According to the American Cancer society, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Colon Cancer is in almost all cases, a treatable disease if caught early. Nearly all colon cancers begin as non-cancerous (benign) polyps which slowly develop into cancer.
You are at higher risk for colon cancer if you have:
- Cancer elsewhere in the body
- Colorectal polyps
- Crohn’s disease
- Family history of colon cancer
- Certain genetic syndromes, which also increase the risk of developing colon cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
- Personal history of breast cancer
- Smoke
Colon cancer may be associated with high fat, low fiber diet and red meat.
Possible symptoms of Colon Cancer:
- Abdominal pain, tenderness in lower abdomen.
- Blood in stool (may or may not be visually seen).
- Diarrhea, constipation or other changes in bowel habits.
- Intestinal obstructions
- Narrowing of stools
- Unexplained anemia
- Weight loss