What is colon cancer and its causes?

 Colon cancer can either be benign or malignant. Benign normally means that the tumor will not spread and if it is malignant, the cells will spread to other parts of the body and gradually will cause damage.

What are the signs and symptoms of colon cancer?

•    Going to the toilet more often.
•    Diarrhea
•    Bloating in the abdomen
•    Problem encountered after a bowel movement.
•    Blood in stool
•    Inexplicable weight loss
•    Constipation
•    Pains in the abdomen.
•    A feeling of fullness in the abdomen
•    Vomiting
•    Fatigue
•    A lump in the tummy
•    Unexplained iron deficiency

The following are the causes of colon cancer –

•    The risk of colon cancer increases with age
•    High animal protein diet
•    A diet which is high in saturated fats.
•    Patients with ulcerative colitis
•    Low dietary fiber diet
•    High calorie diet
•    High alcohol consumption
•    Women who were diagnosed of uterus, breast or ovary cancer previously.
•    If anyone in the family had colon cancer
•    Obesity
•    Smoking
•    Being physically inactive
•    Presence of polyps
•    People who have Crohn's disease  may develop colon cancer

Depending on your condition, the doctor may advise surgery or a combination of chemotherapy and radiology. With timely diagnosis and effective treatment, colon cancer can certainly be treated effectively.