1. By: Stella Amoah, BSN, RN

2.  What is Cancer of the colon & rectum  Abdominal Organs  Causes of Colon Cancer  Symptoms  How to Detect Colon Cancer  Prevention and Treatment

3.  The ACS estimates that about 141,210 new cases and 49,380 deaths will occur 2011.  Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.

6.  LIFE STYLE: Diet high in fat are believed to predispose humans to colorectal cancer.  SMOKING  ALCOHOL: Colorectal cancer has been linked to moderate drinking of alcohol(4 or more drinks per week).  COLON POLYPS: Colon polyps develop when chromosome damage occurs in cells of the inner lining of the colon. When chromosomes are damaged, cell growth becomes uncontrolled, resulting in masses of extra tissue (POLYPS).

7.  ULCERATIVE COLITIS and COLON CANCER: Chronic ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the inner lining of the colon.  GENETICS and COLON CANCER ◦ Family History, about 15-20% of colon cancer is HEREDITARY.

8.  Colon cancer can be present for several years before symptoms develop.  Fatigue, Weakness, Shortness of breath, Change in bowel habits, Narrow stool, Weight loss, Cramps, Diarrhea, Constipation, Red or Dark blood stool, Abdominal pain, and lastly Bloating.

9.  Contact your physician as soon as you observe any of the symptoms. Your physician will determine the various tests you will need.  Diagnostic tests: Test for blood in the stool. Enema x-ray.  Flexible Sigmidoscopy  Colonoscopy  Ultrasound, and MRI.

10.  SURGERY: The most common treatment for colorectal cancer.  CHEMOTHERAPY  RADIATION  The use of chemotherapy and radiation depend on how far the cancer has spread throughout the body  Immunotherapy  Proton Therapy.

11. o Increase in early screening o Early removal of polyps during screening o Education o More Cancer Research o New Treatment Technology :