Receiving a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, better known as colon cancer, is a real nightmare for most patients. After times of uncertainty, you finally know what it is, but for most diagnosed patients it is just the beginning – of more uncertainty. After the diagnosis, you’ll get more and more tests, and if possible you’ve to start treatment immediately. More than 50,000 Americans die each year from lung cancer after fighting so hard to get better. That’s why it’s so important to get diagnosed at an early stage! The sooner colorectal cancer is diagnosed, the better your chances of surviving this terrible disease. Therefore, it is incredibly important that you are aware of the warning signs of lung cancer. After all, a painful abdomen isn’t always just a cramp.
What is Colorectal Cancer
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon (large intestine). This type of cancer often starts as small (noncancerous) polyps that form inside the intestine. After some time, these polyps can, due to abnormalities and changes in their call DNA, turn into cancer. Colorectal cancer is a term used for types of cancers that begin in the colon (colon cancer) and rectum (rectal cancer). Normally, cells grow, divide themselves, and then die. In patients with cancer, this process is run out of control, because it means the cells keep dividing instead of dying off. When this happens in the colon or rectum, colorectal cancer can develop.
Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer
After tons and tons of medical research, it’s known that there are several risk factors that increase the chance of getting colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, it’s still unknown how all these factors cause this type of cancer. Risk factors include:
- Age, people older than 50+ have greater risk
- Ethnicity, African-Americans have greater risk
- History of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
- Genetics
- Low-fiber and high-fat diets
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Diabetes
- Overweight and/or obesity
- Smoking
- Consuming alcohol
Continue reading and discover, among others, how you can recognize colorectal cancer and what you should do when you suspect you have (undiagnosed) colon cancer.
