Colon Cancer – Differences for Male and Female Patients
Colon cancer is the development of tumor cells in the colon or large intestine. While men and women are at equal risk for developing colon cancer, there are subtle differences in how cancer manifests itself in both genders. Here are some gender differences you should know about. 1. Location of cancer There are two sides to the colon – proximal or right side and distal or left side. According to experts, women are at a higher risk for developing proximal cancer, while men seem to develop distal cancer commonly. 2. The aggressiveness of cancer The proximal cancer is the more aggressive form, and the tumor cells quickly spread compared to distal cancer. Hence, women are at a higher risk for developing the more aggressive form of colon cancer when compared to men. 3. The survival rate in younger individuals Some studies prove that estrogen hormone can protect against developing colon cancer in younger women. It may also bring down the intensity of the condition. As a result, younger women have a better survival rate when compared to younger men with this type of cancer. 4. The survival rate in older individuals The proximal cancer is more complicated and is only identified in its advanced stages.