Understanding Colon Cancer: A Guide for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
As we come to an end of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it's crucial to keep screening for colon cancer throughout the year. As preventative care is our priority, we at Evora aim to empower individuals with knowledge to recognize symptoms, understand risk factors, and prioritize preventative measures.
Understanding Colon Cancer:
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, typically begins as small, benign clumps of cells known as polyps. Over time, these polyps can develop into cancerous growths. The colon and rectum, collectively referred to as the large intestine, play vital roles in the digestive process. However, when cancerous cells invade these tissues, they disrupt normal function and pose a significant threat to overall health.
Recognizing Symptoms:
One of the challenges with colon cancer lies in its often subtle or non-existent symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, individuals may experience:
Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
Abdominal discomfort, including cramps, gas, or pain
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue or weakness
It's important to note that these symptoms can indicate various health issues, not exclusively colon cancer. Nevertheless, if you experience any of these symptoms persistently, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional promptly for further evaluation.
Understanding Risk Factors:
While the exact cause of colon cancer remains unclear, certain factors increase an individual's risk of developing the disease. These include:
Age: Colon cancer is more common in individuals over the age of 50. However, cases among younger adults are rising, highlighting the importance of vigilance across all age groups.
Family History: A family history of colon cancer or polyps increases one's risk.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis elevate the risk of colon cancer.
Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet high in red and processed meats, low-fiber diets, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to increased risk.
Prioritizing Prevention:
Fortunately, many strategies exist to reduce the risk of colon cancer and promote overall colon health:
Regular Screening: Screening tests such as colonoscopies can detect polyps or early-stage cancer when treatment is most effective. Guidelines typically recommend screenings beginning at age 45 or earlier for those with risk factors or family history. Cologuard is a newer screening test that is less invasive than a colonoscopy.
Healthy Lifestyle: Adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking can significantly lower the risk of colon cancer.
Know Your Family History: Understanding your family's medical history allows healthcare providers to assess your individual risk and tailor a screening and prevention plan accordingly.
Colon cancer is a formidable adversary, but with knowledge and proactive measures, we can make significant strides in prevention, early detection, and treatment. Share this blog to help raise awareness, support research, and promote a future where colon cancer is no longer a pervasive threat to our health and well-being.
If you are in need of a physician to discuss your risks and/or order your colon cancer screening, schedule a FREE 15 minute consultation to see if we are the right fit for you today.
