Colon Cancer Warning SignsColon Cancer Warning Signs-Introduction Colon cancer is a disease that develops inside the colon or anywhere in the rectum. It can be called as rectal cancer or colon cancer, depending on the starting point. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of deaths that are related to cancer and is the third most common form of cancer. Colon cancers are thought to start as a polyp in the colon which can grow and develop to a cancer if left untreated over a period of time. These polyps come in the form of mushrooms and are usually benign in nature, but in some cases, they develop into cancer. Most Common Colon Cancer Warning Signs Colon cancer warning signs could be non-prominent and hidden and not obvious. What makes it incurable for some is that its early signs can be very subtle that you probably wouldn’t notice their presence. Because of this, many people get to have themselves diagnosed in its advanced stages. This is the reason why regular physical examinations are important even if you think that you are feeling well. If you have a family history of colon cancer or any types of cancer, then you have to have yourself examined more often. There are many colon cancer warning signs that you may want to know. One of these is a significant loss in weight, especially if you have been healthy all your life and you suddenly experience a decrease in weight. Although this can be associated to other health problems, you can go see a doctor to have your body examined, especially if your family has a background of colon cancer. Another colon cancer warning sign is blood in the stool. This is the most common among all colon cancer warning signs. There are times when this symptom is caused by some other abnormalities in your body— you may a have a small wound in the anus which causes the bleeding or other health problems which has lead to your rectal bleeding such as hemorrhoids. If the tumor is near the anus, you will experience local symptoms such as the presence of light red blood in the stool. Bright red blood means that the blood is still fresh and that it comes from areas that are just near the anus. If it is dark red blood, it may come from the upper portion of the digestive system such as the stomach, which could indicate an upper gastrointestinal bleeding such as ulcer. Having problems when emptying the bowel can also be one of colon cancer warning signs. This is especially true if the tumor is already growing to a significant size that it has already caused a blockage or obstruction in the colon, which makes it hard for the stool to pass through. The supporting manifestations of an obstructed colon are abdominal distention, constipation, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Colon cancer can spread to other areas of the body, especially to the liver. If this happens, abdominal pain and jaundice can occur.
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Many colon cancer warning signs can be mistaken with other health problems because usual symptoms do not particularly point to colon cancer. Before jumping into conclusions, it is best to have yourself examined. Your doctor may suggest that you undergo a colorectal screening. Other screening tests that can detect the presence of colon cancer are digital rectal exam, endoscopy (colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy), and fecal occult blood test. Other methods used are double contrast barium enema, virtual colonoscopy, standard computed axial tomography, blood test, genetic testing and genetic counseling, stool DNA testing, positron emission tomography, and whole body positron emission tomography imaging.
There are many things you can do to somehow prevent the tumor from growing or to prevent you from acquiring a tumor at all. You can start by eating healthy and avoiding foods that are high in carbohydrates and fats and by drinking lots of water. Drinking water and eating foods that are high in fiber can be a simple way of detoxifying the wastes in your body. Also, you should avoid carcinogens because they are one of the causative factors that can put you at risk for developing colon cancer.
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