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All About Colon Cancer – Choosing the Right Colostomy Products

All About Colon Cancer – Choosing the Right Colostomy Products
HPFY Staff Writer

Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer prevalent in the world. As the name suggests, this form of cancer begins in the colon, the final part of the digestive tract. Often affecting elder people, colorectal cancer can also sometimes affect younger individuals due to interference of various risk factors. Colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the United States and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.  In 2021, the American Cancer Society (ACS) predicts that almost 0.1 million people will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year. 

What is a Colon Cancer?

Colon Cancer normally starts in the large intestine and spreads across the colon. The colon is the last section of the digestive system. Cancer normally starts as tiny, noncancerous clumps of cells that grow on the inside of the colon. Any of these polyps then develop into colon cancer over time. Because of this reason, doctors usually recommend regular screening so that it can be removed before it turns into cancer. The other name of Colon Cancer is Colorectal Cancer, a concept that integrates colon cancer with rectal cancer, starting in the rectum.

Stages of Colon Cancer

There are five stages of colon cancer. The doctor needs to know what type of cancer one has to devise the right recovery strategy for the patient and estimate the patient’s long-term prognosis. The 0 stage is the earliest cancer and stage 4 is the most advanced one.

Stage 0

Stage 0 is also known as carcinoma in situ since irregular cells are only seen in the inner lining of the colon or rectum at this point.

1st stage

Cancer moves into the mucosa lining of the colon and reaches the muscle layer. In this stage, it does not spread to other parts of the body or the lymph nodes of the immediate area.

2nd stage

At this stage, colon cancer spreads to the colon walls, but the lymph node does not get affected.

3rd stage

Cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, but it does affect any organs.

4th stage

In this stage, cancer has spread to the other parts of the organs.

What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

There are a few symptoms and signs of colon cancer. But in the early stages of the disease, some people do not even develop any symptoms. The symptoms include:

  • Changes in the color of the stool
  • Constipation Diarrhea 
  • Blood in the stool 
  • Excessive gas
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Changes in the shape of the stool, such as narrowed stool 
  • Bleeding from the rectum 
  • Abdominal cramps

The symptoms in the third and fourth stages are visible. One can also feel the following symptoms in addition to the ones mentioned above:

  • Changes in your stool that last longer than a month
  • No reason weight loss
  • Weakness
  • Excessive fatigue
  • A feeling that your bowels won’t empty
  • Vomiting

If the colon cancer spreads to other areas of the body, one can develop the following symptoms:

  • Jaundice, or yellow eyes and skin 
  • Blurry vision 
  • Breathing difficulties 
  • Bone fractures 
  • Swelling in the hands or feet 
  • Painful headaches

Who is at Risk for Colon Cancer?

The following factors can increase your risk of colon cancer.

  • African-Americans people- Colon cancer is more common in African-Americans than in people of other races. 
  • Having or had colorectal cancer or polyps in the past- One has a higher chance of bowel cancer in the future if one had either. 
  • Age more than 50 years - Colon cancer may affect someone at any age, but most of those diagnosed are over 50. But these days, colon cancer is increasing in younger life. 
  • Inflammatory stomach diseases- Colon inflammatory disorders like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease will raise the chances of getting colon cancer. 
  • Inherited syndrome from family - Some gene mutations passed down across generations will greatly increase the risk of colon cancer. The inherited syndrome named Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). These are the two most common inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk. 
  • Family history of colon cancer- If one has a family history of colon or rectal cancer, the chances are much higher.
  • A sedentary lifestyle- Inactive people are more likely to develop colon cancer. Colon cancer risk can be reduced by engaging in routine physical exercise. 
  • People who have diabetes - Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people. Colon cancer is more likely to be found in people who have diabetes or insulin resistance. 
  • Smokers- Smokers may be at a higher risk of colon cancer. 
  • Alcohol - Colon cancer is more likely to happen if one drinks a lot of alcohol. 
  • Obesity - When compared to people who are not obese, obese people have a higher risk of colon cancer and a higher risk of dying from colon cancer.

Treatment for Colon Cancer

The aim of the doctor is always to kill cancer and prevent its spread. Well, the type and stage of colon cancer usually determine the treatment. While looking at the right care choice, a specialist may also look at the patient's age, general health status, and other reasons. There is no particular cure for cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are the most effective treatments for colon cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is where medications are used to destroy cancer cells. It's used to kill any remaining cancerous cells in people with colorectal cancer. It also slows the progression of tumors.

Radiation

Radiation targets and destroys cancerous cells using an intense pulse of radiation equivalent to that seen in X-rays. Radiation therapy is usually done with chemotherapy. Radiation therapies for colon cancer are generally not provided in the later stages of the disease. If early-stage rectal cancer has breached the rectum's wall or spread to surrounding lymph nodes, doctors might use radiation then.

Surgery

If one has colon cancer, there are big changes that one may have surgery as a part of their treatment. The surgeons eliminate cancerous polyps by surgery in the early stages of colorectal cancer. Colon Cancer treatment is likely to be good if the polyp hasn’t been attached to the wall of the bowels. If cancer has spread through the bowel walls, the surgeon may need to remove a part of the colon or rectum and any nearby lymph nodes. The surgeon will reattach the remaining healthy part of the colon to the rectum if at all necessary.

Colostomy

If this does not work, the surgeon performs a colostomy. If colon cancer has affected the part of the colon to the point that it can no longer flush out fluids, a colostomy may be necessary. In this case, the large intestines are connected with an opening in the abdomen done by the surgeon, which is called a stoma. The large intestine empties the waste to the outside through the stoma into an externally attached collection bag, called an ostomy pouch. Most colostomies are not permanent. Whether permanent or not, some people overcome this new life but some not.

Living with a Colostomy

Living with colostomy is not very different than living a normal life before the surgery. One can still travel, eat, and enjoy their life like others. All you need to understand about ostomy products for colostomy and then you are ready to go.

Ostomy Bags

Since everybody is different, the choices for ostomy bags would also differ. As a result, there are a variety of features and options available for an ostomy bag. Choosing the right one would allow the person to remain relaxed while still meeting the lifestyle requirements. There are various types of ostomy bags.

One-piece Ostomy Pouch

The ostomy pouch and skin barrier are permanently joined together in a one-piece ostomy pouch. The pouch removes feces or urine, while the skin barrier protects the skin and secures the bag around the stoma.

Two-piece Ostomy Pouch

In a two-piece ostomy device, the ostomy pouch and skin barrier, or wafer, are two different and distinct elements. It allows the user to change the pouch while the skin barrier remains attached to the skin.

Drainable Ostomy Pouch

The pouch is also called a reusable pouch as it allows one to empty the contents of your pouch.

Close-end Ostomy Pouches

It works for those who have a very tight schedule. It can be used just once and then needs to be thrown.

Pre-cut Ostomy Pouches

In pre-cut, one does not need to cut as it already comes with a hole. So it is ready to go ostomy bag.

Cu-to-fit Skin Barriers

In cut to fit, the barrier has to be cut as per the stoma’s choice.

Convex Skin Barriers

Convex ostomy skin barriers manage flush stomas, creases, telescoping stomas, and adapt to surgical scars and skin wrinkles.

Liquid Adhesives

Liquid adhesives are most often used in Two-Piece Ostomy Pouches, where the ostomy wafer adheres to the liquid adhesive to create a seal to the skin around the stoma.

Ostomy Paste

Ostomy Paste is used to fill in rough skin texture and provide an even surface for attaching ostomy equipment, covering the underlying skin and allowing for longer wear times. Irritation and pouch leakage are also reduced with ostomy paste.

Adhesive tape

Adhesive tape discs have adhesive on both sides and can be used to attach common pouches and organize round ostomy things to the body.

Adhesive Removers

People who use Ostomy pouches may require adhesive removers as it removes the skin residue. They are skin-friendly and easily removes the skin barrier very gently. It can come in many forms like wipes, cream, and sprays.

Odor Removers

Often people with ostomy bags get worried about odor problems as it loses their confidence. Hence there are many odor eliminators available, including liquid deodorants, gels, tablets, and powders.

Odor Eliminating Scentless Drops

These odor-eliminating scentless drops added right after removing the ostomy pouch. It is also recommended to add few drops while changing the ostomy pouches.

Deodorizer Spray

It can be simply used like room fresheners. All one needs to do is spray the deodorizer before and after changing the ostomy pouch.

Ostomy Accessories

Few accessories are needed while using the ostomy pouches.

Seals/Barrier Rings

To build a flatter surface, Barrier rings can be used to fill in irregular skin contours near the stoma. Its seals and help keep ostomy drainage from getting over the ostomy barrier. To maximize the fit of a pouching device, it can be bent, sliced, or piled together.

Pouch Cover

It is the best way to keep all the ostomy products in one place, so nobody has to rush to find the products from different places. Just pick the bag, and one is ready to go. It not only keeps the things secure and covered but also styles with your look.

Stoma Caps/Hat

It can be put on the stoma when it is not draining. It is used for people who regulate their colostomy discharge with irrigation.

Barrier Disc

Barrier Discs act as a second skin, forming a tight seal and providing skin protection.

Pouch Closures

Pouch closures help in sealing the ends and eliminate the need for a clip.

Where to Buy Best Colostomy Products Online?

At HPFY, we have an extensive range of the best colostomy products that offer complete coverage and safety at all times. Choose from the best ostomy supplies at amazing prices from top manufacturers and brands.

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.

 


HPFY HPFY Staff Writer

HPFY Staff Writer

HPFY Staff Writers are product experts with years of experience in medical supplies and equipment retail. They specialize in understanding the typical usage of our products, the differentiation between brands and have insights on product popularity and features. Each article ...

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