Bowel Cancer – Information on Bowel Cancer

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:30:36 +0000

Bowel cancer may also be called rectal, colorectal or colon cancer. However, once the cancer has spread beyond the wall of the bowel, it becomes harder to treat. The bowel cancer statistics on these pages are designed for use by health professionals. If you are looking for information because you or someone you know has been affected by bowel cancer, then the Cancer Help UK pages on bowel cancer may be more useful and relevant. Cancer Help UK also includes a straightforward guide to understanding statistics.

The large bowel, also called the colon, is the last section of your digestive system. Food passes through your small bowel (the longer, thinner part of your bowel) where nutrients are absorbed. Food waste then travels through your colon (large bowel) where it becomes more solid faces. Your colon has three sections – the ascending, transverse and descending colon. The rectum, at the end of your colon, is where faces collect before passing through your anus as a bowel movement.

The cancer develops when one of the cells in the colon develops a series of changes (mutations) in some of the genes that control how the cell divides and survives. As a result, the cell divides uncontrollably to form a clump of malignant (cancerous) cells. Initially, these cell changes commonly produce a polyp (a clump of abnormal cells the size of a pea on the end of a stalk of normal cells) called an adenoma.

The bowel is the long ‘tube’ that absorbs water and nutrients from food and processes waste products into faces. It includes the small bowel, colon and rectum. Bowel cancer is diagnosed in more than 3,400 Victorians and over 12,500 Australians every year. It mostly affects people over 50 years of age but it can happen in younger people. Cancer of the bowel is also known as colorectal cancer.

Bowel cancer is caused by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the lining of the bowel. Usually, large bowel cancers develop from small, non-cancerous (benign) growths of tissue called polyps that can extend from the lining of the bowel wall. Sometimes these can become cancerous (malignant). If the cancer is left untreated, it can grow through the wall of your bowel and spread to other parts of your body.

Once food has been swallowed, it passes down the gullet (oesophagus) to the stomach, where digestion begins. It then passes through the small bowel, where essential nutrients are taken into the body. The digested food then moves into the large bowel, and water is absorbed by the colon. The colon starts at the bottom, right-hand side of the abdomen. The first part goes up and is known as the ascending colon. It then goes across to the left side of the abdomen. This part is called the transverse colon. It then goes down to the bottom of the abdomen: this part is called the descending colon, and ends in the sigmoid colon, rectum and anus.

Although the exact cause of bowel cancer isn’t understood, it’s known genetics can play a part. Specific genetic mutations can cause bowel cancer or inherited diseases known to predispose to the condition. For example, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) accounts for about one per cent of all cancers of the colon and rectum. It causes widespread development of polyps throughout the bowel from the teenage years onwards, many of which rapidly become cancerous.

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Can You Trust Online Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Relief Information?

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:44:25 +0000

For an increasing number of people, irritable bowel syndrome is annoying condition which reduces the quality of their life. The condition affects their social life and sometimes it can lead to anxiety and depression. However, many of the sufferers who have access to Internet will find online irritable bowel syndrome symptom relief resources and information, which should be able to help them alleviate their symptoms.

There are a number of web sites and forums that provide useful information on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and solutions. Some of these web sites even give information on various techniques that can help in reducing the symptoms. Although it is worth ensuring that the web sites are credible and the information is valid.

Continue reading to discover how to sign up for the Free Relieving IBS Newsletter.

Most people with irritable bowel syndrome experience periodic bouts of abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, or both. Other symptoms include flatulence, belching, and bloating which may subside with a bowel movement.

There are two major variants of irritable bowel syndrome: diarrhea-predominant IBS and constipation-predominant IBS. In the first case, the patients generally have three to seven bowel movements per day with loose, watery stools. In the second case, the patients have less than three bowel movements per week. The stools are hard or lumpy and patient may strain during bowel movements.

The main cause of irritable bowel syndrome appears to be hypersensitive nerves within the large intestine. Many researches also suggest that patients with irritable bowel syndrome have extra sensitive pain receptors in their GI tract. This condition may arise due to abnormal levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter related to digestion regulation and mood.

An abnormal level of serotonin could also be the reason why a higher percentage of people with irritable bowel syndrome are diagnosed with a general anxiety disorder (GAD) or depression.

Another potential cause for irritable bowel syndrome is a GI tract infection. This infection may disturb the mechanism that helps in the break down of remaining nutrients in the colon.

To diagnose irritable bowel syndrome in a patient, a doctor needs to rule out other possible diseases. Generally doctors ask questions about the symptoms and go through the medical history of the patient. Doctors examine if there is any damage to intestines (irritable bowel syndrome itself does not damage the intestine). After the physical examination and other tests, if there is no sign of disease or damage, and listening to the symptoms the doctor may diagnose irritable bowel syndrome.

For treatment, doctors generally recommend dietary changes such as eating more fiber and cutting out the foods that trigger symptoms. Sometimes doctors may prescribe anti-spasmodic or pain relief medications to their patients.

If you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, you can get more information about the condition from any number of web sites, or sign up for our free newsletter below.

There are many online irritable bowel syndrome symptom relief resources available. But do ensure that any source you use to change diet, medication, supplements or lifestyle are credible and well researched and consult your doctor for further advice.

Grab your free copy of Susan Reynolds’ brand new IBS Newsletter – Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you overcome IBS naturally with online irritable bowel syndrome symptom relief delivered to your inbox.

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Bowel Cancer – Information on Bowel Cancer

Can You Trust Online Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Relief Information?