Colon Cancer

The second most common cause for cancer deaths in America is colon cancer. This is a long standing disease that starts as a polyp or non-cancerous growth. It is this growth that changes into a malignant tumor over a span of 5 to 10 years. It is basically people in their thirties and forties who are prone to colon cancer.
There are no colon cancer early symptoms to warn you about the condition in its early stages. It is only in the later stages of the diseases that the patient starts developing colon cancer warning signs in any or all of these symptoms.

Colon cancer warning signs

These colon cancer warning signs are unusual abdominal gas and cramping, continuous constipation and diarrhea, lots of weight and appetite, physical fatigue for no reason, bloody stools and stools that grow as narrow as a pencil’s diameter. Sometimes, there may also be pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen and changes not only in the fecal diameter, but also in its color and frequency for more than two weeks.
Though colon cancer is responsible for so many cancer deaths, its early detection can reduce its frequency. If polyps and early stage cancer is diagnosed before the start of any other symptoms, there is a chance of a 100% cure from the cancer.
When abnormal cells grow together in the colon or rectum region, tumors are formed and possible colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is also called colon or rectal cancer and is the third most common form of cancer in America. This cancer occurs mostly in people above 50 years.

Prompt treatment of colorectal cancer

It is possible to treat and cure colorectal cancer if found and diagnosed early. However as the cancer is seldom diagnosed early, it is the second most common form of cancer death in America.
Colorectal cancer exhibits symptoms only when it starts to spread. So if you suffer from pain in your belly, bloody or very dark stools and change in your bowel movements, then it is better to visit your doctor.

It is better to have your doctor check your stool for hidden blood every year for your safety’s sake. It is also possible to use the help of sigmoidoscopy to diagnose colon cancer.

Check growths through colonoscopy

This instrument uses a flexible lighted tube with a camera on its top that is inserted into the lower third part of the colon. The reason why the lighted tube is inserted into the lower third of the colon is because most cases of colon cancer take place in the lower part of the colon.
Colonoscopy is also used to check for growths on the length of the intestine. It is used to check the entire span of the large intestine. It is also possible to use the help of an x-ray as an alternative diagnostic procedure to diagnose colon cancer.

Many doctors also give a barium enema to patients to diagnose colon cancer. When this opaque liquid fills the colon, they become visible on x-ray films, to help you diagnose the exact location of colon cancer.