LIFESTYLE NEWS - Colon cancer is a life-threatening condition that impacts the large intestine. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, most cases of colon cancer begin as clumps of noncancerous cells called adenomatous polyps that develop into cancerous cells over time. 

Because polyps produce very few symptoms, medical professionals suggest regular colonoscopies to identify and remove them. 

Early detection is essential for treating and surviving colon cancer. 

Mayo Clinic says it is not clearly understood what causes colon cancer. Cancer mainly forms when healthy cells in the colon become damaged. Healthy cells grow and divide as needed to keep the body functioning properly.  

However, when cancerous cells form, they continue to divide even when the body doesn’t need it. The accumulation of the unnecessary cells ultimately leads to the creation of a tumour.

While the exact cause is unclear, there are risk factors that can increase the likeliness of a person developing colon cancer at some point in his or her life. Mayo Clinic indicates that the following gene mutations can increase the chances of colon cancer: 

Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). 

Other risk factors include:

• Over the age of 50

• Family history of colon cancer

• Low-fibre and high-fat diet

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Smoking

• Alcohol consumption 

The most troubling thing about colon cancer is that it doesn’t always have symptoms. However, according to WebMD, there are a few things you should watch out for. 

Common signs include:

• Changes in bowel movement

• Dark blood in the stool

• Pain in the abdomen

• Abdominal bloating

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Pain in the pelvis (WebMD indicates that this is usually associated with late-stage cancer)

 Sources: Mayoclinic and WebMD

This article is for informative purposes only. Please see your doctor if you experience any symptoms. Questions can be forwarded to questions@walkindoctor.co.za  

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