Colon cancer also known as colorectal cancer is cancer cells that are present in the long tube known as the large intestine and rectum. Some tumors found in this area are called polyps are not cancerous; however, tumors that are malignant are cancer. The polyps can be removed without the worry of spreading the disease, as they are not cancerous. Cancer of the colon or rectum on the other hand, can spread to other areas of the body and tissue. This occurs when cancer cells break away from the tumor and travel to other areas of the body, which is called metastasis, and can spread to the liver or the lungs. After metastasis occurs, the prognosis for a full recovery is dim.The causes of Colon Cancer
As with practically all cancers, the exact causes are not known, however, risk factors that are present may help lead scientists to the answer. The risk factors for developing colon cancer include the following.
Diet
Individuals that eat a diet high in fat are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer. Those that eat a balanced diet and include such things as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables decrease their chances of developing colon cancer.
Colon polyps
Physicians believe that untreated polyps develop into colon cancer. In the majority of cases, these polyps are benign; however, over years without being removed the cells can change due to chromosome damage, which can become cancerous.
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis can be a cause of colon cancer. This disorder brings on inflammation to the inner lining of the colon. In the majority of individuals with ulcerative colitis their chances of colon cancer begins to increase after 8 to 10 years of living with the disorder. Research shows colon cancer and individuals with ulcerative colitis include after 10 years 2.5% had colon cancer, after 30 years the rate rose to 7.6%, and after 50 years, it had risen to 10.8%.
Heredity
Past history of relatives with colon cancer increases the risk of this type of cancer. However, 80 percent of all patients do not have a family history of the disease.Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Many people do not realize they have colon cancer due to the fact that the symptoms may not be present for many years after the development of the cancer cells. The symptoms can differ according to the location of the cancer or the tumor. The right colon is very large and in most cases, the symptoms are not apparent except for the possibility of becoming anemic due to iron deficiency due to the cancer. The left colon on the other hand is smaller and can cause partial or complete obstruction of the bowel bringing on constipation, diarrhea, cramps, bloating, and abdominal pain.
The main symptoms that are present with colon cancer include weakness, fatigue, change in bowel movements, shortness of breath, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, cramps, bloating, abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and diverticulosis.

With over a 100 types of cancers able to affect any part of the body, about 13% of all deaths worldwide were caused by the disease in 2004. Generally treated by surgery, radiation therapy and cancer drugs such as antineoplastic agents, a third of all cancers could be cured if they are detected early and treated well. And with about a one-third of all cancer cases being preventable, there’s a realization to stress more on this cost-effective way of tackling cancer.

Some foods, such as fruits and vegetable are thought to aid prevention of cancer. And many studies have found such links as follows.

Vegetables, Fruits and Prostate Cancer

A review published in the “Molecular Nutrition and Food Research,” Feb 2009 issue supports the claim that an intake of a high vegetable diet can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. The protective mechanism is believed to be include antioxidants that shield the DNA and healthy cell against damage.

In a related study published in the “International Journal of Cancer, March 2004,” those who consumed most fiber particularly from vegetable sources ran a moderately lower risk of being affected by the disease.

Vegetables, Fruits and Colon Cancer

An analysis published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2007, suggested that while consumption of fruits and vegetables isn’t strongly associated with the overall colon cancer risk, there’s a possibility of a lower risk at the distal colon or the left-hand side of the colon.

Vegetables, Fruits and Cervical Cancer

An article appearing in the journal “Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention,2002,” showed that women whose diets were high in vegetables cut their rates of long-lasting HPV infections by half. Thus indirectly decreasing the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Vegetables, fruits and Cancer Drugs

A study released by the Pennsylvania State University (PSU), Mar 2009, found that compounds extracted from green vegetables like broccoli and cabbage could be used to make effective cancer drugs against melanoma – a type of a skin cancer. Trials conducted on mice showed that these compounds targeted tumors more safely and effectively than conventional treatments.

While many studies support the role of fruits and vegetables in preventing cancer, many don’t. For instance, no link found between eating fruits and vegetables and a decreased risk for breast cancer (JAMA, Jan 2005), or a high intake of fruit and vegetables isn’t linked to a decreased risk of cancer (Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Nov 2004), and more.

All in all, the link between vegetables, fruits and cancer seems to be and as the American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests, is that eating more vegetables and fruits lowers the risk for some types of cancers.