HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR COLON CANCER

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last several inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers.

Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps become colon cancers.

Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying and removing polyps before they become colon cancer

Causes--In most cases, it's not clear what causes colon cancer. Doctors know that colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon develop errors in their DNA.

Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep your body functioning normally. But when a cell's DNA is damaged and becomes cancerous, cells continue to divide — even when new cells aren't needed. As the cells accumulate, they form a tumor.

With time, the cancer cells can grow to invade and destroy normal tissue nearby. And cancerous cells can travel to other parts of the body.

Inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of colon cancer

Inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of colon cancer can be passed through families, but these inherited genes are linked to only a small percentage of colon cancers. Inherited gene mutations don't make cancer inevitable, but they can increase an individual's risk of cancer significantly.

The most common forms of inherited colon cancer syndromes are:

Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). HNPCC, also called Lynch syndrome, increases the risk of colon cancer and other cancers. People with HNPCC tend to develop colon cancer before age 50.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). FAP is a rare disorder that causes you to develop thousands of polyps in the lining of your colon and rectum. People with untreated FAP have a greatly increased risk of developing colon cancer before age 40.

FAP, HNPCC and other, rarer inherited colon cancer syndromes can be detected through genetic testing. If you're concerned about your family's history of colon cancer, talk to your doctor about whether your family history suggests you have a risk of these conditions.

Association between diet and increased colon cancer risk

Studies of large groups of people have shown an association between a typical Western diet and an increased risk of colon cancer. A typical Western diet is high in fat and low in fiber.

When people move from areas where the typical diet is low in fat and high in fiber to areas where the typical Western diet is most common, the risk of colon cancer in these people increases significantly. It's not clear why this occurs, but researchers are studying whether a high-fat, low-fiber diet affects the microbes that live in the colon or causes underlying inflammation that may contribute to cancer risk. This is an area of active investigation and research is ongoing.

Symptoms-Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:

·         A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool, that lasts longer than four weeks

·         Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool

·         Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain

·         A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely

·         Weakness or fatigue

·         Unexplained weight loss

Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they'll likely vary, depending on the cancer's size and location in your large intestine.

Risk factors--Factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include:

Older age. The great majority of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50. Colon cancer can occur in younger people, but it occurs much less frequently.

African-American race. African-Americans have a greater risk of colon cancer than do people of other races.

A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps. If you've already had colon cancer or adenomatous polyps, you have a greater risk of colon cancer in the future.

Inflammatory intestinal conditions. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, can increase your risk of colon cancer.

Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk. Genetic syndromes passed through generations of your family can increase your risk of colon cancer. These syndromes include familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, which is also known as Lynch syndrome.

Family history of colon cancer. You're more likely to develop colon cancer if you have a parent, sibling or child with the disease. If more than one family member has colon cancer or rectal cancer, your risk is even greater.

Low-fiber, high-fat diet. Colon cancer and rectal cancer may be associated with a diet low in fiber and high in fat and calories. Research in this area has had mixed results. Some studies have found an increased risk of colon cancer in people who eat diets high in red meat and processed meat.

A sedentary lifestyle. If you're inactive, you're more likely to develop colon cancer. Getting regular physical activity may reduce your risk of colon cancer.

Diabetes. People with diabetes and insulin resistance may have an increased risk of colon cancer.

Obesity. People who are obese have an increased risk of colon cancer and an increased risk of dying of colon cancer when compared with people considered normal weight.

Smoking. People who smoke may have an increased risk of colon cancer.

Alcohol. Heavy use of alcohol may increase your risk of colon cancer.

Radiation therapy for cancer. Radiation therapy directed at the abdomen to treat previous cancers may increase the risk of colon cancer.

Diagnosis--If your signs and symptoms indicate that you could have colon cancer, your doctor may recommend one or more tests and procedures, including:

Using a scope to examine the inside of your colon. Colonoscopy uses a long, flexible and slender tube attached to a video camera and monitor to view your entire colon and rectum. If any suspicious areas are found, your doctor can pass surgical tools through the tube to take tissue samples (biopsies) for analysis.

Blood tests. No blood test can tell you if you have colon cancer. But your doctor may test your blood for clues about your overall health, such as kidney and liver function tests.

Your doctor may also test your blood for a chemical sometimes produced by colon cancers (carcinoembryonic antigen or CEA). Tracked over time, the level of CEA in your blood may help your doctor understand your prognosis and whether your cancer is responding to treatment.

Staging of colon cancer

Once you've been diagnosed with colon cancer, your doctor will order tests to determine the extent (stage) of your cancer. Staging helps determine what treatments are most appropriate for you.

Staging tests may include imaging procedures such as abdominal and chest CT scans. In many cases, the stage of your cancer may not be determined until after colon cancer surgery.

The stages of colon cancer are:

Stage I. Your cancer has grown through the superficial lining (mucosa) of the colon or rectum but hasn't spread beyond the colon wall or rectum.

Stage II. Your cancer has grown into or through the wall of the colon or rectum but hasn't spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage III. Your cancer has invaded nearby lymph nodes but isn't affecting other parts of your body yet.

Stage IV. Your cancer has spread to distant sites, such as other organs — for instance, to your liver or lung.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world.Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When Colon cancer  is concerned there are many effective medicines are available in Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient, considering the mental and physical symptoms.

HYDRASTIS  CANADENSIS Q-Hydrastis is an excellent remedy for colon cancer with loud rumbling and aching pain in abdomen , which is worse by moving. There is cutting, colicky pain in abdomen , better after passing flatus. Sharp pain in the cecal region. Pain in the groin as if he had strained himself. Constipation with sinking feeling in stomach. Gripping pains with the stools.There is a bitter peppery taste in mouth. Hydrastis is suited to easily –tired cachetic individuals with great debility.

CONIUM MACULATUM 3C- Conium mac is effective for colon cancer with bruised, swollen , knife like pains. Abdomen feels hard and distended , worse after taking milk. Tremulous weakness and palpitation of heart after every stool. Pain from the lower abdomen goes down the legs.There is a feeling of painful tightness in abdomen.

NITRIC ACID 3C-Nitic acid is excellent for colon cancer with bright red bleeding from rectum during stool. There is violent cutting pain after stools, lasting for hours. Abdominal colic relieved from tightening cloths.

CARBO ANIMALIS  200- Carbo animalis is effective for colon cancer with a feeling of a hard body in groin, especially left side, worse sitting, better from pressure and passing flatus. A moisture oozing from the anus.

ALUMINA 30- Alumina is prescribed for colon cancer where severe constipation occurs. Hard, dry, knotty stools remain in rectum for long period with no desire. Great straining is required for passing stool, even a soft stool is passed with great difficulty.

ALOE SOCOTRINA 3C- Aloes is another excellent remedy for colon cancer with persistent diarrhea. Colic with diarrhea. Before and during stool a cutting pain in rectum. The abdomen feels full, heavy and bloated.

HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA Q- Hamamelis is prescribed when bleeding per rectum occurs in colon cancer . There is feeling of pain all round lower abdomen.