Colon Cancer Risks, Symptoms and Prevention
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Your digestive system plays a critical role in processing nutrients and removing harmful toxins from your body. It’s composed of the large and small intestines, stomach, and esophagus.
The upper portion of the large intestine is referred to as the colon while the lower portions are known as the rectum and anal canal. Cancers of these areas of the body are sometimes referred to jointly colorectal cancers.
Overall, slightly more men than women are diagnosed with colorectal cancers but the lifetime risk is approximately 5% or 1-in-20 people.
Colon cancer https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/how-to-prevent-colon-cancer/?gl=5a4bb02f595c976c2c1757c0
Risk Factors for Colon Cancer
Age – approximately 90% of patients diagnosed are older than age 50
Common hereditary diseases such as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer and familial adenomatous polyposis
Personal history of adenomatous polyps in the colon or colorectal cancer
Immediate family history of colon cancer, polyps, or rectal cancer
History of chronic inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease
If you are diabetic or insulin resistant
Alcohol and tobacco use
If you are obese, you have a higher risk of contracting colon cancer – as well as a lower chance of survival
Poor diet of high “bad” fats, high processed carbs, and low fiber
Lack of exercise
The appearance and severity of symptoms depend on the location and size of the cancer mass. Many patients diagnosed with colon cancer do not experience symptoms at first. Early screening is the most important thing to remember when it comes to treating and beating colon cancer.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Changes in bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhea
Bloody stool or bleeding from the rectum
Unintended weight loss
Cramps, bloating, and gas pains
Feeling as if your bowel is never emptied
Feelings of fatigue or overall weakness
Colorectal cancers are the third most often diagnosed form of cancer for both genders. It is also the secon highest form of cancer that results in death for both genders.
In 2014, experts estimate that more than 135,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed. Of those patients, more than 50,000 are not expected to survive.
This form of cancer is one that patients don’t like to discuss due to embarrassment (due to the area of the body) and fear of the tests done to confirm.
There is no reason to be embarrassed about feeling sick. Hopefully, you have a good relationship with your doctor and will admit to symptoms – no matter where or what they involve.