TIME EUROPE
MARCH 20, 2000 VOL. 155 NO. 11
Colon Cancer: Just the Facts
Scientists know more about the molecular biology of bowel tumors than about almost any other malignancy
How it forms...
1
Cells that line the colon are very active, constantly dividing and creating buds, known as polyps. Most polyps are small, benign growths that eventually stop growing.
 2
But a tiny percentage of these polyps keep growing, sometimes for 10 years or more. Various genetic mutations can transform them into cancerous tumors.
3
As these tumors grow larger, they gather more mutuations and begin to burrow deeper and deeper into the muscle wall that surrounds the colon.
4
Once the cancer invades the blood and lymph systems, malignant cells can break off and spread to other organs, such as the liver, lungs and stomach.
How To Spot It...
Sigmoidoscopy
A flexible tube is inserted into the lower third of the colon; repeat every five years, in conjunction with annual stool test.
Barium Enema
Intestines are coated with liquid so that abnormal growths show on X-ray; repeat every five to 10 years.
Colonoscopy
Flexible tube reaches full length of large intestine; can remove small growths; repeat every 10 years.
...And how to prevent it
Diet
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, consume less than 20% fat and eat fiber, which helps your heart as well as your colon.
Exercise
Joggers in particular have a low risk of colon cancer. But any physical activity boosts your heart and mental health as well.
Get Screened
Options include stool tests plus sigmoidoscopy, barium enema and colonoscopy. Most people find the idea worse than the exam.
This edition's table of contents
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March 20, 2000
COVER STORY
Colon Cancer
Everything you need to know about colon cancer and how to prevent it
The Lives It Has Touched
From the White House to the film screen, colon cancer often strikes without warning
Just the Facts
How colon cancer forms, how to spot it, and what you can do to prevent it
Web Resources
Links to web resources on colon cancer
EUROPE
The Shadow of a Spy
NATO denies reports that a mole passed military secrets to the Serbs early in the Kosovo campaign
Red Ken Joins the Race
Former London leader Ken Livingstone defies Tony Blair and launches an independent bid for mayor
It's All the Rave
Ecstasy, once a drug confined to the club scene, is flooding many high schools and universities. Here's why
Don't Shoot the Pianist
The European Central Bank should not be blamed for the euro's weakness
AFRICA
Starting over after the Deluge
In the wake of widespread devastation and loss of life, the people of Mozambique begin, once again, the long task of recovery from national disaster
The Bare Necessities
Robert Mugabe's 20-year reign has left the Zimbabwean economy in ruins
DEPARTMENTS
World Watch
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