Colorectal cancer, commonly referred to as colon cancer, is an abnormal pattern of growth of cells that invade and destroy the health surrounding tissue and may spread to distant sites. Cancer is life-threatening and early diagnosis, rapid treatment and proper monitoring is therefore essential. Malignant tumors may arise anywhere in the body and sometimes this spreads to the colon and rectum in which case it is known as a secondary tumor or metastases. If the tumor originates within the colon and rectum, then it is known as a primary tumor. Colorectal cancer is a very common types of cancer and a person with risk factors, like a family history of colorectal cancer, needs to be tested regularly.
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What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is a malignant growth in the colon. It usually affects the rectum as well so the joint term is coloretal cancer (CRC). The colon is the longest part of the large intestine and processes all the waste material in the bowels that are eventually passed into the rectum and evacuated as faeces. Like the rest of the gut, it is lined with epithelium known as the mucosa. Most colorectal cancers starts as overgrowths of mucosal tissue know as polyps or adenomas. Not every polyp is cancerous though. Colorectal cancer is among the five most common types of cancers and screening in high risk individuals is advisable.
The costs associated with treating cancer can be staggering. Without medical aid cover or the financial means to pay for your treatments in cash, you will have to settle for treatment at a public hospital. Public service strikes, understaffed facilities and overworked state employees are some of the considerations one has to deal with if undergoing cancer treatment at a state hospital.
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The incidence of lymph node cancer is increasing globally and is more common in developed nations. However the rise in lymph node cancer in South Africa may often be attributed to the high incidence of HIV/AIDS although this is not the only cause. Due to the nature of the area, there is always a risk of rapid spread as the lymph nodes are connected to each other through the vast network of vessels that make up the lymphatic system.
Skin cancer is a broad term for different types of tumours that affect the skin. There are three main types of skin cancer known as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Other types of skin cancer like Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and Kaposi sarcoma are not common, however Kaposi sarcoma is often seen in South Africa due to its tendency to affect HIV/AIDS patients.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelial lining (mesothelium) which is present around certain organs in different parts of the body. It may be more likely to occur in the lining around the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma) although it can also occur in the lining around the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testicles. Mesothelioma has received a significant amount of media attention, especially pleural mesothelioma (lung), due to its link with environmental factors and asbestos. In South Africa, mesothelioma has been in the spotlight more than once, mainly relating to claims against mining companies.
