Do I have Colon Cancer?
This past week on August 28th, an American actor, Chadwick Boseman, passed away from colon cancer. Because colon cancer is usually found in older adults, it was surprising for most people to hear that this actor had passed away at only 43 years old. Premier Patient Housing wants more people to know about colon cancer, its symptoms, and its treatments.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is located in the final part of the digestive tract. The cancer can normally start as benign polyps, and then turn into actual cancer over time. Because this cancer starts off as benign polyps, it can be undetectable to you, especially as a younger person. This is why it is so important to get checked. If colon cancer runs in your family, you will especially want to get checked, even from a younger age. Here are some risk factors besides older age:
- Race – Studies show that African-Americans see a greater risk in this cancer than most races.
- Smoking and Drinking – Both people who smoke, and people who drink alcohol see an increased risk of this type of cancer.
- Obesity & Lifestyle – If your lifestyle tends to be on the inactive side, or you are obese, this can put you at more of a risk than the average healthy person.
- IBS – If you have inflammatory bowel disease, you could be more at risk.
For more information about other possible risk factors, look here.
Symptoms
Because colon cancer usually does not show many symptoms, it is important to be regularly screened for polyps. Although symptoms normally do not show up until later, or at all, it is important to know symptoms of colon cancer if they do happen.
- Bloody bowel movements
- Feeling of tiredness
- Weight loss
- Ongoing cramps, gas, or abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation
- When you go to the restroom, you feel as though your bowel does not completely empty
Looking for symptoms like these could help you detect colon cancer, but, remember, it is best to see a doctor anyways and get screened (especially if you are an older adult). Getting a screening could be a matter of life or death if you find you have this type of cancer. The earlier you find it, the better your chances are of survival.
Treatment & Prevention
Luckily, places like M.D. Anderson study colon cancer, and can help you try to get on a road to recovery. Treatments for this type of cancer range widely. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are only a few options of treatment from the wide variety. If you and your doctor find that you do have this cancer, your doctor can discuss the different treatment options.
Although colon cancer is not one hundred percent preventative, there are a few ways you can help to avoid getting it. Look at some of these lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk:
- Eat Healthy
- Don’t Smoke
- Drink in Moderation, if at All
- Exercise
While going to the Texas Medical Cancer to get treatment, Premier Patient Housing can help you feel more at home by providing a comfortable, homey place to stay. Check out our website to book an apartment, view amenities, and stay up to date with our news.