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Cancer is the transformation of normal cells. The transformed cells grow and multiply abnormally.
- Left untreated, these cancers grow and eventually spread through the colon wall to the adjacent lymph nodes and organs. Ultimately, they spread to other organs such as the liver, lungs, brain, and bones.
- Cancers are dangerous because their growth cannot be controlled. They take over healthy cells, tissues, and organs by taking their oxygen, nutrients, and space.
Colon Cancer Symptoms
Colorectal cancer very often has no symptoms to indicate anything is wrong until it is quite late. That is why screening is so important. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Blood in or on the stools
- Change in bowel pattern
- Stools narrower than usual
- Diarrhea, constipation or a combination of both
- Frequent gas pains
- Constant tiredness
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
- Vomiting
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. |
Colon Cancer Tests
According to WebMD, there are tests that can be performed to detect possible colon cancer and start the correct course of treatment, as prescribed by your Health Care Professional:
- Colonoscopy: An endoscope (flexible tube with a camera on its tip) is inserted into the rectum and advanced through the colon. A doctor can examine the entire colon with a colonoscope.
- Virtual colonoscopy: A test in which an X-ray machine and a computer create images of the inside of the colon. If problems are found, a traditional colonoscopy is usually needed.
- Stool occult blood testing: A test for blood in the stool. If blood is found in the stool, a colonoscopy may be needed to look for the source.
- Sigmoidoscopy: An endoscope is inserted into the rectum and advanced through the left side of the colon. Sigmoidoscopy cannot be used to view the middle and right sides of the colon.
- Colon biopsy: During a colonoscopy, a small piece of colon tissue may be removed for testing. A colon biopsy can help diagnose cancer, infection, or inflammation.
Colon Cancer And Diet
Nutrition and diet are absolutely important in Colon Cancer prevention. There are many other important things you can do to reduce the risk of colon cancer: screening, regular exercise, avoiding cigarettes and tobacco smoking, and maintaining a healthy body weight. If nutrition is not addressed, you will not experience the maximum effect of the effort being put forth. As far as colon cancer prevention is concerned, eating right may include completely revising the way you currently eat and switching to a plant-based diet, consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains. These foods should dominate all of your meals. |
