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Summary: Colon Cancer Symptoms - Changes in Stool or Blood in Stool Colon cancer symptoms may not be present in many cases. Colon cancer also known as Colorectal Cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor growth found in a portion of the large intestine, which is a common cancer site. Colon Cancer Symptoms and Causes In many cases of colon cancer no symptoms will be apparent in the early stages of the disease. · Bloody or black, tarry stools · Abdominal pain or cramps · Diarrhea or constipation or narrow stool · Unexplained weight loss · Anemia The cause of colon (or colorectal) cancer is not well understood but risk factors include being over the age of 60, eating a diet low in fiber and high in fat and red meat, being of African American or eastern European descent, a prior diagnosis of cancer elsewhere in the body or colorectal polyps, the presence of an inflammatory bowel disease (i.e. Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), a family history of colon cancer, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colon Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Blood tests may be taken to check for anemia and a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) may be ordered to detect small amounts of blood in the stool, which could indicate colon cancer. Surgery to remove the cancer cells is often performed. Summary: Simple Steps for Colon Cancer Prevention Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that affects the last section of the digestive system (usually the colon or rectum. Most cancers of the colon develop from polyps (fleshy growths) in the intestine. Diet is another significant bowel cancer risk factor with excessive consumption of red meats and alcohol and a low fiber intake all linked to the development of this cancer. If cancer does develop it is often accompanied by a number of symptoms. These colon cancer symptoms are often quite mild in the beginning but get worse as the cancer grows. If you suspect that you have bowel cancer based on the above symptoms you should consult your doctor immediately. If any of the tests reveal that you have bowel cancer your doctor will start you on a treatment program. Early stage colon cancer is much more treatable than a cancer that has become advanced. Chemotherapy (the use of anti-cancer medications) and radiotherapy (the use of high energy radiation beams) are sometimes used as colon cancer treatments but are more commonly used to help shrink the cancerous cells prior to surgery and then to reduce the risk of the cancer returning after surgery. Reducing your red meat and alcohol intake whilst eating more fruits, vegetables and other fiber rich foods can also help prevent colon cancer. Giving up smoking is another important lifestyle change for the prevention of both bowel cancer and other cancers too. I hope this article has helped you learn about the symptoms and risk factors for bowel cancer BUT most importantly I hope it inspires you to actively participate in cancer prevention by improving your lifestyle. Colon cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor. You may copy / distribute / edit but keep this link below live: Article 1: COLON CANCER SYMPTOMS - CHANGES IN STOOL OR BLOOD IN STOOL Article 2: SIMPLE STEPS FOR COLON CANCER PREVENTION Category : COLON RECTAL CANCER Source : CANCER.TIPSTIMES.COM Licensed : CREATIVE COMMONS SHARE ALIKE 3.0
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