Colon cancer is a silent disease that only shows its symptoms at the advanced stages. As colon cancer has a long latent period, it can be detected in the precancerous stage.
Symptoms
Colon cancer early symptoms include blood in the stool or unable to pass motion suggesting that the colon is blocked. Frequent diarrhea, constipation and unexplained stomach aches are early colon cancer symptoms or other forms of cancer. Weight loss, when there have been no changes to diet or exercise routine, may be an early symptom of colon cancer or other digestive cancers.
Risk factors
There are many studies that indicate that diet plays an important factor. A combination of a diet high in protein and fats seems to be what causes colon cancer. Genes also play an important role while smoking adds to the risk of getting colon cancer.
Diagnosis
A faecal occult blood test is done to determine the presence of blood in the stool. If the result shows the presence of blood, the best way to diagnosis colon cancer is by doing a colonscope.
Treatments
After colon cancer has been diagnosed, treatments for colon cancer depend on the stage of the cancer and whether the cancer has recurred. The overall health of the cancer patient is also an important factor in determining the treatment for colon cancer.
It is recommended that those especially with a family history of colon cancer to undergo colorectal cancer screening earlier. The good news is that when colon cancer is detected early when it is still confined to the mucosal layer, the cure rate is up to 90% through surgery.
