Colon Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors

Recognizing colon cancer symptoms and risk factors can mean all the difference.  Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world.  Therefore, early detection is essential in the successful treatment of almost any ailment/disease, and colon cancer is no exception.  Understanding a potential link between your risk factors and colon cancer symptoms is key.  And of course, recognizing these colon cancer symptoms can lead to early detection. 

Age, family history and diet are notable risk factors.  Colon cancer is highly unlikely before 50, unless there is a history of early colon cancer in your family.  (Family history can provide very good information about far more than just colon cancer also, so be alert to your family’s medical history.)  Low-fibre diet, smoking and low physical activity also shows signs of increasing your chances of colon cancer.  However, it is diseases like ulcerative colitis, or polyps (growths) that have the highest risks of developing into colon cancer.

Colon Cancer Symptoms

These three broad risk factors obviously cannot 100% predict colon cancer, nor can knowing about them necessarily precipitate healthy lifestyle choices.  So know the colon cancer symptoms, and recognize them early.  Some key colon cancer symptoms are:

• Greater or fewer bowel movements
• Thinner stool than usual
• Stomach cramping or bloating
• Bright red blood in stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Feeling like you have to defecate, but don’t
• Vomiting
• Gas
• Low iron content

Remember, even if you know what to watch out for, a tumor can grow for years before causing any colon cancer symptoms. For most people, the best line of prevention is to not wait for the colon cancer symptoms, but maintain a healthy lifestyle and to receive regular screenings after the age of 50.