Colon cancer usually begins as a small clump of noncancerous, benign cells, also called adenomatous polyps. These cancerous cells, or tumors, that are found in the colon may then spread throughout the body. Colon cancer is defined as a malignant tumor in the inner portion of the large intestine.
Signs And Symptoms
Many times, patients show no signs of colon cancer, but when symptoms do appear, they include blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, gas and abdominal pain, and persistent cramps. Since many people do not exhibit any signs or symptoms, regular colon cancer screenings are recommended for early diagnosis and treatment.
Getting Tested
All men and women over the age of 50 should undergo regular colon cancer screening. These tests help to prevent colon cancer by discovering precancerous polyps before they turn malignant into life threatening cancer. Once these precancerous polyps are discovered, they can be easily removed. This is why early detection is key.
Unless colon cancer runs in your family, you should begin colon cancer screenings at the age of 50, including undergoing a colonoscopy every 10 years, an annual stool sample test for the appearance of blood, and having a flexible sigmoidoscopic test every 2 to 5 years.
If you have a family history of colon cancer, adenomatous polyps, polyposis, inflammatory bowel disease, or other gastrointestinal condition, you should begin testing earlier than age 50 with a screening colonoscopy, or colonoscopic surveillance, at intervals recommended by your physician. With genetic risk, frequent testing is vital so polyps can be removed before becoming malignant.
The Importance Of Diet
When it comes to prevention, colon cancer researchers have found promising effects in elements of certain foods like the curcumin in curry, the resveratrol in red wine, ginger root, and the overall foods eaten in a Mediterranean diet. In addition, research shows that a low fat, high fiber diet aids in prevention, although how much it helps is still unclear.
While no one has found the single cause of colon cancer, researchers have found that with good diet, the risk lowers, so it’s important to focus on this and other prevention factors you can control.
Detox For Health
While there is no proven colon cancer preventative benefit to a detox program, it can help you shift your attitude toward improving your diet and nutrition, will encourage the growth of good bacteria in your intestines, can help you maintain a balanced body pH level, can remove possible damaging toxins, and can often promote a sense of well being. A healthy detox diet does not require starving yourself. It should promote the consumption of nutritious food that will aid in boosting your metabolism.
Sleep And Exercise
Getting plenty of exercise and sleep is another good preventative measure. Exercise gets your blood circulating; even gentle low impact exercise or walking for 15 minutes per day is beneficial in preventing colon cancer. Without adequate sleep, your body will be in stress mode, the perfect breeding ground for disease.
Through good testing, education, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, and a little exercise, you can reduce your chances of developing colon cancer by focusing on prevention and the factors within your control
