Colon Cancer Prevention - How to Prevent Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a very treatable but common cancer. The first step to avoiding this ailment is prevention with regular tests at the doctor, but there are other ways of getting around this disease in between checkups. It has been said that diets which are high in fat and cholesterol, particularly those from animal sources, increase the risk for colon cancer. Foods that are high in fiber help protect the body from colon cancer. Along with that, maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial when trying to prevent this type of disease. Exercising helps, not only with maintaining a slim waistline but also in prevention of colon cancer.
Preventing Colon Cancer
Screening is great for early diagnosis and early diagnosis improves the probability of successful treatment. However, disease prevention always trumps disease screening. Colorectal Cancers Colorectal cancers are cancers that occur in digestive tract, either in the large intestines or the rectum. According to the National Cancer Institute: Over 150, 000 Americans will be diagnosed with a colorectal cancer Over 50, 000 Americans will die from a colorectal cancer Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors Non-modifiable Risk Factors: Age over 50 A personal history of colon cancer A personal history of colorectal polyps A personal history of inflammatory bowel diseases (e.
I Found Out Too Late - Now I m in My 6th Year of Chemotherapy
In the late fall of 2002, my wife, two friends and I went on a vacation out east to the historical sites of Williamsburg and Jamestown. We had a wonderful time touring these great sites, took a lot of pictures and learned a lot about the founders of our nation. We rented a van and I drove from the St. Louis area and back. On the way home I could feel a pain in the left side of my stomach area and didn't think too much of it. Before Christmas I was beginning to have very sharp pains in that area and knew it was time that I needed to see my doctor. My family doctor took xrays and then suggested that I needed to have a colonoscopy.
Colon Disease - Cancer and Other Diseases of the Colon
People often think of the colon as simply an organ that rids the body of its waste. If not treated properly, the colon can develop problems and potentially diseases. These issues can make us uncomfortable, sick and can even be fatal if not treated right away. First, there is colorectal cancer- or cancer of the colon or rectum. This disease is the fourth most common cancer in both genders and is curable if treated in its earlier stages. Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include, but are not limited to, blood in the stool, narrower stools, a change in bowel habits, and discomfort in the abdomen.
How to Avert Colon Cancer
Unhygienic cologne makes a huge impact on human body. There are lots of supplementary diseases attached with it. People can also get attract to colon cancer which can be deadly if proper precautions are not carried out or performed. Colon cancer can be prevented if it is detected in its early stages. There are many medical treatments available for prevention of colon cancer for e.g. sigmoidoscopy and many others which are highly costly and every one cannot afford such medical expenses. Except medical treatment people can also practice many other things which can help to lower the hazard of colon cancer.
Can Colon Cancer Screening Save Your Life?
To help find cancers early colon cancer screening tests are used. Its better to find the cancers before they start to cause any warning signs. Early detection of colon cancer can make curing it more likely. You doctor will choose the type of colon cancer screening test you will have. This is a list of different types of colon cancer screening test you may be asked to take. Colonoscopy, this is one that most people have heard of: You will be given medication that will make you sleepy and relaxed. This colon cancer screening is usually not painful but may be a bit uncomfortable. A thin, flexible tube with a video camera attached it inserted into your rectum, the doctor will be able to view your whole colon.
Know the Signs of Colon Cancer, Now!
There are many digestive disorders that can show as sign of colon cancer. But just because it may be signs from other digestive disorders, does not mean you don't need to be checked. Some of these diseases are Crohns, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, and Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Some of the signs of colon cancer that you want to watch out for are bloody stools, constipation, diarrhea, thin stools, weight loss, cramping or pain in the abdomen, bloating, and anemia. You may not even notice signs of colon cancer for years after it have begun to develop. You can begin to check for colon cancer very early by simple screenings for fecal blood.
Colon Cancer - The Family Connection
The general population may not be familiar with the term Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), but for those with a history of colon cancer in their families, the search for the symptoms of this genetic mutation is a routine part of any medical review. People with the classic form of FAP may begin to develop multiple benign polyps in the colon as early as their teenage years - hundreds or thousands of these growths is not uncommon in persons with FAP. Removal of at least part of the colon is necessary in such a circumstance, as these same polyps will eventually become malignant. If only a partial colectemy is performed, regular surveillance of the remaining portion of the colon is necessary as the individual still carries significant risk of developing colon cancer.
Are You At Risk For Colon Cancer?
If you're over 40 and have rectal bleeding, don't assume it's just a case of hemorrhoids. In the presence of other symptoms - such as a change in bowel habits, abdominal cramps or pain, unexplained anemia or weight loss - you could be suffering from colon cancer. Colon, colorectal, or bowel cancer are the terms used to describe cancer which strikes the colon, rectum, or both. These account for about 20 percent of deaths in the United States. Over a hundred thousand Americans have the disease and almost 50, 000 die from it yearly. What are your chances of developing colon cancer? The risk greatly increases after the age of 50, more so if you have a family history of the disease or a history of colon polyps or ulcerative colitis.
Screening Procedure For Colon Cancer
Another helpful technique in diagnosing colon cancer is the stool-guaiac test or occult stool blood test which helps the doctor detect blood in your stool that is invisible to the naked eye. You should have one annually after the age of 50. The results of this test will determine whether you need other screening procedures for colon cancer such as proctosigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. What are these tongue-twisters? In the former, the doctor uses a flexible, lighted tube called a proctosigmoidoscope to examine the lower portion of the colon and rectum - the area where cancers are usually found.