Everything You Need to Know About Colon Cancer – Symptoms, Risk Factors and More

5 minute read

By Gerald Morris

Despite colon cancer being the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, it is highly treatable when caught early in many cases. Fortunately, you can learn all about the warning signs and symptoms with an online search right now.

Colon cancer almost always develops from abnormal growths in the colon called precancerous polyps. There are a number of factors that put a person at greater risk of developing the disease, some of which you can alter.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer vary. Early in the course of the disease, many people may have no symptoms at all.

As colon cancer progresses, early-stage signs and symptoms may manifest. This includes:

Late-stage signs and symptoms of colon cancer may include:

Lastly, if colon cancer spreads, or metastasizes, to other parts of the body, the signs and symptoms may include:

Risk Factors

There is a multitude of risk factors that may increase your chances of developing colon cancer. Some of these risk factors cannot be changed, while others can be.

The most common non-modifiable risk factor for colon cancer is advancing age. The American Cancer Society estimates that 90 percent of colon cancer diagnoses occur in individuals who are 50 or older. Some other non-modifiable risk factors are:

Some modifiable risk factors for colon cancer include:

Screening

Since most colon cancers develop from precancerous polyps, screening efforts to find them early are imperative. It is imperative because this is when the treatment works best.

Colon cancer screening does indeed save lives. In fact, almost 90 percent of individuals whose colon cancers are found early, localized, and treated fittingly are still alive five years after treatment.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends colon cancer screening commence at age 50 with strategies including:

Lastly, other screening techniques include double-contrast barium enema or virtual colonoscopy. These may be repeated every five to 10 years or five years, respectively, if negative.

Prevention

As far as colon cancer prevention or at least decreasing your risk, you should consider:

When to See a Doctor

If you suspect you may be experiencing signs or symptoms of colon cancer, you should make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the matter. Furthermore, if you are at average risk for colon cancer, you should see your doctor for colon cancer screening commencing at age 50. This has the potential to become a prevention method, especially in the case of colonoscopy.

Lastly, if you suspect your risk for colon cancer has increased, you should discuss this with your doctor to determine when to begin screening, which test is appropriate for you, and how often to obtain screening.

Living with Colon Cancer

For some, there is a beginning and end to their colon cancer treatment. For others, their colon cancer never totally goes away. This leaves them with regular treatments to keep the cancer at bay.

Whether you are living with or after colon cancer, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of first-time or recurrent disease. This includes:

Learn More About Colon Cancer Today

Colon cancer can be fatal if not caught early. The best way to protect your health is to get informed and know the warning signs. Start a search today to learn more about colon cancer and talk to your doctor about your risk.

Gerald Morris

Contributor