Colon Cancer Awareness
Colorectal cancer is a growth of cells that forms in the lower end of the digestive tract. Most of these cancers start as noncancerous growths called polyps.
Symptoms
Pain areas: in the abdomen
Gastrointestinal: blood in stool, change in bowel habits, constipation, narrow stools, or passing excessive amounts of gas
Whole body: anemia or fatigue
Also common: abdominal discomfort or weight loss
Polyps
Colon cancer usually begins as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Polyps generally aren't cancerous, but some can turn into colon cancers over time.
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Polyps often don't cause any symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests to look for polyps in the colon. Finding and removing polyps helps prevent colon cancer.
Risk Factors
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Colon cancer can happen at any age. But most people with colon cancer are older than 50. The numbers of people younger than 50 who have colon cancer has been growing.
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Ethnicity- Black people in the United States have a greater risk of colon cancer than do people of other races.
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Having had colon cancer or colon polyps increases the risk of colon cancer.
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Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBS). These conditions include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
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Family history of colon cancer. Having a blood relative who has colon cancer increases the risk of getting colon cancer. Having more than one family member who has colon cancer or rectal cancer increases the risk more.
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Low-fiber, high-fat diet. Colon cancer and rectal cancer might be linked with a typical Western diet. This type of diet tends to be low in fiber and high in fat and calories. Research in this area has had mixed results. Some studies have found an increased risk of colon cancer in people who eat a lot of red meat and processed meat.
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Not exercising regularly. People who are not active are more likely to develop colon cancer. Getting regular physical activity might help lower the risk.
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Diabetes. People with diabetes or insulin resistance have an increased risk of colon cancer.
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Obesity. People who are obese have an increased risk of colon cancer. Obesity also increases the risk of dying of colon cancer.
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Smoking. People who smoke can have an increased risk of colon cancer.
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Drinking alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of colon cancer.
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Radiation therapy for cancer. Radiation therapy directed at the abdomen to treat previous cancers increases the risk of colon cancer.
Screening Options
A visual exam usually in the form of a colonoscopy allows your doctor to look inside your colon and rectum for any abnormal growth—either a polyp (non-cancerous) or a tumor—using a guided camera or a scanner. These tests will come with some medication taken before the test to empty the bowls
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There are also Stool-based Tests that can be done via an at home kit used to collect a sample that is mailed to a lab.
Lifestyles changes to reduce your risk to lower the risk of colon cancer:
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Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains have vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which may help prevent cancer.
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Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
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Stop smoking.
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Maintain a healthy weight.
Testimony
I was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 46, thankfully my cancer was fully removed and is monitored every six months by my Oncologist. My hope is to educate you about the symptoms, ricks factors, testing and dietary / lifestyle changes in the hope that you and your loved ones are never affected by this terrible disease, I write this as I recover from abdominal reconstruction and multiple hernia removal due caused by surgery three years ago during the Covid pandemic. Please get screened and actively work to reduce your risk factors. By the grace of the Almighty God, I'm here to help bring awareness to this disease
Andre Kemp
Executive Director
Because Love Heals Foundation