Signs And Symptoms Of Colon Cancer
The type of cancer beginning in the large intestine is known as colon cancer. The colon is the final section of the digestive tract.
This cancer generally occurs in older people, though it can affect people of any age. The development of cancer starts with small noncancerous formations called polyps inside the colon. Some of these polyps turn cancerous over time.
Because polyps do not result in noticeable symptoms, doctors recommend regular cancer screenings to catch and fight off cancer at an early stage. This screening is also helpful in the identification and removal of noncancerous polyps before they begin to become problematic.
There are many treatment options available, even if cancer develops in the colon. These treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and drug treatment. Your surgeon will choose a particular treatment plan depending on the location and stage of cancer.
Colon cancer can become colorectal cancer when it spreads to the rectum. Sometimes, cancer may develop in the rectum and spread to the colon.
Because polyps do not result in noticeable symptoms, doctors recommend regular cancer screenings to catch and fight off cancer at an early stage. This screening is also helpful in the identification and removal of noncancerous polyps before they begin to become problematic.
There are many treatment options available, even if cancer develops in the colon. These treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and drug treatment. Your surgeon will choose a particular treatment plan depending on the location and stage of cancer.
Colon cancer can become colorectal cancer when it spreads to the rectum. Sometimes, cancer may develop in the rectum and spread to the colon.
Symptoms
Here are the signs and symptoms of colon cancer.
You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms. The doctor will fix an appointment for you.
You can discuss the cancer screening process with the doctor. General guidelines suggest that every person above 50 should undergo cancer screening more regularly because that’s when the chance of cancer is high.
- A change in bowel habits
- Rectal bleeding or traces of blood in stools
- Persistent discomfort in the abdomen
- A feeling that your bowels are not completely empty
- Fatigue and discomfort
- Weight loss
You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms. The doctor will fix an appointment for you.
You can discuss the cancer screening process with the doctor. General guidelines suggest that every person above 50 should undergo cancer screening more regularly because that’s when the chance of cancer is high.
Causes
The exact reasons for many colon cancers are not yet known. The process of cancer development starts when there is a change in the DNA of healthy cells. Because the DNA contains instructions for a cell regarding what it should do, any change in this property can lead to that cell functioning abnormally. The accumulation of such cells results in the formation of a tumor.
Over time, these cells attack and destroy nearby healthy cells. This way, cancer travels to the nearby organs.
The exact reasons for many colon cancers are not yet known. The process of cancer development starts when there is a change in the DNA of healthy cells. Because the DNA contains instructions for a cell regarding what it should do, any change in this property can lead to that cell functioning abnormally. The accumulation of such cells results in the formation of a tumor.
Over time, these cells attack and destroy nearby healthy cells. This way, cancer travels to the nearby organs.
Risk factors
There is a long list of risk factors that can contribute to the development of colon cancer. Nonetheless, it is worth mentioning that having one of the few risk factors doesn’t mean that you will get cancer eventually. Similarly, avoiding risk factors completely doesn’t guarantee a cancer-proof colon. Here are colon cancer risk factors.
- Older age
- African-American race
- A history of polyps or cancer in the colon or rectum
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Genetics
- Low-fiber and high-fat diet
- Inactive lifestyle
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Radiation therapy for cancer
Prevention
The best way to prevent colon cancer is to get timely cancer screening. Even if cancer at an early stage is diagnosed, its treatment is not going to be too offensive to the body.
Making some lifestyle changes can also help prevent cancer. For instance, eating healthy foods and appropriate physical activity will keep your immune system strong and healthy. You may want to quit alcohol consumption and smoking because both these habits are good for nothing. And make sure that you are maintaining a healthy weight.
The best way to prevent colon cancer is to get timely cancer screening. Even if cancer at an early stage is diagnosed, its treatment is not going to be too offensive to the body.
Making some lifestyle changes can also help prevent cancer. For instance, eating healthy foods and appropriate physical activity will keep your immune system strong and healthy. You may want to quit alcohol consumption and smoking because both these habits are good for nothing. And make sure that you are maintaining a healthy weight.