Colon Cancer Stage 2

Colon Cancer Risk Factors

Colon cancer may also be genetic.

People with close relatives who have suffered from the disease are more likely to be affected.

As the cancer frequently forms on polyps, they are considered a risk factor as well.

There are lifestyle issues which may increase the risk of colon cancer. Diets rich in animal fats are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.

A diet low in fiber is also considered a risk due to increased constipation and accompanying hemorrhoids. Alcohol in excess is a colon cancer risk factor, as well as smoking.

Exogenous hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone used in hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives, are also associated with increased colon cancer risk.

What is Colon Cancer Stage 2?

In Stage 2 colon cancer other lymph nodes have not been infected, and has not spread to other parts of the body.

Stage 2 Treatments

The surgeon may also remove unaffected polyps at this time. This may be the only treatment required, but in some cases additional treatment will be required to avoid a recurrence of the cancer.

The surgeon will inspect the removed tissue for traces and location of infected cells. If there are traces of the cancer near the edge of the tissue removed, there is a risk some cancerous tissue may be left behind.

The surgeon will also inspect any polyps removed for traces of stage 1 cancer.

If there is a risk some infected areas have remained, or if the cancer appears to have been particularly strong, then further treatment will be given. This will often be chemotherapy, which gives a broad coverage against remaining cells, but accompanies severe side affects.

In cases were there is a risk some traces may have been left in a localized area, radiation therapy may be used to kill remaining cancerous cells.

Stage 2 Survival Rate

Cancer found in the central descending colon has a slightly lower survival rate. It has also been suggested survival rates depend on country.

The USA has a higher survival rate than Europe, despite the two countries having similar surgical capabilities and techniques. The difference may be due to screening, early detection and interventions which are important factors in colon cancer survival.