Self Test For Early Colon Cancer Detection

The third most common form of cancer is colon cancer. An estimated 150,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year alone. One of the most deadly things about this particular cancer is that there are little to no symptoms early on. This disease can go undetected for years before it becomes apparent that there is a problem. In some cases by this time it is too late as the cancer has already spread to other areas of the body. Unlike the years past, there is now a self test kit for people to check themselves for signs of colon cancer.

Using a Self Test Kit to Detect Colon Cancer

There are several tests that can be performed at your doctor’s office to detect early signs of colon cancer. However, these tests can be very uncomfortable and unpleasant. The American Cancer Society now recommends that individuals test themselves for fecal blood by using the self test kit at home. If there is blood present in the stool the test kit will detect it. Blood in the intestinal tract could very well be indicative of cancer.

Presence of Blood in the Stool – May Not be Cancer

There are a number of benign causes of bleeding in the intestinal tract such as polyps, ulcers in the stomach, rectal fissures and hemorrhoids among various other underlying conditions. No matter what the cause of the bleeding, the self test kit will identity the blood enabling you to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to find out what the cause is. Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract can also be caused by benign conditions such as hemorrhoids, polyps, stomach ulcers, rectal fissures and more. In any case, if there is blood present, it will be detected in the colon health check self test after which you would see a physician as soon as possible to determine the cause of the bleeding.

Who Should Take a Colon Health Check

If you are over the age of 40 or in the high risk group you should be screening yourself regularly. The following people would be considered high risk:

• Individuals who have already had rectal or colon cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer or, anyone who has polyps in their intestine.

• African American males and females are at a higher risk for colon cancer. Also anyone who has a family history of colon cancer would fall into a higher risk group.
People in high risk groups should start early screening as early as the age of 30. Screening should be done at a minimum of once a year.

Colon Cancer does not discriminate and while there is a certain group of people that are believed to be more prone to this cancer, anyone can be affected. Always watch for sudden abnormalities in your stool or bleeding. Also, fatigue, nausea, jaundice and severe constipation may be indicative of an underlying problem if the symptoms last longer than a couple of weeks.