Cancer Resources

Colorectal cancer occurs when the cells in the intestine mutate and it starts to grow uncontrollably. This results in the formation of tumors. Folfox is the combination chemotherapy treatment used for treating colorectal cancer.

In this treatment, a combination of different drugs such as Oxaliplatin (OX), Folinic Acid (FOL) and Fluorouracil (F) are used. This treatment helps to stop the growth of cancerous cells in the body. This treatment is usually given to the patients in stage three or four of colorectal cancer.

Chemotherapy treatment is given in stage four of colorectal cancer to prevent the symptoms from reoccurring or to provide relief. This cancer chemotherapy treatment is given in form of cycle. Each treatment cycle is for duration of two weeks. Continue reading ‘Folfox Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer’ »

The incidence of cancer of the large bowel and rectum shows wide variation throughout the world. It is one of the most common internal malignancies in the United States. The mean age for onset of colorectal cancer is 63 to 67 years old. The exact cause of this type of malignancy is unknown, but it is generally accepted that it occurs more frequent on urbanized, industrialized countries and less frequently in rural and underdeveloped ones. The causes are considered to be more due to environmental factors. However, family history is also a predisposing factor.

The high bulk diet of persons in less advanced areas permits the easy, rapid passage of several bowel movements per day which is one of the tips for colorectal cancer prevention. Researchers agree that more work needs to be done, but delayed motility and bacterial activity seem to be involved in developing carcinogens. Constipation predisposes to cancer of the bowel by permitting long exposure of the mucosa to external carcinogens in the stool. Continue reading ‘Colorectal Cancer Information On Symptoms And Treatment’ »

Colon or colorectal cancer can affect anyone, even though the people over the age of 50 are in higher risk of getting this disease. Its symptoms can mimic the ones of less dangerous conditions, so it is a good idea to be aware of them and to know when to see a doctor for them.

The unexplained changes in the bowel movement are the first sings of colon cancer. Some sufferers have diarrhea while others have constipation. Having any of these problems for more than 2 or 3 weeks is certainly a red flag.

In many cases, the symptoms are more specific. Not being able to empty the bowel completely rectal cramping and urgency to move the bowels are other disturbing signs. Having long and think stools that have the shape of pencils also signals a problem. Continue reading ‘Colon Cancer Symptoms – When to See a Doctor’ »

As the numbers of the victim increases, experts are pushing the means to find ways for cure or for early colon cancer detection. Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second leading cancer killer. That is the reasons why studies were done to minimize its fatal existence and to continue giving hope to those who have been found to have one.

Colonoscopy is a process that allows doctors to inspect the entire length of your colon. This is usually done with a little camera. Colon cancer diagnosis comes after months of background checking to figure out if there are other reasons behind the manifestations of symptoms. At times these may not be actually related to cancer but of other ailments. Colonoscopy helps in further evaluation. Continue reading ‘Colonoscopy – The Process Behind Colon Cancer Diagnosis’ »

John McCulloch, 40, is an up-beat and active individual whose passion for life and positive attitude is as inspiring as his story battling colorectal cancer. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and to raise awareness about the condition and inspire the thousands of Canadians that are affected by it each year, this is John’s story.

Since February 2008, John’s life has been turned upside down by a terrifying diagnosis of Stage IV, colorectal cancer that has spread to his liver and lungs. Since his diagnosis, John has gone through numerous chemotherapy treatments. He was originally treated with the most commonly used treatment, which was effective for eight months, however, his cancer eventually came back and he had to move on to new treatment options.

After several unsuccessful rounds of chemotherapy, John was tested for his eligibility to receive a new class of biologic drugs that interfere with a common pathway involved in cancer spread called EGFr. In patients whose tumours have a mutation in a gene called KRAS, cancer cells continuously receive messages to grow and divide – these patients do not respond to anti-EGFr therapy. Luckily for John, his results showed that he was one of the 60 per cent of colorectal cancer patients who have the normal KRAS gene, making him a candidate for this new type of treatment. Continue reading ‘The Things You Learn Through Cancer…’ »

Colorectal cancer or large bowl cancer is the cancer in the colon, rectum and appendix.

These are abnormal growth of polyps that later develop cancerous.

The diagnosis is done through colonoscopy. The treatment is done by the surgery followed by chemotherapy.

Factors contributing towards colorectal cancer

Age: People in the age of 60s 70s have higher chances of developing this cancer as the risk increases with age. Continue reading ‘Colorectal Cancer: What Increases Your Risk’ »

Do you know that colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) can be treated via surgery if detected early? As you may or may not have noticed, the number of peoples diagnosed with colon cancer is rising, therefore it is needed for us to take necessary preventive measures.

Here is some facts -

- Going for annual screening is highly recommended as there are no symptoms in the early stages of colon cancer;
- Watch out for any changes in your bowel habits liked prolonged constipation or diarrhea, both increased and decreased regularity.
- Watch out for any symptoms of rectal bleeding; black stools or stools with black coloured blood, usually caused by the friable mucosa of cancerous growth bleeding into the gut.
- If you have any family history of colon or colorectal cancer, do frequent screenings like faecal occult blood test even if you are young.

When it comes to cancer, not just colorectal cancer as mentioned, prevention is always the best cure. No one wish to be diagnosed with the scary “C” and there are ways to prevent it, lets use them. Continue reading ‘Tips to Help Protect Yourself Against Colorectal Cancer’ »