[b]Lewisville, TX[/b] – Colon cancer is among the few types of cancer that many do not talk about often, and it seems like a rare disease. On the contrary, it is common, but is usually detected in its late stages because it can takeseveral years for the symptoms to manifest. Such slow and quiet development gives it time to spread through the body.

“Colon cancer and cancer of the rectum develop very slowly. Colon cancer starts with small clumps known as polyps. These can also be non-cancerous (hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps) or pre-cancerous (adenomatous polyps) but even if they are non-cancerous, they still indicate potential for cancer growth in the future,” says Dr. Drinkard. “When symptoms finally appear they include gas, abdominal pain, bloody stool, and cramping, among other symptoms.”

Early diagnosis and treatment is therefore a patient’s best bet:

• Screening – This includes a stool blood test, a barium enema, a colonoscopy, and a flexible sigmoidoscopy. Annual screenings are advised after the age of 50 but this age limit reduces if there are any risk factors identified. The risk factors include lack of exercise, age, inflammatory intestinal conditions, a history of polyps or colon cancer, diet, a history of smoking, diabetes, and heavy alcohol consumption.

• Diagnosis –Diagnosis will confirm the presence of cancer at different stages. Stage 0 refers to when the cancer is still within the inner layer of the colon or rectum. Stage 4 refers to when the cancer has spread to the rest of the body.

• Treatment – The approach taken will be dependent on the cancer’s stage. It could include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted dr*g therapy, or a combination of treatments.

“Regular screening for colon cancer is very advisable especially for those with any of the risk factors,” adds Dr. Drinkard. “It becomes less problematic to handle when detected early.”

[b]About Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group[/b]

The Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group has state-of-the-art facilities that offer individualized care to patients throughout North Texas. With a team of expert oncologists and other specialists on staff, the Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group treats a variety of cancers and blood disorders with an eye towards the newest advancements available in diagnostic technology and treatments.