Colon cancer: what are the warning signs to look out for?

Colon cancer usually occurs after age 50, although there are many early cases
Colon cancer usually occurs after age 50, although there are many early cases

El colon cancer It is a disease that can affect people of any age, but is more common in people over 50 years of age.

Moose first symptoms Colon cancer can vary from person to personThis can be confused with common digestive problems. Without embargo e.g It is important to pay attention to certain people which could indicate the presence of this disease.

It generally starts with small and non-cancerous (benign) groups of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Over time some of them These polyps can turn into colon cancer.

Polyps can be small and cause little or no symptoms (Freepik)
Polyps can be small and cause little or no symptoms (Freepik)

According to the American Cancer Society, rectal cancer is that which originates in the colon or rectum. These cancers may also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer depending on where they originate. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are grouped together because they share many characteristics.

Polyps can be small and cause little or no symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend regular testing to help prevent colon cancer by identifying and extirpating polyps before they become cancerous.

One of the first symptoms that may appear are, according to the Mayo Clinic changes in bowel habits. This can include persistent diarrhea, prolonged stress, or fluctuating liver consistency. People may notice that their bowel habits are not as regular as they usually are, which can cause concern and discomfort.

A gastroenterology consultation is key to confirming your presence
A gastroenterology consultation is key to confirming your presence
  • A permanent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or exhaustion
  • Change the consistency of all your items
  • Sangrado rectal or sangre en las heces
  • Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as discomfort, gas, or pain
  • A feeling that the bowels are not completely empty
  • Weakness or tiredness
  • Lose weight for no apparent reason

If colon cancer occurs, there are many treatments to help control it, including surgery, radiotherapy and pharmacological treatments such as chemotherapy, specific Dianabol treatment and immunotherapy.

Severe abdominal pain is a sign of the presence of the disease (Getty)
Severe abdominal pain is a sign of the presence of the disease (Getty)

The Mayo Clinic has published a number of risk factors that may increase the risk of the disease:

  • Personal history of colored rectal or polyclinic carcinoma: If you have colon cancer or non-cancerous polyps in the colon, you are at greater risk of developing colon cancer in the future.
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases: Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, can increase the risk of colon cancer.
  • Hereditary syndromes that increase the risk of colon cancer: Certain genetic mutations passed down through generations of your family can greatly increase your risk of colon cancer. Only a few cases of colon cancer are related to inherited genes. The most common hereditary syndromes that increase the risk of colon cancer are familial adenomatous polyposis (PAF) and Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC).
Colon Cancer, Third Most Common Cancer in US (Freepik)
Colon Cancer, Third Most Common Cancer in US (Freepik)
  • Family history of colon cancer: You are more likely to get colon cancer if you have a blood relative who has had the disease. If more than one family member has colon or rectal cancer, you may be even more likely.
  • A low-fiber, high-fat diet: Colon and rectal cancer may be associated with a typical Western diet that is low in fiber and high in fat and calories. Investigations in this area have yielded satisfactory results. Some studies have found a greater risk of colon cancer in people whose diets are high in brown meat and processed meat.
  • Sedentary lifestyle: Inactive people are more likely to get colon cancer. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of colon cancer.
  • Diabetes: People with diabetes or insulin resistance have a greater risk of colon cancer.
  • Obesity: Obese people have a higher risk of colon cancer and a higher risk of dying from colon cancer compared to people considered to be of normal weight.
  • Smoking tobacco: People who smoke may have a greater risk of colon cancer.
  • Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of colon cancer.
  • Radiotherapy for cancer: Radiation therapy aimed at the abdomen to treat frontal cancer cases increases the risk of colon cancer.
There are different symptoms to detect colon cancer over time (Getty)
There are different symptoms to detect colon cancer over time (Getty)

There are several important things that can be done to reduce the risk of colon cancer:

  • Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains: Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that can help prevent cancer. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables so they contain different vitamins and nutrients.
  • If you drink alcohol, use it in moderation: If you choose to drink alcohol, limit your drinking to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
  • Quit smoking: Talk to your doctor about ways to do this that might work for you.
  • Do the exercises every day of the week: Try to exercise at least 30 minutes every day. If you are inactive, start slowly and gradually increase the pace until you reach 30 minutes. Also, consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Leave a Comment