Although the chances of getting colon cancer are slim, there are many ways to fight it. Among them is early detection. Early detection is the key to improving survival rates and quality of life. If you’ve been diagnosed with colon cancer, you should know that you’re not alone. Thousands of people in the United States have colon cancer every year, and the numbers are still rising. Listed below are some of the methods that can help you fight this disease.
Surgery is one option. In this method, surgeons cut a hole in the abdominal wall and connect the healthy ends. This creates a new pathway for waste to leave the body. The procedure also involves anastomosis, which is the process of connecting the upper part of the intestine with the skin. The other option is laparoscopic surgery, which involves making small incisions on the abdominal wall and attaching a camera and light. Larger polyps are removed with this method.
Another way to tell if you may have colon cancer is to have a change in your bowel habits. You may notice a sudden change in your frequency of bowel movements. It may even be the symptom of constipation, which is a sign of colon cancer. You should go to the doctor if you experience a significant change in your bowel habits, because colon cancer is usually treatable early. This way, you’ll have a better chance of successfully surviving this type of disease.
The symptoms of colon cancer are similar in both men and women. However, females may have slightly different symptoms. Some women experience irregular menstrual cycles. Colon cancer is classified by stages, which determine how far it has spread. Early stage colon cancer is referred to as carcinoma in situ, as it has not grown past the outer layer of the colon. Symptoms of colon cancer can include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Most often, symptoms of colon cancer are related to dietary triggers, although this is not always the case.
Early detection of colon cancer can greatly improve its treatment options and overall survival rates. Early detection of colon cancer can also improve patient quality of life. It is therefore important to seek regular screenings if you are over 45 years old. In addition to regular screening, diets rich in fiber and fruits can also help prevent the disease. Taking regular physical activity, eating fruits and vegetables, avoiding processed meat, smoking, and reducing your intake of excess calories are other ways to help protect your colon and improve your quality of life.
Although the exact cause of colon cancer remains unknown, there are a number of factors that increase the risk of the disease. Cancer cells in colons are caused by mutations in DNA. Normally, these cells are responsible for keeping the body alive, regulating cell division, and determining when cells die. Those mutations alter the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. These changes also occur in polyps, which are growths on the inside walls of the colon. Many of these polyps are benign, but some may develop into colon cancer.
