Colon cancer is a silent disease that only shows its symptoms at the advanced stages. It 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 symptoms but they may be early symptoms of other forms of cancer. Weight loss, when there have been no changes to diet or exercise routine, may be another early symptom of cancer of the colon 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 cancer of the colon. Genes also play an important role while smoking adds to the risk.
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
Treatments for cancer of the colon 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.
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.
