You may have heard about colon cancer. But do you know the signs and symptoms of this disease? How can you protect yourself from it? If so, read on for some helpful information. Also, learn about the treatment options and prevention strategies. You can use these tips to protect yourself against colon cancer. Here are some important signs and symptoms of colon cancer. You should see a doctor right away if you feel any of them. In some cases, this type of cancer can be cured or treated with simple surgery.
Signs
The early warning signs of colon cancer include unexplained changes in bowel habits. The colon is the final part of the digestive system and plays a vital role in eliminating waste and reabsorbing fluid. If cancer is present in the colon, it can block the colon and make it difficult to function properly, causing changes in elimination. Symptoms of colon cancer can include pain in the abdomen, abdominal swelling, or fever.
However, colon cancer is not a life-threatening condition if detected early, as early detection of polyps is possible. Regular screenings for colon cancer can help detect it before it has spread to the rest of the body. Early detection of colon cancer helps cure the disease more quickly, as early diagnosis is the best option for a good outcome. While symptoms of colon cancer vary from patient to patient, they are still important to look out for. Abdominal pain may indicate the presence of a polyp, a tiny clump of cells in the colon. While many polyps are harmless, others can cause blockages, which can lead to colon cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms of colon cancer can be subtle and not readily apparent, but they should not be ignored. If you have experienced any of these conditions, you should make an appointment with your doctor to have your colon screened. Although some of these symptoms may be caused by less serious issues, you should see a doctor if you have experienced them for longer than a week. During your visit, your doctor will discuss the symptoms and advise you on whether you should undergo colon cancer screening. There are many types of colon cancer.
Abdominal discomfort may be a symptom of colon cancer. In some cases, an obstruction may cause bowel movement to be irregular. You may experience intermittent constipation or diarrhea. Either way, you may notice that you are having difficulty passing stools or have backed-up contents. Symptoms of colon cancer can also cause a fever or a feeling of being “off.” Talk to your health care provider if you experience any of these signs or any other of these symptoms.
Treatment
Surgical treatment for colon cancer involves several options. Surgery can remove the cancer along with a small portion of healthy tissue. It can also include anastomosis, which stitches the healthy parts of the colon together. Some cancers are more advanced and require palliative treatment, which aims to alleviate symptoms. Some options for treatment include chemotherapy, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy. Learn more about your options and what you should expect during your colon cancer treatment.
Surgery: Although colon cancer isn’t curable with surgery, removing part of the cancer and neighboring lymph nodes may extend your life. Surgical procedures can also be used to keep the colon open, such as using a stent or diverting a colostomy. The procedure usually involves cutting the colon at a higher level than the cancer, and then attaching the other end to the opening in the skin.
Prevention
Detection of colon cancer early can reduce the incidence of the disease. Prevention measures should include regular screening to identify precancerous lesions. There are several methods of colon cancer screening, including a colonoscopy. The primary goal of screening is to detect early abnormal changes that may indicate colon cancer. However, colonoscopy can also detect precancerous lesions. In addition, removing precancerous lesions may reduce the risk of developing more advanced disease.
The best way to prevent colon cancer is to change your lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet that is low in processed meat. Exercise regularly and quit smoking. In addition, you should limit or completely stop drinking alcohol. A healthy diet is the best way to keep colon cancer at bay. If you smoke, you should also quit. Colon cancer screening is also an important part of cancer prevention, so you should make a lifestyle change that will prevent colon cancer.