Colon Cancer Symptoms: How to Know What to Look For

Colon cancer is a condition that will generally only produce symptoms in the later stages, so it is difficult to spot at a stage where it is treatable. However, there may be some earlier indications of a bowel problem if you know what to look for, so it is important that you do not ignore any signs that something may be wrong.

What Do I Need to Look Out For?

The symptoms of colorectal cancer will depend on the exact location of the tumor. However, regardless of its location, one of the most common symptoms will be a worsening case of constipation. This will usually be one of the first symptoms to appear, and it will often be ignored by the patient. Constipation can indicate a wide range of conditions, or even just that a change in the diet is needed, but you should seek advice from your doctor if it persists for more than a week.

Additional symptoms, which are also common in many diseases, may also be seen. Fever, nausea and vomiting are three frequently seen symptoms, and these may also be accompanied by weight loss and the presence of blood in the stool.

It is possible for colon cancer to be an inherited disorder, so if you have a family history of the disease you may be at a higher risk as a result of this. However, the vast majority of colorectal cases have no obvious genetic link.

What Are The Risk Factors?

The majority of cases of colorectal cancer are considered to be related to lifestyle, and most cases will also be linked to age. Age is considered to be a major factor in the onset of colon cancer, and it is more common in those aged over fifty. This is probably because the disease takes a long time to develop. Initially, polyps will form on the lining of the colon, and over time, these will turn cancerous. However, it can take many years for this to occur.

Men are more at risk of developing colon cancer than women, though it is not known why this is the case. Other risk factors include eating a diet that is high in fat and processed foods. Alcohol and smoking increase the risk of this and many other cancers.

If you are overweight or obese, then this means you are at a higher risk for the condition. As a lifestyle that is primarily sedentary will also increase your risk, it would be highly advisable to start becoming more active. This will not only help you to lose weight, but will also ensure that food moves through the digestive tract at a normal speed. This reduces the symptoms of constipation and reduces the exposure of the bowel lining to any substances that may be able to cause cancer.

If you have an existing bowel condition such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, then the risk of colon cancer is increased. However, following the advice you have been given regarding your diet will be beneficial.

When Do I Need to See a Doctor?
You may need to see a colon and rectal specialist (also known as a proctologist) if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned. Any indication of rectal bleeding should also be checked out by a specialist, as colon cancer is a potential cause of this.

In patients aged over fifty, who are already considered to be at an increased risk, rectal bleeding and anaemia are high risk indicators for the condition, and should be checked by a doctor immediately. If it is caught soon enough, colon cancer is extremely treatable.

Though you may think your symptoms are common and will resolve with time, it is much better to book an appointment with a local colorectal surgeon to put your mind at ease. If necessary, a screening procedure such as a colonoscopy can be carried out to check for the presence of tumours or polyps (which can develop into tumours if they are not removed). If you continue to experience any of these symptoms, regular screening may be advised, which will usually take the form of a colonoscopy. This also allows any growths to be removed during the same procedure.

Prevent Colon Cancer in Los Angeles

Colon cancer is a condition that will often only be detected at a very late stage, due to the fact that it does not produce noticeable symptoms in the early stages of the disease.  Some patients will have colon cancer for a number of years before they begin to notice a problem.  This means that it is extremely important to follow advice regarding colon cancer prevention, as this will greatly reduce your risk of developing the condition in the first place.

How Do I Know If I Have Colon Cancer?

The only definitive way to find out if you have developed colon cancer is to undergo a screening procedure.  The most commonly used of these is a colonoscopy, and it is also the most accurate.  A colonoscopy looks at the entire lining of the colon to check for the presence of tumors or polyps.  For those that live in Los Angeles, Colon Polyps are small, fleshy growths that may develop into cancerous tumors if left untreated.  However, one of the best ways to prevent the onset of colon cancer is to remove these polyps.  Once they have been removed, they cannot grow back in the same place, although others may develop in the surrounding area.  

Polyps can be removed easily during a colonoscopy procedure, simply by slipping a wire loop, called a snare, over the growth and tightening it.  This causes the wire to slice through the stalk holding the polyp to the colon lining.  Heat can be added to stop any associated bleeding.  Small polyps may also be removed with special biopsy forceps.  The polyps are then analyzed to check whether they have begun to turn cancerous.

Who Needs Colonoscopy Screening?

Certain groups of people will be considered at a high risk of developing colon cancer.  Normally, these people will be invited to take part in a colon screening program.  This will typically involve a regular colonoscopy to check for the presence of polyps, which if found can then be removed.  People who are at higher risk of developing colon cancer include:

• Age greater than 50.
• Anyone with a family history of colon cancer or polyps, as there can sometimes be a genetic link with this disease.
• Personal history of colon or rectal polyps.
• Anyone with an inflammatory bowel condition, such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis.
• African-American race.
• People who are obese or overweight.
• People who smoke or have a high consumption of alcohol.
• People who do very little exercise.
• People who eat a diet containing a high level of saturated fat and lots of processed foods.
• Some of these are easier to identify than others, so if you think you may be at risk, speak to your doctor about the possibility of having a colonoscopy.

How Can I Reduce My Risk?

There are a number of ways in which you can start to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.  One of the first things you should do is think about making some changes to your diet.

Increase the amount of fiber in your diet.  Fiber ensures that material moves through your digestive tract at a normal pace.  This is important because if the movement is too slow, it can increase your exposure to certain chemicals within foods that can lead to the onset of colon cancer.  Fiber in the diet can be increased by eating more fruit and vegetables, which also offer additional benefits.  Fiber supplements are also safe and available.  25-35 grams of fiber should be consumed on a daily basis.

Eating fruit and vegetables will also increase the amount of antioxidants that are in your body.  These  are chemicals that protect against cell damage, particularly damage to the DNA, which can result in cancer.

Other simple changes you could make include an increase in the amount of exercise that you do.  Exercise, and generally being more active, increases the speed at which material moves through your digestive system, reducing your exposure to any harmful chemicals that may have been present in your food.

What Should I Do Next?

If you are worried that you may be at risk of developing colon cancer, then speak to your local proctologist or colorectal surgeon.  If necessary, they will be able to provide you with any additional information that you require, and will advise you on whether a colonoscopy or other screening procedure is needed.  If this is the case, then they will also be able to perform the procedure for you.