Colon Cancer Cure

There is not much media attention given to colon cancer as opposed to what is given to breast cancer and lung cancer. This is quite unfortunate as it is actually the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country.

As the name suggests, colon cancer starts in the large intestine and the rectum. This is why it is also most often called colorectal cancer. Like most cancers, there is no actual or specific cause of the cancer. It just starts with benign polyps that slowly develop into a cancer. Because of this lack of cause, curing colon cancer is difficult when it is already there.

The only colon cancer cure that people can rely on is not any therapy, medicine or chemical they have to take into their bodies but early detection and early diagnosis. In fact, in almost all cases of colon cancer, early diagnosis can lead to complete colon cancer cure.

One should not also discount the fact that even better than a colon cancer cure, one should look for ways to prevent it from happening in the first place. Both prevention and early diagnosis can be done through awareness and information. Just a few changes in one’s lifestyle habits and diet can reduce the risk.

Below are some of the things you should know.

Risk factors

Some people are more likely to develop colon cancer than others especially those who already have colorectal polyps and cancer in other parts of their bodies like in their breast. These are people who are high-risk.

Also, if your family has a history of colon cancer as well as gastrointestinal tract diseases such as Crohn’s disease, colon cancer may also occur. Another factor is also age as most who have this problem are mostly elderly in their 80s.

Self-detection

There is actually no specific symptom of colorectal cancer especially in the early stages. This is why, although early diagnosis is important, it is still hard to detect it before it spreads to other cells of the body unless you have regular screening tests. Some may experience abdominal pain and cramping. There may also be a change in your bowel movement. Diarrhea and constipation may also occur.

Often, people with colon cancer have inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel disease or diverticulitis. These conditions often result to colon cancer. Drastic weight loss is another sign you should watch out for.

Another symptom that should not also be ignored is blood in your stool. This is in itself a sign of a serious problem in the gastro-intestinal or excretory tract. It is important that you have yourself checked once you encounter this problem.

Screening and diagnosis

There are many screening tests that you can take in order to make sure that you don’t have the cancer. One of these is the digital rectal exam, which checks the first few inches of the rectum for large polyps and cancers. Although this is safe and often painless, the test is very limited. Another test that you can take is the fecal occult blood test, which checks if you have blood in your stool. Blood in the stool is often associated with colon cancer and a host of other serious problems.