Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. It’s also the third deadliest cancer in the United States. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause major health complications. In this article, we’ll take a look at the risk factors associated with colon cancer and a few other things you should know about the disease.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for colon cancer include a family history of the disease, race, and age. People who have a family history of colon cancer are more likely to get it themselves.
According to the National Cancer Institute, one-third of all Americans will be diagnosed with some form of colon cancer by the time they reach the age of 75. The disease is two times more common in people over the age of 50.
Causes
The causes are not fully understood, but certain risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing the disease.
Some risk factors linked to colon cancer include:
– Age: Most common in people 50 years old or older.
– Gender: Men are more likely to develop the disease than women.
– Genetics: People who have a family history of colorectal cancer may be at an increased risk.
– Diet: Eating a diet high in fat and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains could increase your risk.
– Obesity: Being overweight or obese
– Smoking: Smoking is responsible for about one-third of all colorectal cancers diagnosed each year.
Diagnosis
The most common way to diagnose colon cancer is through a colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are less invasive than traditional surgery and are often more effective at detecting cancerous cells. If a doctor detects cancerous cells during a colonoscopy, they can remove them before they have time to spread. However, if there are no signs of the disease in your body, your doctor will recommend regular screening for it in the future.
Your doctor may also take stool samples or perform CT scans where they inject contrast into the blood vessels all around your body to see if there is any blockage or spreading of cancer cells.
Treatment
Some treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The type of treatment depends on the severity of cancer and other factors.
If surgery is necessary, the patient goes through a procedure called a colectomy, which removes part or all of the colon. Chemo and radiation therapy, they are both designed to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to destroy tumor cells; radiation therapy destroys them with high-energy rays that penetrate deep into the tissue.
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States and the third most common cancer diagnosed. Early detection is the key to prevention. Knowing the risk factors and understanding the symptoms will help you recognize colon cancer and get treatment as soon as possible.
Is it time for you to schedule a screening?
QuickDraws Mobile Lab offers accurate and reliable testing to help you monitor your health. Plus, our tests are secure, confidential, and are available without insurance or referrals, not to mention affordable.
If you meet certain risk factors or have a family history of colon cancer, don’t delay, order your screening today!
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