Schuetz

Colon cancer is, unfortunately, a fairly common disease and is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the Western world. However, fatalities from this form of cancer have been on the decline for the past 15 years, and the reason for this is believed to be the improvements in various treatment methods as well as an increase in regular screenings for the disease.

Chemo and radiotherapies are sometimes used, but colon cancer surgery is the most often used form of treatment of the disease and its six stages. The type of surgery is determined based on a number of factors such as the size and location of the cancerous tumor as well as the patients general health.

Here are the types of colon cancer surgery performed from the least invasive to the most extensive of procedures and why they may be used.

Colonoscopic excision
The development of the colonoscope, which is a specialized instrument used to examine the colon, has significantly improved the treatment of colorectal cancer over the last three decades. In addition to providing an accurate assessment of the colon, this instrument is also used in the excision of polyps, which is referred to as a polypectomy. This outpatient procedure used to treat colorectal cancer in its earliest stage is performed under local anesthesia and removes small, cancerous adenomas or polyps using the colonoscope.

Local excision
This type of operation for rectal cancer is performed through the anus and removes portions of tissue that contain cancerous cells. The tissues are then sent to pathologists for review to determine the depth or stage of the cancer, which will also indicate if additional treatment may be needed such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Bowel resection
With this type of colon cancer surgery, the procedure is performed through an opening in the abdomen and carefully removes the diseased tissue. Surrounding tissues are also removed to ensure that there are no cancerous cells left behind. The ends of the bowel or intestine are then joined together with sutures, which is a procedure called anastomosis, and the abdomen is then closed with sutures. A temporary colostomy may also be performed during this procedure, particularly in those patients with rectal cancer.

After a period of about 12 weeks, tests are performed to see if the anastomosis has healed properly so that the colostomy opening can be closed and the patients normal bowel function restored. A colostomy creates an opening in the skin on either side of the abdomen which is known as a stoma. The end of the intestine is stitched to the outside of the opening and waste material then passes through the stoma into a colostomy bag. Due to advancements in colon cancer surgery a colostomy is usually only temporary.

Abdominoperineal excision
This radical form of colon cancer surgery entails the removal of the entire rectum and anal canal. This operation is done only in extreme cases of colorectal cancer when it isnt possible to perform other types of less invasive surgery through a local excision. Recent advances in treatments for this type of cancer have made it so the majority of patients wont ever require this type of extreme surgery.

Robert Thatcher is author and website owner of aboutcoloncancersurgery.com. Visit Robert's website to learn interesting facts about colon cancer surgery.

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September commemorates the American Labor Movement. Its an acknowledgement of the important role that laborers had in building up the nations with all its glories and achievements. Needless to say its an holiday to honor and pay tribute to those workers of strength and perseverance whose selfless efforts have added to the growth and prosperity of the American nation.

Labor Day is celebrated in different states of the US with much pomp and gaiety. Different states have their own unique way of celebrating this day that come alive with the solemn feeling of the history of Labor Day and the euphoria associated with it. Lets take a look at some of the unique ways in which Labor day is celebrated across the nation.

Mackinac Bridge Walk (Michigan) In Michigan people walk the length of the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day, a tradition that started in 1958. Around 50,000 to 65,000 people participate in this parade in an average year which is traditionally led by the Governor of Michigan. The participation in this walk increased in certain years when this was made a part of political events for gubernatorial or presidential elections.

Boomsday (Tennessee) Boomsday is the annual fireworks that is organized in Knoxville, Tennessee on Labor Day. The fireworks are choreographed to music. It is held as the nations largest Labor Day fireworks show that attracts more than 325,000 spectators every year. The event is sponsored by the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation in conjunction with local radio stations of Journal Broadcast Group Pre-fireworks fun includes food, exhibitor tents, live music and entertainment! Fireworks are set off from the Henley St. bridge and spectators view the show from the riverfront, hillsides, or on boats from the Tennessee River.

Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival - (Louisiana ) - The Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in the Louisiana State is a traditional Labor Day festival born during the 1930s. The Gulf Coast Seafood Producers & Trappers Association organized this for the first time, to honor the ocean workersshrimpers, oystermen, crab fishermen to frog and alligator hunters and dock workers. Louisiana comes alive every year with water events, arts and crafts exhibitions, fireworks and culinary shows.

Bumbershoot (Seattle, Washington) - The Labor Day weekend in Seattle, Washington, is animated by the Bumbershoot Art Festival. Since its golden days in the 1970s, the place is a conglomeration of artists from around the worldwriters, poets, dancers, musicians, actors and even acrobats take the center stage on the occasion of Labor Day. The event is held at the Seattle Center which spans 74 acres and which was built for the 1962 World's Fair. With over 20 stages spread across the Center, the Labor Day celebration in Seattle definitely takes a creative edge over the rest!

Sweet and Hot Jazz Festival (Los Angeles, California) The Sweet and Hot Jazz festival is held every year on Labor Day in Los Angeles, California. Here Labor Day is celebrated with Jazz the most popular form of music in the country. Its a forum for the past and the present of Jazz music to come together with the latter paying tribute to the former. Its a unique way to celebrate Labor Day and the idea is to honor the tradition of labor through music.

Richard Dupont writes on holidays and global events like Friendship Day,Father's Day, Mother's Day, Labor day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, Valentine's Day etc. He also writes on family, relationships, religion, love and friendship. He is a writer with special interest in ecard industry and writes for 123greetings.com.

4-4-2
Defense;

4, defenders are usually arranged as outside left, inside left, inside right and outside right.
The most recent idea is to have them lined up in a banana shape with the middle of the curve closest to the goalkeeper and the outside defenders, the points, slightly ahead but behind the midfielders.
As this is the shape of a banana the defenders can see one another usualy all the time.

Some considered the flat back option but this means much more communication from the capitain of the defense usually one of the insiders.
The general idea is to have the two defenders attend to the attack coming in from their side.

This means that the opposite outside tucks in a little to cover the center of the field covering the goal and any incoming additional attacking opponents.
When the team has possession the defenders would then play wide to stretch out the other teams attackers.
This is also known as playing it around the back.

Sometimes the defenders can be lined up in a diamond shape. This is to utilize the last player back as a "sweeper" who clears the ball up the field and out to the other defenders and mid fielders.
This player is in constant communication with the goalkeeper and relays the message to the other defenders. This is because the goalkeepers can see the complete field from their vantage point.

At times and in some cases too often this central defender will by-pass the midfield and play it up to the forwards. I say too often because this usually has the forwards out numbered by the opposing defenders.. However there are a few "power forwards" who could handle this situation, but most are unable too.

The defender at the top of the diamond is considered the "stopper" whose duty is to challenge any attack or attacking play. They usually play from side to side rather than up and down the field.
These defenders are involved in shutting down any play and play making.
These players really read the game well. They need to, or they would be doing all the running.

Midfield

4, mid-fielders are usually arranged as outside left, inside left, inside right and outside right.
The outside players are called, wingers or flank players and are also involved in striking at the goal.
This would make this line up have a possibility of 4 strikers at any given time.
These wingers usually have the bulk of the running to do as they could carry the ball from the defending third and into the attacking third.
This also depends on the team strategy as outlined by the coaching staff.

The two inside midfielders are supposed to be the "play makers". These are the individuals who are responsible for carrying out the plans the coach and players have designed and used as the methods of attack and goal scoring.
These positions have traditionally played these roles. However nowadays the play making comes from anyone and sometimes all the players at any given time.
These inside players have also been more defensive in their general on field play.
This defensive idea is to stop the opposition from creating attacking options.

Forwards;

These are the main ggoooooooooooalll scoring machines. The ones who react to the ball quickly and are able to shoot from any place on the field.
To be effective they should work closely together as a team and pair. To this extent they are sometimes called "twin strikers".
They are also responsible for creating space by making the defenders mark them.
They make the defense leave their zonal resposibilities whereby taking them "out of the game".

Steve September of On The Ball Soccer Training has been involved in soccer for over forty years and on three continents. As a player, player coach and high performance coach Steve wants to share the knowledge and experiences with all levels of people involved in the soccer scene. Check out the philosophy and information at http://www.soccertrainingskills.com