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Tags: colon cancer, colon cancer early symptoms, colon cancer symptoms, colon cancer treatment, signs of colon cancer, symptoms of colon cancer in women
New research may link one of the species of bacteria that live in our intestinal system to the development of colon cancer symptoms. Home to many species, some “good” and others “bad”, our digestive system provides these microbes a place to live, and in return they help with digestion and training the body’s immune system. In susceptible people, this otherwise harmless organism causes DNA changes that can be a precursor to cancer.
The organism, known to scientists as enterococcus faecalis, (or E. faecalis for short) lives quietly in the digestive system of most of us, and it’s true that not everyone develops colon cancer. For reasons scientists have yet to know, in some people the organism produces an oxygen molecule known as superoxide that cause changes in DNA and prompt some of the gene action tied to cancer.
The research, directed by the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Oklahoma City, looked at how colon cells responded in the lab to the bacteria in the “fermentation” state. All in all, 42 genes linked to key processes in body cells were altered by the presence of E. faecalis.
“We acquired that superoxide led to strong signaling in immune cells called macrophages – it also changed the way some cells in the gut grew and divided and even increased the productivity of genes which are associated with cancer.” says professor Mark Huycke, the lead researcher.
Experts in the UK also agree that bacteria may be likely culprits in cancers of the colon. Dr. Barry Campbell of the University of Liverpool agrees that E. faecalis could be involved, but he also believes that there are other bacteria in the bowel that play a part in the cell changes that eventually bring on tumors. He insists, “There is not going to be only one culprit. Our own team is interested in a particular type of E. coli with this in mind. There are also many other factors which are involved, such as genetics and environment.”
And while the experts figure out what may be the root of the problem, there are things that you can do, right now, to reduce your risk. Living a healthy lifestyle where you eat right, exercise, don’t smoke or drink to excess are important first steps. Keeping your weight under control will not only reduce your colon cancer risk, it will have you looking better and feeling better too.
You’ll also want to learn all you can about colon cancerr if you have a close family member like a parent or sibling with this disease. If you are at increased risk, your doctor will likely advise you to have colon screening tests before the usual age of 50. Don’t put these off, and report promptly any change in your bowel habits to your doctor. Waiting in fear does you no good… and may rob you of your chance to fight your disease.
You’ll also want to limit your disclosure to toxins and radiation. When it takes a lot of radiation to get to a level that might cause cancer, you want to have tests you need but try to avert exposure to unnecessary radiation.
Each year colon cancer claims nearly 50,000 lives, with over 100,000 patients newly diagnosed with colon cancer symptoms. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy and vaccine therapy. Clinical trials are also ongoing and yielding promising new leads all the time.
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April 11th, 2010 admin Posted in Cancer | No Comments »You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.