What Are The Signs Of Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer refers to cancer that occurs in the large intestine. Colon cancer is sometimes referred to as colorectal cancer, which includes cases of rectal cancer. Rectal cancer occurs in the last eight to ten inches of the large intestine. Only lung cancer is responsible for more U.S. cancer deaths than colorectal cancer. It's estimated that about one out of every 17 Americans will suffer colon cancer to some degree during their lifetime. Considering how widespread colon cancer is and the dangers to health and life that are associated with it, you really should be aware of the signs of colon cancer.

Colon cancers usually start out as colon polyps. Polyps are clumps of cells that may begin to grow on the walls of your intestine. These are often not dangerous, but in some cases they become cancerous. Most physicians recommend the removal of these polyps as soon as they are found instead of waiting for signs of colon cancer. Routine removal of polyps from the colon stops cancer before it has the chance to start.

Colon cancer can develop at any age, but is relatively rare before age fifty. About 90 percent of colon cancers occur in people who are older than 50, making age one of the biggest risk factors for the disease.

Any change in your bowel habits should be reason enough to visit your doctor. Changes include the onset of constipation or diarrhea, or noticeable changes in your stools. The signs of colon cancer--and whether you experience any symptoms at all or not--will depend on the size and location of the cancer. When colon cancer is in the early stages, there are often no signs at all. That's why regular screening is recommended if you are at risk for developing colon cancer.

If you begin to pass stools that are more narrow than normal, or if you notice that your stools contain traces of blood, you should schedule an exam. Many people tend to dismiss small amounts of blood, thinking instead that they are simply suffering a temporary bout of hemorrhoids. Nobody wants to visit the doctor alarmed about the possibility of cancer and then learn that it wasn't serious after all. The tragedy is that as many as 90 percent of patients with colorectal cancer dismissed early signs of colon cancer like rectal bleeding and itching, believing instead that nothing serious was wrong.

Sometimes colon cancer can present itself through persistent abdominal pain. Painful signs of colon cancer can take the form of frequent gas pains, uncomfortable bloating, a feeling of fullness, or sharp, stabbing cramps. Some people report a feeling of not being able to completely empty their colon. Although weight loss may seem like a benefit to many people, having any sort of weight loss that's not explained by your diet can be an indicator of developing colon cancer. Talk with your doctor about any unexpected changes in your weight. Other signs of colon cancer include persistent fatigue and vomiting.

There may be no signs of colon cancer whatsoever in its early stages, causing many to refer to colon cancer as a "silent killer." Because colon cancer can start growing without any noticeable symptoms, it's vital to get screened regularly for the disease. Your doctor may schedule you for a colonoscopy and recommend a blood test called a CEA assay. This test will look for signs of carcinoembryonic antigen, a protein that is often present in higher levels in patients with colon cancer. Heeding the signs of colon cancer and treating it early will greatly multiply your chances of survival. Some studies predict that regular screening of anyone over 50 could reduce the number of colon cancer deaths by as much as half.

Early detection and preventive measures could reduce the incidence of colon cancer by up to 90 percent. Dietary changes that help to prevent colon cancer include getting more grains, fruits and vegetables. The main focus is to increase the amount of fiber in your diet. You should also try to limit fat as much as possible. Make sure that you're taking in an appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals, which shouldn't be difficult with a healthy diet.

Lifestyle changes can also help you avoid the signs of colon cancer. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible. If you drink alcoholic beverages, try to drink less. Put more movement into your life. An active lifestyle will also make it easier for you to maintain a healthy body weight. Try colon cleansing. Many find that a regular natural colon cleanse not only improves the health of your colon, but also gives a lift to your overall well-being. The good news is that a combination of regular screening plus diet and lifestyle changes can lower your risk of developing the disease.