Colon Cancer: How To Identify It In Time?
Colon cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers in the world. It is a cancer that develops in the area of the digestive system called the colon or rectum, usually over a period of 10 to 15 years.
It starts as a small swelling in the tissue that covers the colon, but over time it becomes cancerous.
In the beginning this type of cancer is “silent”: this means that it does not present any concrete symptoms that could alarm us.
For this reason it is very dangerous, because we may notice cancer too late.
It is therefore very important to carry out medical checks on a regular basis and check that everything is in order. It is also good to be careful in case you notice any changes in your stool, as this could be a first sign of this terrible disease.
Warning signs of colon cancer
One of the great disadvantages of colon cancer is that it does not present any particular symptoms in its early stages of development, and any small sign is often confused with other more common types of digestive diseases.
This is why it is so important to go to a doctor and / or specialist in the presence of any digestive problem or presence of blood or different colors in the stool.
Here are some other warning signs that you need to consider in order to identify colon cancer in time.
- Bleeding from the rectum during defecation, blood spots or very dark color.
- Changes in bowel habits, for example in the normal digestive process.
- Pain in the lower stomach.
- Diarrhea, constipation or a feeling of never completely emptying the bowel.
- Stools may be consistent or less liquid than normal.
- Strong abdominal colic, bloating, feeling of fullness and gas.
- Acute pictures of intestinal obstruction.
- Chronic anemia due to lack of iron due to hidden but frequent bleeding in the stool.
- Constant feeling of tiredness and fatigue .
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Fever and general malaise.
How to prevent colon cancer?
Colon cancer prevention is possible and each of us is responsible for it. There are several ways to prevent this disease, but you should know that, unfortunately, we are very predisposed to developing it.
Genetics and greater predisposition
One of the ways to prevent this cancer is to keep our genetic background in mind : knowing if any relatives have suffered from it is vital to diagnosing possible colon cancer in time. The sooner you identify it, the more chances you have of finding a treatment that cures you.
If you suffer from the symptoms of colon cancer, it is important to go to a specialist for the necessary tests, and if possible a colonoscopy .
If you are over the age of 50, you have a higher risk of colon cancer, so you should get more medical checks.
Nutrition and lifestyle
Eliminate alcohol and tobacco use : According to a study by a world organization for cancer research, the Word Cancer Research Found, these bad habits can cause colon cancer.
Nutrition is another way to prevent this problem, as what we eat greatly affects development, course and care. Here are some very important food tips:
- Avoid red meats and opt for chicken or fish
- Eat whole grains, legumes, whole flours, nuts, vegetables, and foods rich in calcium.
- Eat foods rich in vitamin D and minerals.
- Drink lots of water every day. It is good for the body in general, and is therefore also ideal for preventing cancer.
- Reduce the consumption of sweets and sugars, especially if refined ; alternatively you can use honey or brown sugar to sweeten.
Avoid a sedentary lifestyle, as obese people are more likely to develop colon cancer and other types of diseases.
Opt for healthy habits, such as playing sports : Going out at least 30 minutes 4 times a week for physical activity is a good way to prevent cancer and keep the whole body healthy.
