Warning Signs for Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, with 55,000 people dying each year, according to the Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention. Colon cancer is known as a silent killer, its symptoms often not appearing until the later stages. There are, however, warning signs to watch for.

Significance

• Colon cancer is considered to be a highly treatable disease if it is detected early. Thorough and timely testing that detects polyps in their early stages can prevent 95 percent of colon cancer cases.

Function

• Colon cancer often begins as a polyp, a benign growth in the lining of the colon. If left undetected and untreated, the polyp will continue to grow in number and size, increasing your risk of developing colon cancer.

Risk Factors

• Those who may be at greater risk for developing polyps and colon cancer include those who have had polyps in the past, those with a family history of colon cancer, people with inflammatory bowel disease and those who are over the age of 50.

Warning Signs

• The physical warning signs you may be experience include blood in your stool, changes in your bowel movements such as constipation or diarrhea that lasts longer than 10 days, pain in the abdomen, constant fatigue and weight loss.

Prevention

• The best prevention against colon cancer is to begin regular screenings for polyps at the age of 50 (earlier if you have risk factors). Currently the best exam for the detection of polyps and colon cancer is a colonoscopy.

Treatment

• If colon cancer is detected, the most common forms of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.