Common Colon Cancer Symptoms
What is Colon Cancer?
The colon, also called the large intestine, is the longest part of the intestine. "Colorectal cancer" refers to cancers affecting the colon and the last four inches of the large intestine, the rectum. Issues occur within the lining, and nearly all cancers in these areas begin as polyps. These polyps are initially small, benign (noncancerous), and present few, if any, complications.
How Common is Colon Cancer?
The American Cancer Society lists colorectal cancer as a leading cause of cancer death in America. In 2010, The National Cancer Institute estimates that there were 142,570 new cases and 51,370 deaths from colorectal cancer in the United States.
What are the Risks?
Genetics--family history--are a factor in colorectal cancer, and those of Eastern European or African American descent are at higher risk. Persons with past personal history of cancer, and those already known to have colorectal polyps are also at risk, as well as persons older than 60, and those with any of the inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease.
Diabetics and those with sedentary lifestyles are at increased risk of colon cancer, as are people suffering from obesity. Obese persons not only have higher instance of colorectal cancer, they have a lower chance of surviving the disease.
Intake is also linked to colon cancer, starting with alcohol and smoking as the greatest of these dangers. High fat and low fiber diets may be associated, and diets that include large amounts of red or processed meats are traditionally considered a factor, though some studies have proved inconclusive in that risks do not always drop when switching to a high fiber diet.
What are Some Colon Cancer Symptoms?
During the early stages, many experience no noticeable signs; once symptoms begin to occur, they can vary, depending on the areas affected and size of the cancer itself. Common symptoms include constipation or diarrhea that lasts longer than a few weeks, bloody stool or rectal bleeding, frequent abdominal pain, gas, cramping, or a feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely. Some experience an ongoing fatigue or weakness, and others may have anemia or an unexplained weight loss.
If Colon Cancer Symptoms are Present
Persons experiencing symptoms should contact a colon cancer specialist--a gastroenterology physician. Gastroenterologists are highly trained specialists for the digestive system and its diseases and conditions. Their training process includes eight years in internal medicine and three years in residency before several more years of advanced training--all told, a colon cancer specialist trains a minimum of 13 years before certification.
Early Detection and Screening
A complete cure can result from an early diagnosis followed by prompt treatment. The American Cancer Society suggests that men and women over the age of 50 begin yearly fecal tests--a first step in cancer detection--along with one of the more invasive, colonoscopy-type tests every five or ten years. Patients should speak with their personal doctors, paying particular attention to family and personal history during the discussion, to organize a schedule for ongoing colon screenings.