Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that affects the last section of the digestive system (usually the colon or rectum. It is one of the most prominent cancers in the UK and is responsible for over 16,000 deaths each year. In this article I will be outlining the signs, the symptoms, the treatments and the things you can do for effective bowel cancer prevention.

Most cancers of the colon develop from polyps (fleshy growths) in the intestine. The majority of these polyps are harmless but some become become cancerous. If left untreated the cancer in these polyps spreads to the colon and in the worst cases other areas of the body too.

Unfortunately it is not known what causes these polyps to become cancerous but there are a number of associated colon cancer risks. Age is a major risk factor with over three quarters of bowel cancers occurring in people who are over 60 years old. Diet is another significant bowel cancer risk factor with excessive consumption of red meats and alcohol and a low fibre intake all linked to the development of this cancer. Other factors that increase your risk of contracting this cancer include a family history of the disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, a lack of exercise and smoking.

If cancer does develop it is often accompanied by a number of symptoms. These colon cancer symptoms are often quite mild in the beginning but get worse as the cancer grows. Some of the symptoms are directly associated with the growth of the cancer and include abdominal pain, bloody stools, changing bowel movements and rectal bleeding. Rectal bleeding in particular is one of the most common symptoms so if you notice any bleeding from this area you should consult your doctor immediately. Other less obvious symptoms include unexplained tiredness and weight loss.

If you suspect that you have bowel cancer based on the above symptoms you should consult your doctor immediately. They will then be able to perform the necessary tests. The first test is usually a rectal exam where your doctor will feel for any lumps or swollen polyps using a gloved finger. Your doctor may then recommend a colonoscopy, which involves the passing of a small fibre optic camera into your anus, so that they can visual examine your colon.

If any of the tests reveal that you have bowel cancer your doctor will start you on a treatment program. The treatment offered will be dependent upon whether the cancer is in the early stages or has become more advanced. Early stage colon cancer is much more treatable than a cancer that has become advanced.

Surgery is the most common treatment for bowel cancer with the procedure attempting to extract the cancerous cells from the colon and then stitch it back together. Chemotherapy (the use of anti-cancer medications) and radiotherapy (the use of high energy radiation beams) are sometimes used as colon cancer treatments but are more commonly used to help shrink the cancerous cells prior to surgery and then to reduce the risk of the cancer returning after surgery.

Although this cancer can be treated, prevention is a much more attractive and uncomplicated option, plus it is not that difficult It simply involves making a few positive lifestyle changes. Exercising regularly is believed to reduce your risk by as much as 40%. Reducing your red meat and alcohol intake whilst eating more fruits, vegetables and other fibre rich foods can also help prevent colon cancer. Giving up smoking is another important lifestyle change for the prevention of both bowel cancer and other cancers too.

I hope this article has helped you learn about the symptoms and risk factors for bowel cancer BUT most importantly I hope it inspires you to actively participate in cancer prevention by improving your lifestyle. Try and eat a balanced diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables, try and do some physical activity every day and if you smoke start working towards giving up. Whilst we still do not know exactly what causes this disease, these lifestyle changes can go a long way towards preventing it.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Colon cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.