Facts regarding colon cancer are unknown to the general public due to the lack of awareness. It is important for women to be aware of what colon cancer is and how to detect any symptoms they may have. Knowing these early warning signs can save someone’s life.
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the tissue lining the inside of your colon (large intestine). The large intestine has many functions, including digestion, absorption of nutrients from food, elimination of waste products, and protection against infection by bacteria or viruses. Colon cancer usually begins as small growths called polyps. Polyps are abnormal growths on the inner wall of the colon.
Signs and symptoms:
Although colon cancer is not as common in women, they should still take notice of the signs and symptoms. The most notable symptom of colon cancer in women is rectal bleeding, which can occur sporadically or with a change in bowel habits. Other warning signs include the following:
- changes in appetite
- unexplained weight loss
- persistent fatigue and pain in the abdomen and back
- nausea
- vomiting and/or bad breath.
If you have been experiencing persistent pain, bleeding from the rectum, unexplained weight loss, change in bowel habits or a feeling of not passing gas after eating, your may want to consult with a physician. From the time these symptoms arise, it is crucial that you get diagnosed and treated for colon cancer as soon as possible. The signs and symptoms of colon cancer in women are different from those in men because the female anatomy does not necessarily provide a clear sign that something is wrong.
Treatment of colon cancer:
The colon is a large part of the human digestive system. It absorbs water from the food that is eaten and stores it in the body, as well as absorbing nutrients from the food. Colon cancer most commonly happens in men because they have a higher rate of intestinal polyps, which are pre-cancerous growths.
Some symptoms of colon cancer in women include irritation, extreme fatigue, and changes in bowel habits. If you notice any persistent symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your doctor. Early detection of this cancer is key to survival as the five-year survival rate for it is found to be as high as 98%.
Risk factors
Factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include:
The American Cancer Society reports that colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women, with about 142,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. The risk of developing colon cancer depends on a variety of factors, some of which may be controllable.
Experts at the American Cancer Society have listed some of these factors including age, gender, family history, diet, ethnicity, obesity and medications.
Recently, there has been a surge in the number of colon cancer diagnoses among younger women. However, this diagnosis can be made at any age. Colon cancer symptoms are different for women than they are for men. The most common symptoms of colon cancer in women are change in bowel habits, abdominal pain or cramps, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms it is important to see your physician right away.
Conclusion:
Colon cancer is a form of cancer that affects the colon. It develops from cells in the lining of the large intestine and can also affect tissues near the anus. Colon cancer can cause symptoms such as constipation, changes in bowel habits, bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or pain. These symptoms are typically no different for women than they are for men. However, women tend to have more difficulty distinguishing these symptoms from other sources of discomfort related to their periods or pregnancy.
