1. Colon Cancer
Angela Lavrisiuk
Colon Cancer is when a cancerous tumor forms in the colon.

2. Causes Research shows a diet high in fats can lead to colon cancer
When chromosomal damage has been done to cells in the
Colon, they form precancerous polyps. Polyps usually don’t
turn cancerous till additional chromosomal damage takes
place.
80% of colon cancers happen in families with no history of
colon cancer. 5% of cancers are due to heredity.
People with family history of the cancer are at high risk for
getting the cancer early in life.

3. Detection
Colonoscopy
CT scans (if cancer spreads)
Barium Enema X-rays

4. Stages Stage 1- Survival rate is 90% Cancer is only in the innermost
layer of the colon.
Stage 2- Greater growth of tumor
Stage 3- Cancer spreads to lymph nodes
Stage 4- Cancer spreads around to other organs of the body
far away from the original tumor.

5. Effect on Body
Sometimes nausea or uneasiness might occur, but not always.
Colon cancer doesn’t show a large effect on the body, unless
it spreads to important organs such as the lungs.

6. Treatments Colonoscopy- Sometimes small polyps can be removed
during the procedure.
Surgery- Larger masses can be removed by a surgical
procedure.
After surgery (if needed):
Chemotherapy and/or Radiation Therapy

7. Is there a Cure?
No actual cure to the cancer except through surgery or
removal of early polyps.
Colon Cancer, if reached 3rd stage, could always return later on
in life.
Colon Cancer isn’t 100% preventative.

8. Prevention A healthy diet full of vegetables and needed vitamins is
a way to help prevent colon cancer, though it is still
possible to get the cancer with a healthy diet.
At age 40, colonoscopies should be done every 10 years
If your family has a history, start going at age 30 or sooner,
and go for one every 5 years instead of 10.

9. Additional Facts
Colon cancer is slow developing, it takes years to develop.
Early cancer doesn’t have any symptoms.
Spread of the cancer to lung and liver is very common
New ways of detecting the cancer and preventing the cancer
are being found every day.

10. Support Groups & Awareness
March is Colon Cancer
Awareness month.
The Colon Cancer Alliance
is a group that informs
people about the cancer
and offers support.

11. Sources http://www.ccalliance.org/