Common Questions: Depression
How do I know if I’m depressed?
What causes depression?
Can depression go away on its own?
How long does it take antidepressants to work?
Is alcohol a depressant?
Common Questions: Colon and Rectal (Colorectal) Cancer
What are the early warning signs of colorectal cancer?
How long does it take for colorectal cancer to develop?
Are colon cancer, rectal cancer, and colorectal cancer all the same?
Can you die from colorectal cancer?
Where is the first place colorectal cancer spreads?
Next Question
Typical signs of depression in adults include persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness, feeling irritated, overwhelming feelings of guilt, anxiety, frustration, or anger, changes in appetite, an inability to concentrate, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, among other symptoms.
Blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits marked by constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss are among the early signs of colon cancer.
Relationship problems, changes in life circumstances, genetics, and trauma can all precipitate feelings of depression. Drug and alcohol abuse can also cause depression. Depression can occur spontaneously and may also run in families.
Most cases of colorectal cancer begin as a polyp, and it may take as long as 10 to 15 years to become cancerous. For this reason, regular screening to identify and remove polyps is the best way to prevent colon cancer.
Depression can come and go, but treatment or therapy can help reduce symptoms. Depression can recur, sometimes triggered by the same problems that led to it in the first place. Some patients, feeling better, decide to stop treatment, which can lead to a relapse.
Colon cancer begins in the colon and rectal cancer begins in the rectum, but both areas are part of the digestive system. Because of this, cancers that occur in either area are sometimes referred to as colorectal cancer.
Some people claim to feel better in two weeks with the antidepressants known as SSRIs, which include Prozac and Lexapro. But most see benefits after six to eight weeks.
Yes. The odds of survival are highest for colorectal cancers caught at an early stage. For example, localized colorectal cancer that has not spread outside the colon or rectum has a 90 percent five-year survival rate, while those cancers that have spread to nearby or distant organs have 75 percent and 14 percent five-year survival rates, respectively.
All Questions
Yes. Alcohol can slow or impair cognitive function, impair memory, and— though people often drink to relax—can lead to anxiety and depress the central nervous system.
Colon cancer typically spreads to the liver first, though it can spread to other areas of the body, including the lungs and brain.
