Colon Cancer - Symptoms, Risks and Treatments

Colon cancer usually begins as a small polyp that is attached to the wall of the intestine. Not all polyps become cancerous , but some do. Whereas if it is detected at an early stage of polyp can be easily processed for disposal. This is why screening for colon cancer is so important. Cancerous polyps may not cause signs or symptoms . These are usually detected by screening , such as colonoscopy . As spreads and grows, symptoms may develop . A sign of the disease could be a change in bowel habits that lasts more than two weeks. This could be either diarrhea or constipation. There may be blood in the stool. You may experience cramps , pain or gas. You may think that the bowel does not empty completely . There may be an unexplained weight loss and fatigue. Some people have a higher risk of developing cells cancerous risk than others . Risk factors for colon cancer include age , race , medical history , family history , poor diet , obesity , smoking, alcohol consumption and lack of exercise . Colon cancer is more common in people over age 50 and African-American race. People with diets low in fiber and high in fat and calories increase the risk . They are also more likely to become obese . Obese people have a higher risk and are more likely to die from the disease than people of normal weight . Having a close relative with colon cancer or polyps may increase the risk due to genetics or the same exposure to carcinogens . If your medical history includes having polyps , including bowel disease non - cancer or inflammation , may increase your risk.  If you have already received radiation therapy for other cancers , which may be at risk too. Treatment of colon cancer depends on the stage at which it was found and how far it has spread . If detected early , while still localized in a polyp , your doctor may remove it while performing a colonoscopy. If the cells have become the walls of your colon , your doctor may still be able to remove it by taking a part of your colon.  If enough remains of colon health , the doctor may be able to reattach the healthy parts . Otherwise , the surgeon will attach one end of the colon to the abdominal wall for waste from the body can flow into a Tolstoy bag . When colon cancer is advanced, the surgeon can operate to relieve blockages in the colon to relieve symptoms rather than trying to remove the cancer . Chemotherapy often follows surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells that have spread throughout the body .  Radiation is sometimes used to shrink cancerous tumors of the colon before surgical removal of them. Can also be used to help relieve the symptoms in the early stages of advanced colon cancer . You can take preventive measures .  Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fiber. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Regular medical examinations as recommended by your doctor , which includes testing blood in stool regular annual sigmoid and colonoscopy exams .