Colon cancer is a type that affects the last part of the large intestine, known as the colon, and colon cancer can affect all people of all different ages, but the chances of infection increase more in people over the age of 50 years.

Colon cancer begins as adenomatous polyps or small polyps known as adenomatous polyps, which then turn into carcinomas over the following years.

Therefore, it is always better to detect early in the event of any symptoms of colon cancer without waiting for the condition to develop and become more difficult.

 

Symptoms of colon cancer:

1- A change in bowel activity and movement, such as constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the nature of stools for more than two weeks.

2- Bleeding from the anus or blood in the stool.

3- Feeling of any disturbances in the abdomen such as cramps, cramps, gas, or pain that lasts for a long time.

4- Feeling constant pain in the abdomen and swelling in the colon.

5- Weakness, fatigue, lack of appetite for food, unjustified deterioration of health, and an unknown cause of weight loss.

6- Feeling that the bowel movement did not completely empty the stomach.

7- Unexplained severe anemia with advanced age.

These symptoms are very similar to many other diseases of the digestive system, such as irritable bowel syndrome , and are not necessarily indicative of colon cancer, but caution and follow-up should be done by the doctor for early detection in case of colon cancer.

 

Causes of colon cancer:

The causes of this disease are still largely unknown until now, but there are many risk factors that may increase the risk of colon cancer, including the following:

1- The incidence of colon cancer increases with age, as we mentioned previously, the chances of infection increase in people over the age of 50 years.

2- A family or personal history of colon and rectal cancer, or polyps in the colon and rectum.

3- Excessive intake of foods that contain a high percentage of fats increases the risk of colon cancer, and not eating foods that contain a high percentage of natural fibers, which in turn help to regulate the movement of the digestive system naturally.

4- Lack of sports activity. Lazy people are more likely to develop colon cancer than others.

5- Smoking and alcohol increase the risk factors for this disease.

6- The incidence of chronic gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crown's disease and other diseases increases the risk of colon cancer.

7- Exposure to chemicals, radiation materials and carcinogens.

 

Methods of preventing colon cancer:

First, you must visit the doctor and conduct the necessary tests when any abnormal changes occur in the movement of the digestive system, especially in patients who have increased risk factors for colon cancer.

- Quit Smoking. 

Avoid obesity and maintain a normal weight.

Reducing the intake of foods that contain a high proportion of fats, especially saturated fats.

Eat healthy fruits, vegetables, and rich in natural fibers.

Exercise regularly.


Resources

Mayoclinic : https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669

American Cancer Society : https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/what-is-colorectal-cancer.html