What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is a disease that affects the colon or large intestine. It is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, and it can be deadly if not caught early. In this article, we will discuss what colon cancer is, what causes it, how to prevent it, and how to treat it if you are diagnosed with it.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
The symptoms can vary from person to person, but there are some common symptoms that you should be aware of. The most common symptoms are:
- changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
- feeling bloated or full after eating only a small amount of food
- unexplained weight loss
- pain in the abdomen or pelvis
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Colon cancer can be deadly if not caught early.
What causes colon cancer?
There are a number of different causes, but the most common one is colon polyps. Colon polyps are growths that form on the lining of the colon, and over time, they can develop into cancer. Other causes include:
- age - colon cancer is more common in older adults
- family history - if you have a family history of colon cancer, you are at a higher risk for developing it yourself
- obesity
- poor diet
- lack of exercise
- smoking
How do you prevent colon cancer?
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of colon cancer. The most important thing is to get regular screenings so that any colon polyps can be detected and removed before they have a chance to develop into cancer. You can also reduce your risk by:
- eating a healthy diet
- getting plenty of exercises
- quitting smoking
- avoiding alcohol
- getting regular checkups with your doctor
Why should you get a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopies are an important part of colon cancer prevention. They allow doctors to detect and remove colon polyps before they have a chance to develop into cancer. If you are over the age of 50, or if you have a family history of colon cancer, you should get a colonoscopy every ten years.
If you have any other risk factors, you should talk to your doctor about getting a colonoscopy more often. A colonoscopy is a simple, outpatient procedure that can save your life. So if you haven't had one yet, make an appointment today!
How do you treat colon cancer?
There are a number of different treatment options for colon cancer, but the most common one is surgery. Surgery can be used to remove the cancerous tumor from the colon, and it can also be used to remove the entire colon. Other treatment options include:
Talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.