Colon Cancer Only Becomes Deadly When Detected Late

Anyone who has been diagnosed as having any form of cancer would readily agree that it is a life-changing experience. As the Professor of Oncology, Remi Ajekigbe notes, generally, cancer is a class of non communicable diseases that is characterised by out-of-control cell growth. While physicians say it’s not clear what causes colon cancer, they do know for sure that colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon become altered. In other words, this killer disease forms when uncontrolled cell growth binds with cells in the large intestine. And because men and women have colon, this cancer affects both sexes. Biologists say the human colon is also called the large intestine, and it extends from the end of the small bowel to the anus. Essentially, the colon helps in digesting and absorbing nutrients from food, while it also serves as an avenue to concentrate faecal matters by absorbing fluid from it. The colon is also used to store and control evacuation of faeces. All this goes to show how important the colon is to our wellbeing, and why any disease that affects it can spell doom for the victim. Experts say, “Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep the body functioning normally. But when a cell is damaged and becomes cancerous, cells continue to divide – even when new cells aren’t needed. These cancer cells can invade and destroy normal tissue nearby. And cancerous cells can travel to other parts of the body.” Ajekigbe says colon cancer – also called colorectal cancer – usually begins as “clumps of precancerous cells (polyps) on the inside lining of the colon;” and that removing them before they become cancerous can prevent colon cancer. Usually, polyps are discovered in the course of screening, but you can only go for screening if your physician suspects something amiss and recommends it; or if you are able to detect that something unusual is going on in your body. In war, the first rule is to know the enemy. The same goes in the medical world. Physicians say before an individual falls ill, he must have felt certain symptoms which, when taken to heart, could prevent much damage and probably give the care givers the opportunity to stop it in its track. But how can you know that you are in danger when you don’t even know the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer? Symptoms of colon cancer Experts say it can take up to 15 years for abnormal cells or polyps to develop into colorectal cancer. “And that is why, when it is detected early through routine medical screening, a lot can be achieved by way of saving a life,” experts assure. They suggest that once you clock age 50, you should start screenings for this cancer; while those with risk factors such as family history of the disease should speak with their doctors about starting annual screenings at an earlier age. There are tell-tale signs to look for, and they include blood in the stool, bleeding in the rectum, cramping, pain or chronic abdominal bloating, diarrhoea, constipation or “narrow stools” that are outside of the norm for you and continue for more than a few days. You may also be concerned when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, but you still don’t have a relief after using the bathroom; while unexplained weight loss, fatigue and weakness may also be warning signs. To underscore the importance of medical screening after age 40, experts warn that many people who have colon cancer may not even experience any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. And even when symptoms appear, physicians say, they’ll likely vary, depending on the cancer’s size and location in the large intestine. Risk factors As with any disease, you may be unable to avoid colorectal cancer because of certain predispositions such as age, genetic mutation or family history. However, physicians say we could help ourselves by adopting certain lifestyle habits that could greatly reduce our risk. For instance, Ajekigbe says living a sedentary lifestyle that is devoid of exercise is a huge risk; just as being diabetic, obese, smoking, or eating diets that are low in fibre and high in fat, calories, and animal proteins, especially red meat. The bottom line: Many of the risk factors for colon cancer are within your control. From maintaining a healthy weight to eating right and watching for abnormal symptoms, you can reduce your risk of getting the disease, and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome through early intervention. Screening can identify polyps before they become cancerous. Source:punch