Colon Cancers – Reasons And How To Avoid
Colon cancers or more incisively called colorectal cancers are malignant neoplastic diseases of the colon, appendix, and rectum. The cancer usually results from a type of mushroom shaped polyps or growths, called adenomatous polyps, found within the colon. They are mostly benign but if left long enough without treatment can often develop into colorectal cancer. Cancer localised to the colon region is diagnosed by utilizing colonoscopy.
Individuals with a genetic history of colorectal cancer or even adenomatous polyps are more susceptible to the disease. So are people whose close relatives have a past history of what is called Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) which caused because of a genetic sensitivity towards a variety of cancers.
Smokers are 30% to 40% more likely to develop the cancer than nonsmokers. A regular diet which includes too much red meat and too little vegetables, fruits, and fish can also be the reason for the cancer. A small percent of patients also had a history of IBD such as ulcerative colitis. The disease is not like hemorrhoids and diverticulitis which cause discomfort not inflammation. Other causes include virus infections and environmental factors (contamination in food), low selenium levels, and heavy alcohol intake.
If the cancer is located near the lower portion of the bowel or anus, the symptoms include change in stool pattern, blood or mucus presence in stool, constipation, and looseness of the bowels. Primary symptoms include iron inadequacy anemia, feverishness, fatigue, and weight loss. Just so you don’t get afraid, having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have colorectal cancer – colorectal cancer will will however generally show these signs. Even blood and pain, bowel troubles, or other troubles could be the result of other intestinal problems such as diverticulitis or a hemorrhoid. Both, even hemorrhoids could be handled by surgical process and other noninvasive methods.
Nevertheless, you will have to consult a doctor if you see any of these symptoms, particularly if you have a family history or personal history of colon cancer; not just due to the cancer risk, but because none of these including anemia, constipation, or a hemorrhoid should be left ignored.
Yes, colorectal cancer can be prevented. By making changes in your life-style and taking a few necessary precautions. The lifestyle changes include dropping bad habits such as alcohol abuse and smoking, consuming a diet rich in roughage, vegetables, and fruits, and living an active lifestyle. Consuming vitamin B6 and not taking external hormones once you have reached forty also shrinks the risk. Get a colonoscopy every 5 years if you have a family or personal medical history of the cancer or if you have reached 50. Also, it is better to have adenomatous polyps taken off as soon as they are diagnosed (they will be determined during colonoscopy) since if left alone they have a very high chance of turning into the cancer. Colon cancers can be addressed if caught in early stages. Do not panic. Consult your doctor.
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