Risks and Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Overview

Large intestine or colon is the final part of the digestive tract in human beings. When cancer develops in this part, it is referred to as colon cancer. Initially, the disease comes into picture when small and noncancerous clumps of cells known as adenomatous polyps start forming in the intestine. With the effect of the time, these noncancerous polyps turn into cancer elements.

Symptoms

According to experts, a patient may not necessarily experience symptoms of colon cancer in its early stages. When symptoms start showing up their occurrence varies depending on the size of cancer and its location in the large intestine. The early signs and symptoms of this disease include:

·         Rectal bleeding or bloody stools.

·         Continual discomfort in the abdomen, such as gas, pain or cramps.

·         Incomprehensible weight loss.

·         Weakness or fatigue.

·         Alternating bowel habits for more than four weeks. It includes constipation, diarrhea, and change in consistency of stool.

·         Discomforting feeling that bowel isn't empty.

When should you see a doctor?

If you get blood in your stools or if you face changing bowel habits, then it's the time to see an expert doctor. Speak to your doctor about colon cancer screening, in case if it's necessary for you. Generally, doctors recommend screenings for colon cancer patients who are 50 or above in age. If a patient has other risks like having colon cancer in the family history, then his/her doctor may recommend early screenings or frequent visits.

Risks

The following are the primary factors that increase the risk of colon cancer:

·         Old age- As per the statistics the majority of people who have been diagnosed with colon cancer fall into the age brackets of 50+. It may also occur in younger people. However, the chances are less.

·         Personal history of polyps or colorectal cancer-A candidate who has had polyps or colon cancer earlier is at risk of developing it again.

·         Inflammatory intestinal conditions- Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease increase the risk of colon cancer.

·         Inherited syndromes- A candidate is at risk of colon cancer if he/she has had colon cancer in history. Syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome get passed from one generation to another and pose the risk of colon cancer.

·         Family history- Experts suggest that a candidate is likely to develop colon cancer if either of his/her parent, sibling or child is infected with the disease. Moreover, the risk gets magnified when more than one person amongst the immediate family members is suffering from this disease.

Colon Cancer Treatment in San Antonio

Connect with the experienced doctors of the Digestive &Liver Disease Center of San Antonio PLLC if you are looking for advanced colon cancer treatment. The medical provider is the specialist of digestive and intestinal problems.