Know Your Genes – The Genetics of Colon Cancer
Other men start to develop many colonic polyps, which eventually become cancerous, from the age of 30 onwards. Hence it is important to know your family history and get yourself properly checked out.
Ulcerative Colitis and Colon Cancer
Chronic ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the colon. Colon cancer is a recognised complication of chronic ulcerative colitis and is related to the location and the extent of the disease. Therefore, if you suffer from this condition, regular colonoscopies are recommended to look Sildenafil citrate Canadian for pre-cancerous changes.
Other Risk Factors for Colon Cancer
Cigarette smoking has been associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. Patients with diabetes are more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer. Obesity is associated with an increased risk, as is having a beer belly. Excess alcohol (more than 4 units per day), particularly beer consumption, is an associated risk factor for colon cancer.
What Are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?
Bowel symptoms may include some or all of the following:
- A persistent change in bowel habit, such as constipation, diarrhoea or alternating constipation and diarrhoea
- Bleeding from the back passage
- Narrow stools
- A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel when going to the toilet
- A straining feeling or discomfort in the back passage
- Abdominal pain, cramps or bloating
Colon cancer can be present for several years before symptoms develop. Other symptoms of colon cancer can include fatigue, nausea, weakness, loss of appetite and weight loss. Symptoms vary according to where in the large bowel the tumour is located. The right side of the colon is spacious, and cancers in this area can get big before they cause any abdominal symptoms. These cancers tend to cause iron deficiency anaemia due to the slow loss of blood over a long period of time. Iron deficiency anaemia causes fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath.
The left side of the colon is narrower than the right side and cancers here are more likely to cause partial or complete bowel blockage or obstruction. Cancers causing partial bowel obstruction can cause symptoms of constipation, narrowed stools, diarrhoea, abdominal pains, cramps and bloating. Bright red blood in the stool may also indicate a growth near the end of the left side of the colon or rectum.
If you have these symptoms you should see your doctor without delay. However, other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (spastic colon), ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulosis, and peptic ulcer disease, can all have symptoms that mimic colon cancer.