Colon cancer or as it is sometimes referred to colorectal cancer or large bowel cancer is specific to a disease that is characterized by the appearance of cancerous growths within the rectum, colon and appendix. It is the third most common form of cancer and is the third major cause of cancer related deaths in western societies. It has been stated that the cancer may materialize because of polyps that are within the colon. Though these growths are normally benign they can become malignant tumours. This kind of cancer is generally diagnosed using colonoscopy. It is likely to be treated with surgery followed by the administering of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.
What causes colon cancer?
There are several risk factors that will increase an individuals probability of developing colon cancer. Some of these are listed below with a short description of each risk factor.
* A diet that consists of a lot of fat is a common factor in prompting the development of the disease. Studies have indicated that a diet that is high in fat, low in fibre and that maintains excessive portions of red meat may induce the development of the disease. It is speculated that the breakdown of fat in the large and small intestines may make carcinogenic chemicals. Therefore it is advised that a person eats vegetables and foods that are high in fibre to aid the body to rid itself of carcinogenic waste products from the colon.
* As mentioned before colon polyps appear to play a great role in the manifestation of the disease. These polyps materialize as a result of impairment to the chromosomes in the cell lining of the colon. This leads to the development of small benign growths. Though these fairly minute growths are benign they have the ability to become cancerous growths over time. Consequently, it is important to have any present polyps assesed by a doctor to reduce the oddsthat they will become cancerous growths.
* An individual may also be genetically predisposed to getting the disease. If a person has a family history of the disease then his or her probability are greater for developing the possibly inherited condition. The age the disease materialized in family members will also increase the likelihood of early onset of the disease in the individual.
* If a person has ever had another sort of cancer especially those of the reproductive system including breast, ovary, and uterine cancer the chance of developing the disease will be greater.
* People who have Chron’s Disease also have an elevated risk of developing the disease. Because Chron’s disease affects the intestines, degeneration overtime in this particular area will likely induce cancerous growths. It is recommended that patients with the disease are frequently assesed by the medical practitioner to diagnose any early development of the disease.
* If an individual has ulcerative colitis which will promote inflammation of the inner lining of the colon he or she will be at an elevated risk of developing the condition. Generallythe manifestation of colon cancer in patients with this disease usually occurs after 8-10 years of being afflicted with the disease.
Early diagnosis of the disease improves the prognosis for any patient. If it is notHeart Disease
Heart Disease relates to any disease that may possibly affect the heart. Heart disease is prevalent in several western countries and has been declared the leading cause of death in the United States. Coronary heart disease is the most prevalent type of heart disease and is closely responsible for as much as 70% of deaths annually. It has been determined that lowering bad cholesterol levels and controlling elevated blood pressure may decrease an individual’s risk of developing this possibly life-threatening condition. The kinds of major heart disease are: cardiovascular disease, ischaemic heart disease, coronary heart disease, inflammatory heart disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, and cardiomyopathy. In many or all cases of heart related conditions medical evaluation and management and or quite frequently emergency treatment will be essential. It is possible to be affected by heart disease and be unaware of the condition if it is asymptomatic or in other words does not exhibit any symptoms. Thus, it is very important that individuals over a certain age think about having regular medical check ups no less than once within any given year. The sooner the diagnosis is made the better the chances of surviving the disease for a prolonged period of time.
Causes and Risk Factors
In some instances the cause of heart disease may be unidentified. However there may be a genetic factor that contributes to the development of the disease, that is, some kinds of heart disease may have a familial connection. It may also be encouraged by an infection for example in the case of inflammatory heart disease. It has also been observed that heart disease may develop in persons who suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure or in people who have high levels of bad cholesterol.
Common risk factors are inclusive of but may not necessarily be limited to the following:
* Having high levels of bad cholesterol and or low levels of good cholesterol
* Not performing enough physical activity or exercise.
* Currently being affected by hypertension or high blood pressure
* Experiencing menopause
* Being obese or being greatly overweight
* Being diabetic
* Smoking, especially when done in excess
* Mature age or being forty years and older
* Having a family history of the disease which may indicate a genetic predisposition to developing the specific condition.
* Being subjected to a very stressful lifestyle
Treatment
The treatment for heart disease will be dependent on the type of heart disease. In manycases medication will be prescribed inclusive of antibiotics in defects influence by an infection, or antianginal drugs to limit angina attacks or medications that may reduce underlying high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. It may also involve surgery of some form to bypass defective arteries, insert implants for example artificial valves or to transplant a heart in very extreme cases.
Detected in the early stages it may travel to other organs and cause likely death.
The piece of writing titled What Causes Heart Diseases is written by Dr.Cullen Bowman from San Antonio. He is a well-known doctor.
