Cancer Etiology, Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment

Colon Cancer: Etiology, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Harold Scott Delaware Technical Community College Biology Professor Riggio November 18, 2014 Abstract A well-known fact is that cancer plays a major role in the area of health science in the United States. Cancer touches many individuals and many families across the nation. With a variety of types of cancer as well as causes, symptoms, and treatments cancer is a very broad topic of research. In particular my research focuses on specifically colon cancer. This type of cancer can be found in both men and women but peaks my interest mainly as it is present in my family history and heredity. My conducted research focuses exclusively on colon cancer and its etiology,†¦show more content†¦Colon cancer is the third most lethal cancer in the U.S. with almost 100,000 new cases arising in 2014, half of which resulting in death, and the lifetime risk of development being about 1 in every 20 people (American Cancer Society, 2014, p.1). The statistics are clearly staggering and drastic. Colon cancer has risen to become one of the most deadly forms of cancer known to exist in America. Res earch persists around the world to find a cure for colon cancer but has resulted only in a variety of treatments, some of which are experimental, and some are more successful than others. It has become clear that more information gathering is needed to more fully understand colon cancer. However, extensive research thus far has provided scientists and medical professionals across the country with a better insight into colon cancer’s etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and potential treatments. While the modern day statistics may be jaw-dropping, with proper funding and increased awareness, cancer research has developed and come a long way. A variety of environmental factors as well as heredity play a role in causing colon cancer. These factors might include cigarette smoking, working in a place where chemicals are often inhaled, or exposure to other carcinogens. However, the average individual doesn’t know what causes cancer at a biological level. According to Simon, Reece, and Dickey (2012) a gene that causes cancer is known as an oncogene or a tumor gene