Colon cancer is a condition that will often only be detected at a very late stage, due to the fact that it does not produce noticeable symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Some patients will have colon cancer for a number of years before they begin to notice a problem. This means that it is extremely important to follow advice regarding colon cancer prevention, as this will greatly reduce your risk of developing the condition in the first place.
How Do I Know If I Have Colon Cancer?
The only definitive way to find out if you have developed colon cancer is to undergo a screening procedure. The most commonly used of these is a colonoscopy, and it is also the most accurate. A colonoscopy looks at the entire lining of the colon to check for the presence of tumors or polyps. For those that live in Los Angeles, Colon Polyps are small, fleshy growths that may develop into cancerous tumors if left untreated. However, one of the best ways to prevent the onset of colon cancer is to remove these polyps. Once they have been removed, they cannot grow back in the same place, although others may develop in the surrounding area.
Polyps can be removed easily during a colonoscopy procedure, simply by slipping a wire loop, called a snare, over the growth and tightening it. This causes the wire to slice through the stalk holding the polyp to the colon lining. Heat can be added to stop any associated bleeding. Small polyps may also be removed with special biopsy forceps. The polyps are then analyzed to check whether they have begun to turn cancerous.
Polyps can be removed easily during a colonoscopy procedure, simply by slipping a wire loop, called a snare, over the growth and tightening it. This causes the wire to slice through the stalk holding the polyp to the colon lining. Heat can be added to stop any associated bleeding. Small polyps may also be removed with special biopsy forceps. The polyps are then analyzed to check whether they have begun to turn cancerous.
Who Needs Colonoscopy Screening?
Certain groups of people will be considered at a high risk of developing colon cancer. Normally, these people will be invited to take part in a colon screening program. This will typically involve a regular colonoscopy to check for the presence of polyps, which if found can then be removed. People who are at higher risk of developing colon cancer include:
- Age greater than 50.
- Anyone with a family history of colon cancer or polyps, as there can sometimes be a genetic link with this disease.
- Personal history of colon or rectal polyps.
- Anyone with an inflammatory bowel condition, such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis.
- African-American race.
- People who are obese or overweight.
- People who smoke or have a high consumption of alcohol.
- People who do very little exercise.
- People who eat a diet containing a high level of saturated fat and lots of processed foods.
- Some of these are easier to identify than others, so if you think you may be at risk, speak to your doctor about the possibility of having a colonoscopy.
How Can I Reduce My Risk?
There are a number of ways in which you can start to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer. One of the first things you should do is think about making some changes to your diet.
Increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Fiber ensures that material moves through your digestive tract at a normal pace. This is important because if the movement is too slow, it can increase your exposure to certain chemicals within foods that can lead to the onset of colon cancer. Fiber in the diet can be increased by eating more fruit and vegetables, which also offer additional benefits. Fiber supplements are also safe and available. 25-35 grams of fiber should be consumed on a daily basis.
Eating fruit and vegetables will also increase the amount of antioxidants that are in your body. These are chemicals that protect against cell damage, particularly damage to the DNA, which can result in cancer.
Other simple changes you could make include an increase in the amount of exercise that you do. Exercise, and generally being more active, increases the speed at which material moves through your digestive system, reducing your exposure to any harmful chemicals that may have been present in your food.
What Should I Do Next?
If you are worried that you may be at risk of developing colon cancer, then speak to your local proctologist or colorectal surgeon. If necessary, they will be able to provide you with any additional information that you require, and will advise you on whether a colonoscopy or other screening procedure is needed. If this is the case, then they will also be able to perform the procedure for you.
