Prevent Colon Cancer

Prevention of Colon CancerResearch shows that individuals who take a proactive approach to their health education are more likely to enlist the help of a medical professional who can pinpoint and address their risks before physical health conditions develop or worsen. In reading this article, we hope you can educate yourself and your loved ones to better protect against the complications of colon cancer.

The following few paragraphs cover these four topics:

  • What is Colon Cancer?
  • How Colon Cancer Prevention is 80% Up to You
  • Proactive Methods of Colon Cancer Prevention
  • Getting a Doctor involved in your Prevention Plans

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. As the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world, colorectal cancer affects over one million individuals, with a majority of cases diagnosed in the developed world.

How Colon Cancer Prevention is 80% Up to You

The causes are not typically linked to genetic reasons, but rather older age, male gender, a high intake of fat, alcohol, or red meat and a lack of exercise and a habit of smoking. Over time these unhealthy habits lead to the mutation of certain cells in the body, eventually forming into polyps and cancer. The result, an uncontrollable replication of cancer cells in the lower bowels beginning in the lining of the bowel and expanding through the muscle layers underneath and then through the bowel wall.

Colon cancer is 80% of the time non-genetically linked, and thus its factors affecting your health are environmental and controllable. It’s worth thinking about the causes of colon cancer so that you can stay proactive in your lifestyle habits.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Am I exercising frequently?
  • Am I eating a diet high in fiber?
  • Do I have a smoking habit?

In a medical research article on the effect of physical inactivity on major non-communicable diseases worldwide, colon cancer cases were found to be linked 10% of the time due to a lack of exercise. Over the long-term such lifestyle factors can significantly influence the tendency for mutation of cells in the body. However, if you or someone you know is at risk for colon cancer, you can still take actions to combat this disease.

Getting a Doctor Involved in your Prevention Plans

In the early stages, colorectal cancer usually produces no symptoms.  This stresses the importance of proper screening. The most likely warning signs include changes to bowel movements, like routine constipation or diarrhea and a cramping feeling of not being able to sufficiently empty the bowels. Abdominal discomfort or bloating and explained fatigue, thin stools, and weight loss are also likely signs. However, it is very possible to confuse these with other conditions that affect your health.

If you are over the age of 50, have a family history of colon cancer, or are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should seek the advice of a professional.  The best way to ensure your health is to make an appointment to see a doctor. Our Los Angeles colorectal specialists have been seeing patients for years with varying degrees of risk or actual colon cancer symptoms. In the majority of cases, an early diagnosis is the key to ensuring physical health and helping to correct any issues before they manifest into potentially life-threatening complications.

For over 50 years we have remained focused on accurate diagnostic procedures and modern, compassionate surgical treatment. Be proactive about your health and make an appointment today.