Colon cancer refers to cancer that affects the colon, which is the end part of the digestive tract. This cancer is mostly found in older people. However, a few cases have been noted in younger people as well.
Its journey begins with noncancerous small cells known as polyps. Polyps, with time gradually can turn into colon cancer.
Many treatments are accessible for your colon cancer cure, which includes surgery, drug treatments, immunotherapy, etc.
However, your treatment depends upon the type of cancer you have, where it has spread, and how big is it. Many individuals may even receive more than one treatment.
Causes
Various causes are mentioned below, which you must ignore at your own risks.
1.High-fat diet
2.Genetics
3.Crohn’s disease
4.Age
5.Long-standing ulcerative colitis
Lifestyle changes to lower the odds of Colon cancer
Follow the steps mentioned below and make changes in your lifestyle to reduce the risks of cancer.
1.Consume fruits, vegetables and whole grains: You must include a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains so that your body can get a range of nutrients. All these food items contain minerals, vitamins, fibre, which can help you avoid cancer.
2.Quit smoking: Consult a specialist who can help you to quit smoking.
3.Exercise daily: Try to give at least 30 minutes a day to exercise. You can even workout under the guidance of a trainer for a few days.
4.Maintain your weight: Work to maintain a healthy weight by combining daily exercise with a nutritious diet. If you are overweight or obese try to decrease your calorie intake gradually while you increase the time of exercise.
Early warning and symptoms
Any lethal cancer can warn us way before it takes its root in a body. Hence, it is significant to be aware of early colon cancer symptoms before it is too late.
1.Rectal bleeding: In this condition, you may notice bright red blood in your stool. It is significant bleeding than a mere cut in the area or haemorrhoids.
2.Anaemia: If you suffer from iron loss, chances are it may be due to bleeding of cancer tumours.
3.Cramping or abdominal pain: A cancer tumour can cause a blockage, resulting in cramps and other forms of pain. This pain may be a symptom that certain things can pass through.
4.Bowel movement: You may feel to have a bowel movement, but when you try, no stool comes out. This uneasy feeling may be a result due to a tumour in the rectum.
5.Weight loss: Even if you consume enough and nutritious food, your body may not absorb the nutrients completely and could also result in unexplained weight loss.
6.Fatigue or tiredness: If you suffer extreme fatigue all the time, then it could be a sign of cancer & you must undertake a screening to diagnose what’s wrong.
7.Narrow stools: If your stool is much thinner than normal, this may indicate the presence of a tumour in the rectum.
A few QnA about Colon cancer
Here are a few prevalent FAQs to better understand colon cancer.
Q1. Do only older men get this cancer?
ANS. The risks of colorectal cancer do increase with age. However, traits of this cancer have been found in every age group.
Q2. How common is this cancer?
ANS. It is the fourth most common type of cancer, ranked only behind, breast, lung and prostate cancer.
Q3. What are the various screening options for detecting this cancer?
ANS. These include FOBT or Fecal Occult Blood Test, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, double contrast barium enema, etc.
Q4. What kind of tests would I require to determine the stage of my cancer?
ANS. To name a few, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, etc.
Q5. What sort of specialists will I see during my treatment?
ANS. Radiation Oncologist, Medical Oncologist, Colorectal Surgeon, Gastroenterologist.
If you experience any early symptoms, then you must consult them with your healthcare professional and discuss the possible solutions.
Neotia Getwel Healthcare Centre, Siliguri is committed to offering the best guidance and high-end laparoscopic surgical treatment solutions for colon cancer. You can openly talk with our specialists and ask for something that you don’t understand.
Book your appointment here.