Stages of Colon Cancer
Stages of colon cancer refer to what extent the cancer has progressed in the body. Finding out the stage of the cancer is done to determine treatment options and to determine the prognosis. This will tell the doctor how far the cancer has grown in the wall of the intestine. It can also tell him if it has gone to the lymph nodes, other organs or if it is in nearby structures. It is the staging that tells the doctor how far it has spread and the staging is determined by a physical exam, CT, PET and MRI scans, biopsies and ex-rays. Now you know how it is staged but do you know what causes colon cancer?
Researchers have listed fifteen factors that they feel contribute to the development of colon cancer. These researchers tell us that the number one risk factor is age but that is not to say that age causes colon cancer. It means that around the age of fifty, twenty-five percent of people will have polyps in their colon. Next on the list is alcohol although they say it depends on what type of alcohol you drink. The journal Gastroenterology did a study that found that insulin dependency can add to the risk of developing colon cancer. Those suffering from diabetes are more likely to have colon cancer than those who are not.
If your diet is high in cholesterol and fat that comes from an animal source, then you are contributing to the cause. It is thought that your environment can also play as part in developing colon cancer. This can include not only where you live but your occupation and even when you work. It is true that ethnicity, social status and race can all play a part also so everyone can be equally effected. Family history can play a part but does not mean that you will get it if a past family member had it. Researchers also say that about twenty-five percent of cases have a type of genetic link but you doctor can tell you more about what causes colon cancer. Lack of exercise can play a part and so can obesity. Long term smoking and polyps can contribute as can your personal medical history. If you have polyps, bowel inflammation or certain cancers, they can all be relevant to this disease. All colon cancer starts with adenomatous polyps in the colon.
