Colorectal cancer is a disease of the colon and rectum areas caused by tumor growths originating from the large intestine. Benign tumors are referred to as polyps, while malignant are referred to as cancers. If benign polyps are not detected and removed, overtime they can develop into malignant cancers. Malignant cancers in the colon area are referred to as colon cancer, and malignant cancers in the rectal area are referred to as rectal cancer. Group together both diseases are technically referred to as colorectal cancer.
Typical statistics for both diseases are grouped under colon cancer. Colorectal cancer can spread beyond the colon and rectum to damage neighboring organs and other tissues. The spreading process is referred to as Metastases of the colon cancer. Currently, when metastases begins, the chances for acquiring cancer rise dramatically.
BEING FAMILIAR WITH THE COLON CANCER
One of the more important colon cancer early symptoms is rectal bleeding, which unfortunately is sometimes mistakenly dismissed as a hemorrhoids symptom and not given professional medical attention. Blood in the stool can be caused by a number of reasons. Relative to the colon cancer early symptom, the presence of fresh or dry blood in the stool may indicate the existence of growths. Fresh blood in stools can be an indication of growths in the rectums while dry blood could indicate the existence of growths in the colon. Professional medical attention should be given to any situation where blood is found in stool.
It should also be noted that other medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and various ulcers can produce symptoms very similar to the colorectal cancer.
In addition to rectal bleeding, another colon cancer early symptom is involuntary or unexpected weight loss. This type of weight loss is a clear indicator that the digestive system is undergoing a dramatic change. The growths or tumors may be a hinder in the digestive system’s ability to absorb the necessary nutrients from foods. The weight loss will quickly be followed by fatigue and lowered energy levels. Again, these symptoms are sometimes mistakenly dismissed as a result of our modern fast phase daily routines and are not given proper medical attention.
In order to prevent colon cancer, a healthy diet and lifestyle should be maintained. Medical studies suggests that smoking, obesity, and avoiding alcohol can be a big help to reduce colon cancer risk. Seeking medical attention if early symptoms of colon cancer are found will also ensure early detection.