You can reduce your risk of colon cancer by eating the right kinds of foods. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, like dairy products, egg yolks, and fatty fish, are good sources. You can also take multivitamins, including those with folate, to reduce your risk. While genetics play an important role, age is also a big factor. Although colon cancer usually develops in people over 50, it can occur at any age.
What is Colon Cancer and the Symptoms
The first question to ask is what is colon cancer? The symptoms of this disease are different for each stage. Stage 0 cancer, or carcinoma in situ, remains within the mucosa or muscle layer. This type of colon cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues. It is treated with surgery, but it is important to be monitored closely to detect changes that could be the signs of cancer. Stage 4 cancer has spread to other organs or distant sites.
Other signs of colon cancer include bloating and abdominal cramping. If the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, it can cause anemia. In addition to bloating, colon cancer can cause abdominal cramping and distension. These symptoms are very similar to menstrual cramps. Symptoms should not be ignored unless they become severe or continue to worsen without treatment. Once a tumor has spread to the liver, it can lead to several complications, including neurological impairment and bone pain.
If you have the symptoms of colon cancer, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor. Your doctor can perform a colonoscopy to detect the cancer. In some cases, a polyp may be precancerous. If so, the cancer may develop again in the future. However, if the cancer is detected early, treatment may be successful. You can also undergo a genetic test to find out if you are at high risk of developing the disease.
Depending on the stage of your colon cancer, surgery may be necessary. A surgeon may remove part of the colon or lymph glands and reattach it to the rectum. Alternatively, a colostomy may be necessary. The colostomy will usually involve an opening in the abdominal wall for waste removal. This procedure may be temporary or permanent. Patients may need a temporary stoma in addition to chemotherapy.
A change in the frequency of your stools is another sign of colon cancer. Usually, colon cancer does not produce symptoms in the early stages. Occasionally, however, you may notice blood in your stool or bowel movements. This type of bleeding is known as occult blood. It may be undetectable until a blood test reveals low red blood cell counts. If you notice any of these changes in your bowel habits, it is important to see a doctor.
The Importance of Colonoscopy Screening
Most people begin having screening for colon cancer at around age 45. After the screening, a follow-up colonoscopy is often necessary if the results are suspicious. The procedure involves inserting a flexible camera tube into the colon and sedating the patient. The provider can also remove polyps and collect tissue for biopsy. The test should be repeated every 10 years, but it can be performed earlier if the results show suspicious polyps.
In the past 15 years, the death rate and incidence rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) have decreased significantly. As a result, people are being diagnosed earlier while their condition is still curable. Additionally, treatments for this cancer have improved. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.2 million people in the United States are cancer-free today. And these numbers are only a small part of the story. Colonoscopy screenings help detect these cancers early, when they are more treatable.
Colorectal cancer screening recommendations are based on your family history. You should consider whether you have first-degree relatives who have had the disease, their age at diagnosis, and the type of polyp that they had. If you have any of these risk factors, your doctor will recommend screening for colon cancer at least every five years. Screening is especially important if you have a family history of the disease.
Another type of colonoscopy is called a capsule colonoscopy. This procedure uses a pill-like capsule that contains a wireless camera. The camera takes pictures of the digestive tract and sends them to a data recorder. These images will be displayed on a computer. The capsule colonoscopy still requires a cleansing of the colon. However, the results will be much more accurate with this technology.
Colorectal cancer is more common in women. However, a weakened family history may also mean that you are at risk for the disease. A colonoscopy can detect polyps and other colon cancer precursors. It can also detect polyps that may be hiding in the colon. A colonoscopy can prevent colorectal cancer. The best way to protect yourself against this cancer is to regularly undergo colonoscopy screenings.
Colon Cancer Prevention Methods to Reduce Your Odd
People with a history of colon cancer are more prone to developing it, but there are still ways to prevent it and reduce your chances of dying from it. Avoiding red meat and processed meat is one way to reduce your risk, as these foods are high in heme iron, which promotes cancerous growth and cell division. Another good colon cancer prevention tip is to quit smoking. Your provider can give you tips on how to stop, or point you to a program.
A diet full of fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to prevent colorectal cancer. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and limiting processed meat is also beneficial for your overall health. You can even try a colon cancer prevention exercise to stimulate gastrointestinal motility. The American Cancer Society recommends that people eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Those who smoke should avoid these products.
Screenings can also help you detect early signs of colon cancer. Getting a colonoscopy can detect a polyp years before it turns into a full-blown cancer. The UConn health experts use a sophisticated system to view blood vessels and segments of tissue in the colon. This allows them to see even the tiniest changes in the colon years before they become polyps. Understanding the causes of colorectal cancer early will help people develop effective preventative methods.
Screening for colorectal cancer has decreased the number of Americans dying from the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, screening begins at age 50. It involves examining the entire colon with the aid of a colonoscopy. If there are any polyps, they can be removed before they develop into cancer. Early detection of colorectal cancer is crucial for ensuring a successful treatment.
Exercise is another way to lower your risk of colon cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, getting at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a week helps to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Additionally, reducing sedentary behavior is another way to lower your risk of death from colorectal cancer. And finally, eating a healthy diet and avoiding obesity can help you get a more active lifestyle.
The Best Methods in Colon Cancer Prevention to Sav
There are several types of tests that your doctor can perform to determine if you have colon cancer. A colonoscopy is the best screening option and can help detect even the smallest signs of the disease. At UConn Health, our doctors use a specialized system to view the blood vessels and tissue in the colon. Our specialists can see the tiniest changes in the colon years before polyps can form. In addition, understanding the risk factors for early colorectal cancer helps prevent it from developing into a more serious illness.
While there is no cure for colon cancer, healthy habits and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can greatly reduce your risk of developing colon cancer. Some studies have even found a strong association between the risk of colon cancer and your family’s history of the disease. Other factors can increase your risk of colon cancer, including being African-American, aged 50 or more, and having chronic conditions such as diabetes and chronic inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, the best way to lower your risk is to cut back on processed meat, red meat, and sugary drinks. Also, avoid smoking and heavy drinking, which can increase your risk of colon cancer.
Fortunately, colon cancer death rates have decreased, but the prevalence of the disease continues to rise. The best way to lower your risk is to follow the recommended screening schedule and make healthy lifestyle choices. These steps may reduce your risk of colon cancer by up to 90%. Remember, colorectal cancer is a chronic affliction that affects the entire digestive system and can be fatal. In addition, colorectal cancer screenings should begin in your early 40s.
Another way to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer is to exercise regularly. Walking briskly to work, jogging, biking, swing dancing, and working out at the gym are all excellent ways to get more exercise. Studies show that people who exercise regularly cut their risk of developing colon cancer by 20 percent, but not those who don’t exercise. While exercise can lower colon cancer risks, it can’t reduce your risk of rectal cancer.