How to Spot Colon Cancer Warning Signs

Familiarity with colon cancer warnings signs can save lives. As one of the primary leading causes of cancer related death, colon cancer is also highly preventable if caught early.

Become familiar with these signs of colon cancer and the necessary colon cancer treatments.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. UNCOVER FAMILY HISTORY OF COLON CANCER.
   
   Since most doctors won't advise any active monitoring of the colon's health or dietary prevention method of colon cancer until 50, family history is important. If you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps your doctor can help guide your prevention efforts.

2. PAY ATTENTION TO CHANGES IN BOWEL MOVEMENTS.
   
   If you have otherwise unexplainable changes in your bowel movements a visit to the doctor is in immediate order. If you are consistently constipated without a change in diet, or experience ongoing diarrhea not related to a short term virus or flu, visit your doctor. If you ever have blood in your stool for any reason, get to a physician immediately.

3. MENTION ANY ABDOMINAL PAIN.
   
   Even polyps can cause some discomfort if they have grown large enough. Polyps are often the precursor to colon cancer if they are allowed to multiply and grow. Finding these early and removing them can prevent the vast majority of colon cancers.

4. SUBMIT TO THE COLONOSCOPY.
   
   Especially if you are over 50 your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy. It certainly is not a risk free procedure so you want to be sure your doctor is experienced and well respected. However, a colonoscopy can spot the earliest warning signs of colon cancer and early as possible.
   
   ** See more related tips below.

Tips & Warnings

• Eating a diet high in fiber is crucial to maintaining colorectal health.
• Fill your diet with high in fiber whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that are as fresh as possible.
• Avoid eating mass quantities of meat, highly processed, or fatty foods.

[watersong]

on 9/10/2009 Very helpful information! Early detection is very important. Thanks! 5*

[Dino1353]

on 9/9/2009 Excellent article well written 5*

[dorigillman]

on 9/9/2009 you are right. i have been getting colonoscopies since i was not yet 40 since i have a heavy family history of colon problems. i get them every 3-5 years.

[ringgold]

on 9/9/2009 Another great article !!! Everyone needs to stay in-tune with what is going on inside their own bodies !!! Getting to a doctor sooner rather than later can save your life !!!! 5*