10.+The+Effects+of+Colon+Cancer+on+the+Body

Martinez, M. (n.d.). //The Effects of Colon Cancer on the Body | eHow.com//. Retrieved September 17, 2009, from http://www.ehow.com/about_5073007_effects-colon-cancer-body.html

What Colon Cancer is-

Effects-
 * “** **This disease gets its start from polyps attached to the lining of the colon wall. If left alone, these polyps can turn cancerous.”**

**“Colon cancer, like other cancers, has the capability to spread throughout the body. The highway systems they use to spread their destructive cells is the bloodstream and lymphatic system. If this disease spreads to other parts of the body, its effects can be devastating.”**

“The right side of the colon can produce large cancerous tumors, because there is more space on this side of the colon. Tumors can be there for years before any symptoms occur.”

“Because of anemia, the person becomes tired and weak, with shortness of breath.”


 * “It is important to note that along with these symptoms, blood in the stool may be present. Depending upon the amount of blood, it may not be easily recognizable.”**

“Change in stools is an effect of colon cancer. This usually occurs when the tumor is on the left side of the colon. Because the left side is not as large as the right, there is a more likely chance of blockage when a tumor grows on this side of the colon.”


 * “When colon cancer infects the colon, it disrupts the nerves that line the muscle wall of the colon. This causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)”

“IBS is marked by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.”**


 * “Unexplained weight loss is another effect of colon cancer. Because of irritable bowel syndrome, nutrients and fats are not able to stay in the bowels long enough to be absorbed into the body.”**