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Colon Cancer Study Guide: Concise Information for Every Med Student & Physician

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Published in Colon Cancer Study Guide Concise Information That Every Med Student Physician NP And PA Should Know

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Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. It is a complex disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. This guide provides a concise overview of the key aspects of colon cancer, including epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and prognosis.

Colon Cancer Study Guide; Concise Information That Every Med Student, Physician, NP, and PA Should Know

by JT Thomas MD

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Epidemiology

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with an estimated 1.8 million new cases and 860,000 deaths in 2018. The incidence of colon cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over the age of 50. Men are slightly more likely to develop colon cancer than women.

Colon Cancer Incidence By Age Colon Cancer Study Guide Concise Information That Every Med Student Physician NP And PA Should Know

Risk Factors

The following are risk factors for colon cancer:

* Age (over 50) * Family history of colon cancer * Personal history of colorectal polyps * Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) * Diet high in red meat and processed meats * Obesity * Smoking * Alcohol consumption * Physical inactivity

Diagnosis

Colon cancer is typically diagnosed through a colonoscopy, which is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the colon. A colonoscopy can also be used to remove polyps, which are small growths that can develop into cancer.

Other tests that may be used to diagnose colon cancer include:

* Barium enema * CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) * Stool occult blood test * Fecal immunochemical test * DNA stool test

Staging

The stage of colon cancer refers to the extent of the disease. The stage of colon cancer is determined by the size of the tumor, the lymph nodes involved, and the presence or absence of distant metastases.

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) uses the following staging system for colon cancer:

* Stage 0: The cancer is confined to the inner lining of the colon. * Stage I: The cancer has invaded the muscularis propria of the colon, but it has not spread to the lymph nodes. * Stage II: The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, but it has not spread to other organs. * Stage III: The cancer has spread to other organs, such as the liver or lungs. * Stage IV: The cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the brain or bones.

Treatment

The treatment of colon cancer depends on the stage of the disease. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

Surgery is the main treatment for colon cancer. The type of surgery will depend on the stage of the cancer. Surgery may involve removing part or all of the colon.

Chemotherapy is a type of medication that is used to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery.

Radiation therapy is a type of treatment that uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be given before or after surgery.

Targeted therapy is a type of medication that is designed to target specific molecules that are involved in the growth of cancer cells. Targeted therapy may be given in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for colon cancer depends on the stage of the disease. The five-year survival rate for colon cancer is 90% for stage I, 82% for stage II, 63% for stage III, and 14% for stage IV.

Colon cancer is a complex disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. This guide provides a concise overview of the key aspects of colon cancer, including epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and prognosis. This guide is an essential resource for medical students, physicians, and anyone interested in learning more about colon cancer.

Colon Cancer Study Guide; Concise Information That Every Med Student, Physician, NP, and PA Should Know

by JT Thomas MD

5 out of 5