Bowel Cancer - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Care

Bowel cancer is also known by many as colorectal cancer. It is a common cancer, slow to develop, with over 34,000 people diagnosed in the UK each year. Over 80% of people diagnosed with bowel cancer are over 60 years old. The symptoms of the disease can include changes in bowel habits, consistent diarrhoea or constipation, blood or mucus in the faeces, tiredness and weight loss or a pain or lump in the abdomen.

The exact cause of the cancer remains unknown but there are several factors that make people at more risk. Research suggests that diet may be a factor; those with a diet high in animal fat and protein and low in fibre have an increased risk of developing bowel cancer. Also those who have a high intake of alcohol may be at greater risk. People with a history of bowel cancer in the family may have a slightly higher risk of developing the disease but only 5-10% of sufferers have family members with the same illness.

If you think you have any of the symptoms of this cancer you should visit your GP straight away as early diagnosis and treatment are important for controlling the disease. The doctor will do a physical examination and refer you to a hospital specialist if they think a cancer may be present.

There are three tests that may be conducted by hospital specialists to diagnose the cancer;

Barium enema which is a special x-ray of the large bowel where a mixture of barium and air is passed through the back passage into the bowel, the doctor can then watch the passage of the barium through the bowel on the x-ray screen and any abnormal areas can be seen.

Proctoscopy / Sigmoidoscopy is where air is pumped into the bowel and then a tube with a tiny light and camera is passed into the bowel so any abnormal areas can be seen. This test may be uncomfortable but not painful.

Colonoscopies are done when the doctor needs to see the whole length of the large bowel, the bowel must be empty and a colonoscope is passed into the bowel. This is a long flexible tube with a light and camera on the end to help show abnormal areas and swelling. During the test photos and samples of the cells on the inside of the large bowel can be taken. A sedative is usually given to make the procedure more comfortable.

Treatment depends on the stage and position of the cancer. Cancers affecting the colon and those affecting the rectum are usually treated in different ways. Patients with early stage cancer contained within the bowel wall can usually be completely cured with surgery. If the cancer has spread through the muscle of the bowel wall and into the lymph nodes there is a chance the cancer may return so chemotherapy is often done along with the surgery. People with rectal cancer may also be given radiotherapy before or after surgery.

With advanced stage bowel cancer where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as abdomen, liver and lungs it is not usually possible to fully cure but treatment may be able to control it for a long time, by reducing symptoms and giving a good quality of life.

Steve Batchelor is the webmaster at http://www.cancerhelpguides.info where you can find relevant and informative information on many different cancer types. He also recommends infogoldmine for more info on cancer treatments and care as well as many other subjects

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Aromatherapy: Rosemary Essential Oil Profile

Rosemary is a popular herb for cooking and aromatherapy. It is actually a member of the mint family and is grown predominantly in Morocco and Spain. Rosemary likes a dry, hot soil. The rosemary plant is an evergreen shrub in its native regions. It can grow very tall, given the right conditions (over six feet), but in its native areas, high winds tend to keep the bush under control. In parts of the world with harsher winters (zones 5 and lower), rosemary is grown as an annual. Rosemary grows long stems covered with green needlelike leaves. Clusters of blue, pink or white flowers bloom on the ends of the stems in springtime. All of the plant parts can be used to extract the essential oil, although the highest quality oil comes from the flowers only. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation. This process involves using pressurized steam to remove the essential oils from the plant matter.

Rosemary has a bit of an old fashioned appeal to it. It is called the 'remembrance' flower and brides often carry a sprig or two in their bouquets. It is also sometimes incorporated into funeral floral arrangements.

Rosemary has a very pungent, almost medicinal odor to it with woody undertones. Very similar to eucalyptus. It was also used as a substitute for myrrh in incense, since it was much more prevalent and cheaper than myrrh. This incense would be burned as a disinfectant in hospitals.

Aromatherapy benefits of rosemary essential oil include: antiseptic, astringent, stimulant, anti-fatigue and memory enhancer. Like eucalyptus, rosemary can be used in cream rubs or vaporizers to help clear out mucus when you have a chest cold.

Rosemary home remedies

For sore muscles: Take several stems of fresh rosemary and boil them for 5 minutes. Remove from the water (being careful not to burn yourself) and wrap in several layers of gauze. Use this moist compress on sore and aching muscles.

To clear a stuffy head: Crush several stems of fresh rosemary. Place the stems into a small bowl filled with 2 cups of boiling water. Place a towel over your head and lean over the bowl, inhaling the fragrant steam. Do this for 5 minutes.

Skin toner: Crush a palm full of rosemary leaves and place into a bottle. Fill the bottle with witch hazel. To use: wet a cotton ball with the toner and apply to clean skin. Use daily.

Cautions for rosemary. Rosemary should be avoided by pregnant women, people with high blood pressure or anyone suffering from epilepsy - due to its ability to stimulate the brain. Some people may also find rosemary oil to be a skin irritant, so always dilute the rosemary in a carrier oil or do a skin test patch. Next time you use rosemary for cooking, take a moment and enjoy the crisp smell of the leaves. Just doing this can give you the aromatherapy benefits of this wonderful herb as well as the great taste! Keep a few fresh sprigs in a small vase by your desk, to invigorate you all day long.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Aromatherapy

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