Colon Cancer

Colon cancer develops silently inside the body while its presence goes unnoticed. Yet early detection and treatment is highly effective for colon cancer. So finding this cancer as soon as possible is extremely important. Becoming aware of colon cancer early symptoms is the best way to seek medical attention in a timely manner.

The early symptoms of colon cancer are not dramatic, nothing as obvious as a heart attack. However, colon cancer may send out several ongoing symptoms which taken together point to problems. That's why doctors recommend a colonoscopy for adults over age 50. If the result is clear, the procedure may be repeated every ten years. If there are problems or a genetic risk factor, the procedure may be repeated every two to give years.

Let's look at colon cancer early symptoms which are often ignored or brushed off as nothing significant. Having excess gas can be embarrassing, but not seen as serious. Feeling bloated or actually having the stomach pushed out can be blamed on gas, but does not respond to over the counter medications. What may actually be happening is the bloating and gas is due to a tumor blocking the process of waste materials in the large intestine. Cramping may be attributed to constipation, which is also a problem but not for the usual reasons like overeating. In this situation, constipation is due to the blockage inside the intestines which causes a back up of waste material not unlike four lanes of traffic being channeled into one lane when a busy street gets blocks due to an accident.

Sudden weight loss without any effort to diet or exercise may sound wonderful, but in this case it's more likely to signal disease rather then health. This may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting which leads to a total disinterest in food. When this symptom persists longer than the 24 hour stomach virus that makes rounds in schools and offices, then that's time get medical evaluation. None of these symptoms are normal for healthy adults.

Because colon cancer early symptoms can easily be mistaken for less serious problems or dismissed as nothing major, identifying this disease is critical. The four medical tests used to evaluate colon cancer early symptoms are: 1. Stool test – from stool samples collected by the patient a lab test is used to check for presence of blood. 2. Double Contrast Barium Enema – liquid is instilled in the colon and monitored by radiologist 3. Sigmoidoscopy - medical procedure to inspect the lower colon 4. Colonoscopy – medical procedure that inspects entire colon

With advances in diagnostic procedures, the survival rate for colon cancer has increased notably in the past 15 years. Early identification of colon cancer symptoms leads to treatment. Adults over age 50 need to have a colonoscopy at regular intervals and not wait until colon cancer early symptoms begin. For up to date information on new advances, visit the American Cancer Society web site www.cancer.org. At the home page, go to the box, “Learn About Cancer”. Scroll down and click on Colon and Rectum Cancer.

Colon Cancer Symptoms Diagnosis |