What is Colon Cancer?
Learn about Colon and Rectal Cancer, Resources to Help You Learn about the Colonoscopy and Dealing with Colon Cancer
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Colon cancer is cancer of the colon, or large intestine. If the cancer affects the last few inches of your colon, closest to the anus, it is considered rectal cancer. Colon cancer often begins with the development of non-cancerous (benign) clumps of cells known as adenomatous polyps, which are usually without symptoms. Therefore, getting checked is important to your health. It is recommended that after age 50 you must get check regularly for colon cancer.It can be difficult to sort through all the information your pathologist (who will help make the diagnosis of colon/colorectal cancer) will share in his/her report, but that's where you should depend on your doctors, especially your oncologist, to help you understand what your next steps should be for treatment and beyond. Ask questions if you do not understand all the information. Staying informed will be vital to your continued good health.The following article, from Oncolink.com, has an in-depth explanation of a colon cancer pathology report as well as detailed illustrations: Understanding Your Pathology Report - Colon CancerTo better understand your diagnosis, it's good to find out more about the different stages of the disease:Colon Cancer Stages - About.comYou may be eager for a second opinion after being diagnosed with colon cancer; that's natural and could be useful to making sure you feel as confident as possible about course of treatment you choose:About.com: Colon Cancer - Second OpinionsThis site has some questions to ask your doctor when you've just been diagnosed:Questions to Ask Your Doctor - Caring4Cancer.comThe American Cancer Society can help guide you through the emotional stress of being diagnosed with cancer: ACS - The Emotional Impact of a Cancer DiagnosisSharing the news of your cancer diagnosis with children can be especially tough. Here's some help in how to tell them and when:Talking with Children About CancerColon Cancer Myths
- "Colorectal cancer is a man's disease." Five Myths About Colon Cancer - American Cancer Society
- "A polyp means I have colon cancer." 12 Myths About Colon Cancer - Medicalnewstoday.com
- "Colorectal exams (colonoscopy) are only necessary if you have symptoms of colon cancer." Colon and Rectal Cancer Myths Abound - HealthAtoZ.com
