Colon cancer produces growths in the tissues of the rectum, colon and sometimes the appendix. It is also referred to as colorectal cancer. According to statistics found on Cancer.gov, 148,810 cases of colon and rectal cancer were diagnosed in 2008. It is responsible for over 600,000 deaths worldwide every year. Colon cancer is believed to result from polyps in the colon.
There are a number of factors which can lead to polyps becoming cancerous. These include age, diet, ethnicity and family medical history. Colon cancer presents no symptoms until the disease is at an advanced stage. Aside from certain lifestyle changes that people can make to reduce their risk of getting colon cancer, they need to be aware of their own bodies and discuss any changes in bowel habits with their doctor.
Warning Signs For Colon Cancer
1/ Unexpected weight loss
People who are concerned about their weight may be pleased to find that they suddenly start shedding pounds. However, if this occurs without any effort on their part it could be cause for concern. Weight loss does not feature as prominently in colon cases as it does with other types of cancer, and often the weight loss related to a loss of appetite.
2/ Blood in the stool
Any medical practitioner will advise that blood in the stool should be reported immediately. This is the most common sign of colon cancer. The movement of feces through the colon can cause the tumors to bleed, and this is often evident in the stool. In some cases, the blood may not be noticed for some time depending on the location of the tumor. Blood can also be missed if it ends up inside the stool.
3/ Pain or discomfort in the abdomen
While everyone experiences some stomach discomfort from time to time, persistent pain and discomfort should lead to a visit to the doctor. Sometimes the tumor results in a blockage in the colon, preventing feces from passing freely. This can lead to swelling of the abdomen, cramping, and in some case vomiting. Severe pain can also result when a large tumor punctures the bowel wall leading to serious complications.
4/ Fatigue
Fatigue can be a symptom of many conditions, but in the case of colon cancer, it results from iron deficiency which is caused by the tumor. When the tumor bleeds the loss of blood makes the person anemic. Depending on how long it takes before the bleeding is noticed the fatigue could be quite pronounced.
5/ Fluctuating bowel habits
As mentioned earlier, changes in bowel habits should be reported to a doctor. These include prolonged diarrhea, becoming gassier or producing thin stools. Sometimes after a bowel movement, the individual may still feel the need to defecate. Constipation may also result from the blockage of the colon by the tumor.
Things To Keep In Mind About Colon Cancer Symptoms
The sad fact is, when any of these symptoms is noticed, it is possible that the disease has already progressed beyond the stage of treatment. The only sure way to protect yourself is to lead a healthy lifestyle, which includes exercise and a well balanced diet. Smoking and alcohol have been shown to increase the risk of colon cancer. It is also important to get screened regularly to catch potential problems early. The general consensus is that people should begin to get screenings at age 50.
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March 13th, 2009 at 7:51 am
Once you have warning signs of any illness you should visit your doctor for diagnosis. After a diagnosis, you can then discuss treatment options which include natural medicine.
March 6th, 2009 at 1:00 am
suffering with acidity,somtimes stool block.taking tea,coffee three times a day.smoker. I want to know the investigation to be taken. Kindly consider.