drugs are injected into a vein (IV) or a muscle; some are given by mouth.  Side Effects –Infections –Tiredness –Temporary hair loss –Mouth sores

Biological Therapy:  Biological therapy tries to get the body to fight cancer. It uses materials made by the body or made in a laboratory to boost, direct, or restore the body’s natural defenses against disease. Biological treatment is sometimes called biological response modifier (BRM) therapy or immunotherapy.

Challenges of Colon Cancer  Emotional  Psychological  Financial and  Legal Status

Grants  Both the state and federal government offer grants to: -Low SES families & -Low SES families & -Uninsured Maryland residents for cancer diagnosis and treatment. -Uninsured Maryland residents for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Alleviating Colon Cancer  Having explored this topic; our group has decided that surgery would be a better way of resolving or alleviating colon cancer condition. The reason why surgery was chosen is because the side effects are less compared to chemotherapy, biological or radiation therapy. Although the patient will be uncomfortable medication will take care of the pain.

Citation  Berk, Laura E. (2011). Exploring lifespan development. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.  Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) (n.d.). In cdc.gov. Retrieved April 30, 2012, from  Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening, & Treatment ProgramColorectal Cancer Screening (n.d.). In Maryland.gov. Retrieved April 30, 2012, from  Cancer Fund (n.d.). In Maryland.gov. Retrieved April 30, 2012, from  Survivor Learns to Live with Colon Cancer (n.d.). In Cancer.org. Retrieved April 30, 2012, from toriesofHope/survivor-learns-to-live-with-colon-cancer