Women’s Colon Cancer: What It Is, How to Prevent It, and the Risk Factors
In Dr. Godwin Ofikwu’s opinion, colorectal cancer is still a mystery, however several risk factors have been linked to an increased risk. Inflammatory bowel illness and having a family history of colorectal cancer, for example, both raise your chance of developing colon cancer. Colon cancer risk may also be increased by certain hereditary disorders or gene mutations. The Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, and the adenomatous polyposis syndrome are only a few of the genetic predispositions that may lead to colon cancer.
Colon cancer may be caused by a variety of factors, however some individuals may not notice any signs until the illness has progressed. Some symptoms of colon cancer, such as blood in the stool, may be a warning indication, though. The appearance of blood in the stool is a symptom that your body is battling cancer, and you should seek medical attention immediately. Colon cancer is quite probable if you observe blood in your stool. Anemia may be caused by an enlarged colon, even if you’ve never had one before.
Colon cancer symptoms are often misdiagnosed. Colon polyps go unnoticed by many individuals until it is too late to do anything about them. Doctors, on the other hand, have a variety of methods for removing polyps before they become malignant. Surgery may be used to treat colon cancer in certain circumstances. Seeing a doctor right away is critical if you suspect you have polyps so that they may be detected early. Colon cancer affects both men and women, although males are more likely to have it.
The best prognosis is for those with early-stage colon cancer. The most treatable stages are ones one and two. The survival rate drops significantly in stages three and four. With surgery and adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy or radiation therapy), the highest chance of survival is offered to those with colon cancer. A chemotherapy or radiation treatment is more probable if the cancer has progressed to other organs or lymph nodes.
Genes may potentially have a role in increasing the risk of colorectal cancer in certain persons. Drinking alcohol or smoking may be avoidable risk factors, but others may not be. A family history of colorectal cancer is another risk factor to consider in addition to one’s own genes. The risk of colon cancer is significantly higher in overweight persons, and men with a larger stomach are particularly vulnerable. Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer in children and adolescents.
Dr. Godwin Ofikwu pointed out that the bulk of colorectal cancer diagnoses occur in those over the age of 50, however younger people are seeing an increase in the disease. Physical inactivity and a poor diet may be to blame, according to researchers. Males are more likely to be affected than females, and a more modern way of life has been suggested as a possible cause. Ashkenazi Colorectal cancer is more common in Jewish and African-American populations than in any other ethnic group. Constipation does not raise the risk of colorectal cancer, which is something to keep in mind.
Colon cancer patients have another treatment option in the form of radiation therapy. Cancerous cells in the colon are killed with a high-powered radiation beam. Chemotherapy is often used with this sort of treatment. To alleviate pain and discomfort brought on by cancer that has spread, radiation treatment may be employed. As a result, the illness may not return to the same area. Chemotherapy may be beneficial to those who are undergoing radiation treatment.
Precancerous lesions may occur in people above the age of fifty-five. Detecting polyps before they turn malignant may be done via screenings. Colorectal cancer may be detected early with screenings. Detecting the disease in its earliest stages may potentially help prevent colon cancer from developing. If you have any reason to believe you may have colon cancer, make an appointment with your doctor for routine screenings. Detection at an early stage might boost your chances of a successful therapy.
Colon and rectal cancer are both linked to smoking and obesity. Smoking is the leading cause of cancer in the world, and it has been linked to many different types of cancer. Colorectal cancer risk may be reduced by frequent exercise. Those who smoke or drink should restrict themselves to one drink each day. This is only a sampling of the various causes of colon cancer, but these are the three most frequent.
According to Dr. Godwin Ofikwu, colon cancer is a disease that is strongly linked to a person’s diet. Diets heavy in red meat and processed meat have been linked to an increased risk of developing colon cancer. You may also lessen your risk by eating a diet high in fiber and avoiding high-calorie items. Colon cancer is an increased risk for those who suffer from inflammatory bowel problems; thus, it’s crucial to keep an eye on what you’re eating and drinking.
