(Newswire.net — May 3, 2020) — Colon cancer is a type of cancer that all people are recommended to be screened for at the age of 45 and when discovered early has a high survival rate. If you are at a higher risk for colorectal cancers due to family history or lifestyle or are showing signs of colon cancer you should speak with your doctor about getting screened and see which type of test they believe will be best for you.
Although the early stages can oftentimes prove to be asymptomatic for many people, there are some important signs and symptoms to keep an eye on that could indicate that it is time to be screened or that there is the possibility of colon cancer.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
If you are experiencing symptoms of colon cancer, speak with your doctor and get screened. In the event that you are asymptomatic but at high risk for colorectal cancers if it runs in your family, you should be extra cautious, keep a close eye on it, and get screened before the typical recommended age of 45.
These symptoms do not always indicate that cancer is present and can often point to other less severe medical conditions, but they suggest that a doctor should be seen.
- Noticeable differences in stool that persist such as diarrhea, changes in consistency or constipation
- Consistent abdominal cramps and pain
- Rectal bleeding or blood found in your stool
- Weight loss
- Getting no relief from bowel movements
- Chronic fatigue
Colon cancer can be present when there are no symptoms present at all and that is why cancer screening is the best measure to detect it. Often times, the presence of strong symptoms of colon cancer can indicate that it is slightly advanced and can make it slightly harder to treat, but that is not always the case.
Risk Factors for Colon Cancer
There are certain risk factors that would indicate that you are at a higher risk for developing colon cancer and if you have them, you should share that information with your doctor in case they may want you to get screened earlier.
- Crohn’s Disease
- Family history of colorectal cancers
- Ulcerative colitis
- Type 2 diabetes
- Familial adenomatous polyposis
- An inactive and unhealthy lifestyle
These risk factors do not mean that colorectal cancers are guaranteed, but it does indicate that you should take your colon health seriously and get screened at the discretion of your doctor. Because 1 in 3 people that develop colon cancer have a family history of it, it is imperative that you share that information with your doctor if you have family members that have battled it themselves.
How Do They Check for Colon Cancer?
The most common exam that is conducted for colon cancer is a colonoscopy. That is the screening that most people will get at the age of 45 or younger if they have risk factors. It is a highly effective detection method.
Doctors will also examine your abdomen, order blood work, conduct a proctoscopy, a biopsy of suspected polyps during screening, a CT scan or x rays. These are all effective detection methods and are often used to catch colon cancer at any stage.
Pay Attention
If you develop any symptoms of colon cancer, listen to your body and get screened. They may not indicate that you have colon cancer, but they certainly can indicate other health issues that may be going on.
If you are approaching 45, be sure to get screened as recommended. If colon cancer runs in your family however, let your doctor know and they may advise you to get screened earlier as you are at a higher risk.