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Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer Cancer Awareness

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, affecting both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. Fortunately, due to its slow progression, it is also one of the most preventable types of cancer.

Demographic Impact

Colorectal cancer (or colon cancer) develops in both men and women from benign (non-cancerous) polyps growth. These are clumps of cells that usually form in the lining of the rectum and colon.

It is important to note that African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in its advanced stages.

Common Misconceptions

  1. Colon Cancer Can’t Be Prevented

This form of cancer can be prevented with regular screening tests. You can remove the polyps to prevent them from turning into cancer.

  1. Screening Tests Are Only Advised For Those With Symptoms

Colon cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages, so this statement is, of course, incorrect. Moreover, screening tests are preventive measures that one should undergo, irrespective of any signs or symptoms.

  1. Colon Cancer Is Fatal

Colon cancer is fatal when diagnosed in the advanced stages when there’s nothing much that can be done. But it’s treatable and curable if detected early on.

  1. Only Families With A History Of Colon Cancer Are At Risk

Again, that’s not always the case. 75% of colorectal cancer cases are individuals with no family history or risk factors.

  1. Screening Tests Are Not Covered By Insurance

Most health insurance plans cover screening tests for colorectal cancer.

  1. Colonoscopy Is A Risky Procedure

Colonoscopy is a low-risk procedure conducted under sedation, so the patient will not feel any pain during the test. It is relatively safe and painless.

Symptoms To Watch For

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and women and often presents no symptoms in its early stages, making regular screening crucial for early detection. However, as colorectal cancer progresses, there are specific symptoms to look out for. Some of the most common symptoms of colon cancer include:

  • Rectal bleeding:

    This can range from bright red blood in the toilet bowl to darker blood mixed in with the stool.

  • Unexplained abdominal pain:

    This can include pain in the lower part of the abdomen or the back.

  • Constipation or change in bowel habits:

    This can include persistent constipation, diarrhea, and changes in the consistency or frequency of bowel movements.

  • Unexplained weight loss:

    Unexplainable weight loss can indicate colon cancer or other health problems.

  • Fatigue:

    Feeling tired and run down can be a symptom of many conditions, including colon cancer.

  • Anemia:

    This can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms like shortness of breath and dizziness.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can be due to other conditions, including non-cancerous ailments like hemorrhoids or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). However, you must consult your healthcare provider and schedule a screening to ensure safety and prompt treatment if necessary.

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What Is A Colonoscopy?

Screening for colorectal cancer is also more accessible than many people think. Most health insurance plans cover screening tests, such as a colonoscopy, which is a safe and relatively painless procedure. During a colonoscopy, a flexible instrument with a camera is inserted through the anus to examine the colon, which is done under sedation and is considered low-risk.

Colorectal cancer can be treated through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these methods. Robotic colorectal surgery, using the da Vinci system, is also an option for treatment. Minimally-invasive endoscopic, laparoscopic, open, and robotic surgery are all available to treat colorectal cancer.

Importance Of Screening And Prevention

Screening for colon cancer is recommended starting at age 45 and is usually done through a colonoscopy, a procedure in which a flexible instrument with a camera is inserted into the colon for examination. Other screening options include fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs), stool DNA tests, and flexible sigmoidoscopies.

Final Words

While age isn’t really a factor when it comes to colon cancer, doctors usually advise individuals to consider screening tests post-45. But people with risk factors like diabetes, obesity, chronic inflammatory diseases, or a family history of colon cancer should get tested sooner.

In conclusion, colorectal cancer is a serious but preventable and treatable disease with early detection. Screening tests, such as colonoscopies, are covered by most insurance plans and are relatively safe and painless procedures.

If you experience any symptoms of colorectal cancer, please consult your physician immediately. After all, prevention is better than cure!

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Angelita Yourkonis
Angelita Yourkonis
1747964249
Yes they're a great organization that helps the people who need help with every day routine, like getting dressed and taking a shower or getting dressed up cleaning clothes or dishes or an areas in the room, or bearing food, they take great care of the person or people they get assistant to, and having a very Christian, attitude with the clients the assist, I would recommend them to anybody who needs this kind of help..
Kitura Luster
Kitura Luster
1745602707
Great company to work for!
Deadly Nightshade
Deadly Nightshade
1745602214
They were GREAT!! I don’t have friends or family nearby who I could ask to drive me to a very important and critical medical check (colonoscopy) that requires someone with you to drive you home.Miss Julia my caregiver was absolutely lovely and supportive and everything couldn’t gone better!I also used HCP for my second knee replacement and again, they came through with getting me there and taking care of me after my surgery.Thank you HCP for everything!! ❤️
Henry Akin
Henry Akin
1743794179
Shes very helpful with my chores and very respectful to my wife and kids.
Sebastien Elkouby
Sebastien Elkouby
1743458449
I appreciate Home Care Pro having great caregivers caring for my mom. Priscilla has been taking care of her for many months and it's made an incredible difference in my mom's wellbeing. Whenever Priscilla isn't available, they send other caregivers who also provide high quality care, most recently Jennifer who my mom was very impressed by. Thanks Home Care Pro!
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Anthony Seminoff
1742330567
My home care provider Jen is wonderful, she Is always courteous and professional. I would highly recommend this whole care service to anyone.
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Anita Ayala
1742236383
This company has been a wonderful experience for myself using it, they have been very accommodating to my needs and hours. My caregiver Amadalyn has been the best one I've had so far. She has been very effective and efficient. I appreciate this agency and with the service. I would highly recommend using them for your loved ones .
Madison Herreria
Madison Herreria
1740677370
Always great communication and great caretakers. Angie Anderson is one of the sweetest and most helpful employees I’ve ever met. I appreciate that this agency does its best to accommodate for your needs, they’ve been an amazing and supportive resource.
cindy mcleroy
cindy mcleroy
1740437473
When Angie arrives, she’s always cheerful and makes sure first thing that I’m OK. Then she has no choice, because my dog won’t let her have one, she has to give my dog a treat. My dog loves her. She surveys what needs to be done, checking first what I need personally done. She will then help me with my bed, if needed help change my Depends , and take out my trash. .She always makes sure that I feel I am important and deserve. Good care. I appreciate the fact that she always make sure. Back gate is securely shut, coming and going. I Think HCP is very lucky to have her as an employee.
Inez Moreno
Inez Moreno
1740175064
My care provider is a sweetheart, Every time I'm not feeling good, she always tells me stories to make me laugh.. Thank you for sending her to me.She is a blessing to me.Thank you for your service
Themalisha Ross
Themalisha Ross
1740095199
I have been using the service for the last two months and I have no complaints. My caregiver has been very dependable, always on time, very compassionate, experienced, and enjoys her job. If I have to use this service in the future, I will definitely utilize this company’s service.
Dane Workman
Dane Workman
1668496948
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Thomas Wright
Thomas Wright
1655105744
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Tyler Chambers
Tyler Chambers
1655011532
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Louie Armstrong
1654947987
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Lucy Taz
Lucy Taz
1639599191
They have provided excellent care and treatment for my mother. Nursing staff are kind, patient and compassionate with my mother. They listen to her needs and always communicate with ease and clean instructional care as my mother progresses in her treatment plan and rehabilitation to normal activities. I highly recommend them for anyone who needs in home health services.
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