Studies show that colon cancer is one of the most deadliest forms of cancer and it is affecting more then 100,000 Americans every year. There are several stages to this cancer and one of the worst is known as metastatic colon cancer. Over half of patients diagnosed with colon cancer are metastatic. This means that the symptoms can only be diagnosed when the disease is in the advanced stages. This makes it difficult for doctors to treat it properly. Yet, there are patients that have been able to live for many years after the diagnosis.

Those with metastatic colon cancer have to deal with more problems because the cancerous cells have moved beyond the tissues in the colon and reached other organs of the body. Doctors say that one of the first to be infected is the lymphatic system. Once it reaches this part of the body the cancer cells will move to other organ cells of the lungs and liver. Other organs may also be infected.

Patients who have been diagnosed with colon cancer should know that there are several treatments available to them. They must consider all of their options and seek immediate treatment even if they have discovered the cancer in one if its earliest stages. Studies show that 20 to 30 percent of patients who are treated for metastatic colon cancer have the ability to survive for many years after they have been diagnosed. Those who seek treatment have a higher chance to live longer and happy lives.

The hardest thing for patients who have been diagnosed is that it is so difficult for doctors to diagnose when it is in its early stages. The disease usually becomes more evident and easier to find when it is more advanced and sometimes when treatment options can be useless. That is why it is important for people to do what they can to prevent this disease.

So how are we to prevent colon cancer? The first thing that you need to look at is the lifestyle that you have. Your risk for colon cancer increase if you smoke or have a bad diet. It is important to avoid fatty foods that can clog your arteries and stick mainly to foods that are nutritious and fibrous for your body.

Smoking is one of the biggest factors that is related to cancer so it should always be avoided - even second hand smoke. Your weight is also a large factor that is partly connected to your diet. People who are obese can have some of the worst symptoms of colon cancer.

Doctors believe that people should begin colon cancer screening when they turn 50. You should then make regular visits every ten years after that unless your doctor says otherwise.