Colon Cancer - Symptoms, Risks and Treatments

Colon cancer usually begins as a small polyp that attaches to the wall of the intestines. Not all polyps become cancerous but some do. If it is detected while in the early polyp stage, it can be easily treated by removal. This is why colon cancer screening is so important.

Cancerous polyps may not cause any signs or symptoms. These are usually detected through screening tests like a colonoscopy. As it spreads and grows, symptoms can develop. One sign of the disease could be a change in your bowel movements that lasts longer than two weeks. This could be either diarrhea or constipation. You may notice blood in your stools. You might experience abdominal cramps, pain, or gas. You may feel like your bowels do not empty completely. There could be unexplained weight loss and fatigue.

Some people have a higher risk for developing canerous cells than others. Risk factors for colon cancer include age, race, medical history, family history, unhealthy diet, obesity, smoking, drinking alcohol and lack of exercise. Colon cancer occurs more frequently in people over the age of 50 and in the African-American race. People with diets low in fiber and high in fat and calories increase their risk. They also are more likely to become obese. Obese people have an increased risk and are also more likely to die from the disease than people who are of normal weight. Having close family members with colon cancer or polyps can increase the risk due to genetics or the same exposure to carcinogens.

If your medical history includes having polyps, even non-cancerous ones, or inflammatory bowel disease, your risk of may be increased. If you have ever received radiation therapy for another type of cancer, you may be at risk also.

Treatment for colon cancer depends upon the stage at which it is discovered and how far it has spread. If found early while still localized in a polyp, your doctor can remove it while performing a colonoscopy.

If the cells have grown into the walls of your colon, your doctor may still be able to remove it by taking out part of your colon. If enough of your healthy colon remains, the doctor may be able to reattach the healthy parts. If not, the surgeon will attach one end of your colon to your abdominal wall so your bodily waste can drain into a colostomy bag.

When colon cancer is very advanced, the surgeon may operate in order to relieve blockages in the colon in order to relieve symptoms rather than trying to remove the cancer.

Chemotherapy often follows surgery in order to destroy any remaining cancer cells that may have spread throughout the body. Radiation therapy is sometimes used to shrink colon cancer tumors before surgically removing them. It may also be used to help ease symptoms in stages of advanced colon cancer.

You can take steps for prevention. Eat a well balanced, high-fiber diet. Get regular exercise and maintain an ideal weight. Undergo regular medical screenings as recommended by your doctor, which include fecal blood tests yearly and regular sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy exams.

Low back pain exercise Treadmills Syrup