What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer, How Can You Prevent it

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Did you know that colon cancer is among the third most common cancer and the leading cause of death worldwide? Having a family history of colon cancer may increase your risk of the disease. Hence, annual screenings are essential to minimize your risk and provide early treatments.

Flemington colon cancer can help with screening and advanced treatments to care for the disease. If you are looking for the best care for colon cancer, Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC, is the answer. Contact them today for the excellent care you deserve.

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer is a cancer of the large intestine. Mostly common in older adults but can also occur in younger individuals. The disease begins as tiny noncancerous cells on the inside of the colon. After some time, the cells may turn into cancer, causing cancer symptoms.

What are the causes?

There are no specific causes. But mainly, colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon change their DNA. The cells divide, forming a tumor. Over some time, the cancer cells develop to invade healthy tissue nearby. The cells can also move to other body parts to create deposits.

Although there is no known cause of colon cancer, some factors may increase your chance of getting colon cancer, including

  • Older age colon cancer is common to patients aged 50 and older. However, cases in younger patients have also been rising.
  • Inflammatory intestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can increase your chance of getting colon cancer.
  • African-American race
  • Family history
  • Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk
  • Obesity
  • Unhealthy lifestyles, lack of physical activity
  • Diabetes
  • Low fiber, high fat diet
  • Alcohol intake
  • Smoking
  • Radiation therapy for cancer

Symptoms

You may not experience any symptoms during the early stage, but as the tumor develops, you may encounter

  • Abdominal pain
  • Feeling bloated
  • Fatigue
  • Dark tarry stool
  • Changes in the bowel habits
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Bright red blood in your stool

Treatment

Colon cancer treatment starts with removing the tumor. It occurs through a surgical procedure, depending on the location of cancer and its severity. Colonoscopy works best in the early stage. A colectomy may be necessary when colonoscopy does not remove all cancer.

The highly skilled team at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC usually conducts radiation therapy before or after the surgery to decrease tumor size and kill any cancer cells.

Radiation and chemotherapy act as good primary treatment options for patients not fit for surgery.

Besides radiation therapy and chemotherapy, other treatments at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC, includes

  • Targeted treatment
  • Clinical trials
  • Immunotherapy

In addition to the treatments, you also receive other services to support your healing, including

  • Dietary counseling
  • Counseling for patients, families, and caregivers
  • Symptom management
  • Pharmacy
  • Lab work
  • Family risk assessment
  • Scalp-cooling treatment for hair loss prevention during chemotherapy

How can you prevent yourself from getting colon cancer?

  • Colon cancer screening
  • Regular exercise
  • Healthy weight
  • Quit smoking
  • Moderate alcohol drinking if need be
  • Healthy diets, more fruits, whole grains, and vegetables

Contact a colon cancer specialist today

Colon cancer is common in people from 55 years old. However, even people aged 20 can develop colon cancer. Screening can help; healthy lifestyles can also prevent the disease. Contact Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC for extensive colon cancer care.

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