Colon Cancer
What
is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is cancer which starts in the
digestive, or gastrointestinal (GI) system. A colon's
primary responsibility is to process food into energy and remove all waste
materials. As with any
cancer, the disease begins when cancerous cells begin to grow out of
control compared to normal,
non-cancer cells. Every cancer is different depending on where it occurs,
so colon cancer will
generally progress at a different rate, cause different symptoms, and
respond to different medical
treatments. Most of the time, colon cancer spreads slowly over a period of
years, and colon
cancer can effect any section or layer of your colon. The key to have a
good prognosis with colon
cancer is to catch the disease early. If a doctor can find and remove a
colon cancer polyp in the
early stages, then there is a much better chance of recovery. Risk factors
of colon cancer include
age, family history, smoking, ethnicity, diet, lack of excercise, alcohol,
and history of other bowel
disease. If you are in an at-risk category, then it is important to get a
colon cancer screening
test. Colon cancer or bowel cancer, includes cancerous growths in the
colon, rectum and
appendix. It is the third most common form of cancer and the second
leading cause of death
among cancers in the Western world. Many colorectal cancers are thought to
arise from
adenomatous polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are usually
benign, but some may
develop into cancer over time. Diagnosis is by colonoscopy. Therapy is
usually through surgery,
with many cases also requiring chemotherapy.
What is “Cancer” Insurance?
Cancer insurance provides benefits only if you get cancer. If yes, then Cancer policies sold today
vary widely in cost and coverage. If you decide to purchase a cancer insurance policy, contact
different companies and agents, and compare the policies before you buy. Cancer insurance is
sometimes referred to as a specified disease or dreaded disease policy. It is also necessary if you
are considering the purchase of cancer insurance or other specified disease type coverage, it is a
good idea to carefully review your current health insurance policies. Before going for cancer
insurance you should make it clear from agent or company that all expenses will be covered by
policy or only hospital costs will be bared by cancer insurance policy. Many cancer insurance
policies have fixed cost limits. Cancer insurance is not a substitute for comprehensive coverage.
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