6 Frequently Asked Questions About Colon Cancer

1. What is Colon Cancer?

This disease is also known as colorectal or bowel cancer, and it is the result of abnormal growth of cells in the colon, rectum, and appendix. It is the third most common cancer found in men and the fourth most common cancer found in women. The spread of this disease is not even between one part of the world and another. While the disease is rarely found in Asia and Africa, it is most commonly found in Western countries. It is suggested that western diets which consists of mostly red meat may increase the risk of the disease.

2. What Causes Colon Cancer?

As mentioned previously, unhealthy diet can trigger malignant growth of colon cells. Apart from that, other factors that may contribute to the development of the disease include old age (people in their 60s or 70s are more prone to get the disease), family history of cancer, colon polyps, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and viruses.

3, What Are The Symptoms Of Colon Cancer?

The symptoms of the disease are numerous and non specific. One may develop the cancer years before the symptoms occur. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, changing habits of bowel movement, cramps, bloating, narrow stool, stool mixed with red or dark blood, weight loss, pain in the abdominal area, and so forth.

4. How To Detect Colon Cancer?

Common diagnostic techniques include colonoscopy or barium enema. During the barium enema test, x-rays are used for taking the image of the rectum and colon after the patient is given an enema containing barium. Meanwhile, colonoscopy is performed by inserting a viewing tube into the rectum to inspect the inside of the whole colon.

5. How To Prevent Colon Cancer?

While colon polyp removal can help suppress the development of the disease, other triggering factors such as viruses, age, or family history surely cannot be controlled in order to prevent the cancer. However, there are things we can do to reduce the chance of getting the cancer, which include maintaining a high fiber diet, lessening the consumption of fat, lessening or quitting the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, and exercising regularly. In short, change your habit and lead a healthy life.

6. What Are The Odds Of Survival For Colon Cancer?

The earlier the disease is detected, the higher the chance of cure for the patient. People need to be aware and informed about this disease so that they can prevent it from occurring.

With the understanding and awareness of the cancer, colon cancer survival rate can be increased. Follow our given links for more info about in which stage colon cancer survival rate is mostly high.

View the original article here