Asbestos as cause of colon cancer
Colon cancer, when it is caused by asbestos exposure, is usually tied to high levels of asbestos exposure.
What is the difference between colon cancer and peritoneal mesothelioma?
Asbestos-related colon cancer and peritoneal mesothelioma are both generally located in the abdominal region, but the cancerous cells arise from different tissues in the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma arises from the peritoneum, or mesothelial membrane lining the abdomen. While asbestos-related colon cancer or colorectal cancer are cancers of the tissue cells of the colon and rectum.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Initially, there may be no indications that you have asbestos-related colon cancer. If and when symptoms do appear, they are usually gastrointestinally focused: a change in bowel habits, unexplained stomach discomfort, blood in your stool, narrower stools, and unexplained weight loss. Obviously, most symptoms are general, and can be caused by a number of other major and minor complaints. Screening for colon cancer should be a consideration for those exposed to asbestos and everyone over age 50; be sure you let your doctor know you have a history of asbestos exposure, no matter your age.
How is colon cancer diagnosed?
Less than 40% of colon cancers are diagnosed early, but like most cancers, an early diagnosis is key to long-term survival. Most Nevadans aware of their past asbestos exposure are, rightfully, more concerned about the increased risk for lung cancer or mesothelioma; however, asbestos exposure also increases the risk of developing stomach cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and colorectal cancer. Colon cancer screenings are already recommended for all those over 50; if you have a history of asbestos exposure, it is especially vital you let your physician know and get screened regularly. Your doctor may wish you to begin annual screenings prior to age 50.Several screening methods exist, the simplest being the fecal occult blood test (FOBT). This non-invasive test uses chemical staining to locate blood in a stool sample. One US clinical trial reported a 33% reduction in colorectal cancer deaths for those offered a FOBT.
More invasive testing methods include a flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy; both of these screenings involve the use of a lighted scope to check for polyps and other suspicious growths inside your rectum and colon. The former (flexible sigmoidoscopy) checks just the rectum and lower third of colon, while the latter (colonoscopy) examines the entire colon. Less commonly used tests include a barium enema, virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography), and DNA stool test. Barium enemas involve the use of barium sulfate to increase the contrast of x-rays taken of the colon; a double-contrast barium enema also uses air to expand the colon, allowing for even better images. A virtual colonoscopy uses imaging techniques such as CT scans and MRIs to create a view of the large intestine. Finally, DNA stool testing checks for cancer cells within an entire bowel movement.
Colon Cancer Screenings
From a March 2008 joint recommendation by the American Cancer Society, the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, and the American College of Radiology, the recommended intervals between various colon cancer screening methods.
- Annually
- High sensitivity FOBT or fecal immunochemical testing (same as FOBT, but different chemicals are used to identify blood in the stool)
- Every 5 Years
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, or CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
- Every 10 Years
- Colonoscopy
- At Physician's Discretion
- Fecal DNA testing.
How do I know if my colon cancer is asbestos-related?
If you know you have a history of asbestos exposure, there is an association between colon cancer and asbestos exposure. Especially among non-smokers, a history of asbestos exposure is a common thread in colon cancer diagnoses. Prior asbestos exposure may be revealed by the presence of pleural thickening or asbestosis in some patients with colon cancer.
