Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon). The colon is the last section of the digestive tract. Colon cancer most commonly affects older individuals, although it can strike anybody at any age. Polyps, which are tiny, noncancerous (benign) aggregates of cells that develop on the interior of the colon, are the most common starting point. Some of these polyps can develop into colon cancer over time.
Polyps can be quite tiny and cause little, if any, symptoms. As a result, doctors advise routine screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by detecting and eliminating polyps before they develop into cancer. If colon cancer develops, there are several therapies available to help manage it, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and medication treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Colon cancer is also known as colorectal cancer, which is a combination of colon cancer and rectal cancer, which starts in the rectum.
To know more about colon cancer and cancer hospitals in India, log on to the Credihealth website. You will find all the information related to treatment and procedures in one place.
Symptoms that indicate colon cancer
The following are signs and symptoms of colon cancer:
- A consistent change in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, or a change in stool consistency.
- Blood in your feces or rectal bleeding
- Consistent abdominal pain, cramps, or gas.
- A sensation that your bowel does not entirely empty.
- Weakness or exhaustion
- Unknown cause of weight reduction.
Many patients with colon cancer have no symptoms at all in the early stages of the disease. Symptoms will most likely differ depending on the size and location of cancer in your large intestine.
It’s advisable to get yourself tested in any cancer hospital in India if you are noticing any symptoms. Get an appointment immediately at Credihealth by following a few simple steps.
Risk factors of colon cancer
The following factors may raise your chance of developing colon cancer:
- Colon cancer can be diagnosed at any age, although the majority of patients with colon cancer are over the age of 50. The incidence of colon cancer in persons under the age of 50 has been rising, but physicians aren’t sure why.
- Having a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps: If you’ve already had colon cancer or noncancerous colon polyps, you’re at a higher risk of developing colon cancer in the future.
- Inflammatory bowel illness: Chronic inflammatory disorders of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, can raise your chance of developing colon cancer.
- Colon cancer in the family: If you have a blood relation who has had the disease, you are more likely to acquire it yourself. If you have more than one family member who has colon or rectal cancer, your risk is increased.
- A low-fiber, high-fat diet: Colon and rectal cancer may be linked to a normal Western diet that is low in fiber and rich in fat and calories. The outcomes of research in this area have been varied. Some studies have indicated that those who consume a lot of red meat and processed meat have a higher chance of developing colon cancer.
To know more about how you can lower your risk of getting colon cancer, get an online consultation through Credihealth for the best cancer hospitals in India. You can talk to an expert from the comfort of your home.
Prevention of colon cancer
Doctors recommend that individuals with an average risk of colon cancer get screened for colon cancer around the age of 50. People who are at a higher risk, such as those who have a family history of colon cancer, should consider screening sooner. There are several screening options available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Discuss your options with your doctor, and you and he or she may determine which tests are suitable for you.
You can lower your risk of colon cancer by adopting little adjustments in your daily life. Take the following steps:
- Consume a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and entire grains. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which may help prevent cancer. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure that you are getting a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
- Drink alcohol sparingly, if at all. If you want to drink alcohol, restrict your intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
- Quit smoking. Consult your doctor about quitting methods that may be suitable for you.
- Most days of the week, you should exercise. On most days, try to obtain at least 30 minutes of exercise. If you’ve been inactive, begin cautiously and eventually up to 30 minutes. Also, before beginning any fitness regimen, consult with your doctor.
- Keep a healthy weight. If you are already at a healthy weight, strive to keep it there by combining a balanced diet with daily exercise. If you need to reduce weight, talk to your doctor about healthy ways to do it. Aim to lose weight gradually by increasing your physical activity and decreasing your calorie intake.
Prevention is always better than cure. Get in touch with expert specialists at the top cancer hospitals in India through Credihealth immediately. You can avail of discounts and offers for the consultation too by booking through Credihealth.
