Warning Signs of Colon Cancer

Quite often the colon has deposits undigested food as thick mucus along its lining. Our body is not made to digest preservatives and other chemicals or additives that we find in the highly processed food of our daily diets. Since the digestive tract cannot fully digest these ingredients in our diet, they stay in the colon as undigested or partially digested sludge. The negative effects of this are not immediately recognized, but they start showing up later as different diseases. Regular cleansing of the colon is the best way to prevent digestive problems such as constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and colon cancer. Try to cleanse the colon by eating a lot of leafy vegetables and fresh fruit. If you cannot incorporate these items into your diet there are commercial colon cleansers available.

Early Symptoms

Most people have no symptoms of colon cancer in its early stages. However, as it advances, according to the American Cancer Society, you may see symptoms such as abdominal pain or cramping, more than a few days of the stool being unusually narrow, having a bowel movement and still not feeling relieved, blood in the stools, dark stools, or rectal bleeding, excessive diarrhea, constipation or any other change in bowel habits, feeling weak or fatigued and losing a significant amount of weight unintentionally. These symptoms can often go undetected for long periods of time. Many times colon cancer grows undetected for years before it is diagnosed. The earlier it is detected the better the chances of full recovery for the patient. You should always be cognizant of these symptoms appearing and do not just brush them off.

Detection

There are several tests that can screen for cancer in people with no symptoms. These tests are divided into two groups which are tests that find both colon polyps and colon cancer, and the tests that mainly find cancer. The tests that find both look at the structure of the colon to find any abnormal areas. Polyps found before they become cancerous can be easily removed. The tests are done with a scope inserted into the rectum, or special x-ray. Tests that mainly find cancer screen the stool for signs of present cancer. These are easier to have done and less invasive. Also, tests that check stools for signs of cancer usually look for evidence of blood in the stool.

In conclusion, there are usually no symptoms in the early stages of colon cancer, but there are tests that can discover both cancer as well as polyps that have not yet become cancer. It is important to keep your colon cleansed as a prevention of colon cancer. You can do this through a high fiber and low fat diet, but if your diet does not consist of these items regularly you can purchase a commercial colon cleanser. This is especially important for people who eat a lot of fatty and/or highly processed food.