The Risks of Colon Cancer and How I Discovered I Had It

According to Dr. Godwin Ofikwu, colorectal cancer, despite its high mortality rate, is not necessarily fatal.. It is estimated that one-third of patients die within the first five years of being diagnosed This decline can be attributed to early detection. The cancer of the colon, however, is a serious health issue and should not be ignored. Colon cancer has the potential to cause the following side effects. Find out more by reading on. Some of the most common signs and risk factors are listed below.

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers of old age. African Americans and people of Eastern European ancestry have higher rates of colon cancer than whites, although age is a risk factor as well. The risk of colon cancer is also increased in people who are obese. Consistent physical activity, on the other hand, may help prevent colon cancer. If you have one or more of these risk factors, you should see your doctor.. You may want to schedule a colonoscopy appointment.

Around the age of 50, women should begin having regular screenings for colon cancer. If your risk factors are high, your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings or early colonoscopies. Even though the exact cause of most colon cancers is unknown, most cases are triggered by the occurrence of genetic changes in healthy colon cells. There is a possibility that these changes will lead to cancerous cells. Colon cancer risk rises with age, so routine screenings are more critical than ever.

Dr. Godwin Ofikwu observed that, Colon cancer risk can also be increased by one's race. At the top of the list are African-Americans and Ashkenazi Jews. The risk of colorectal cancer is higher for people of color than for whites if they have a family history of it. If a member of your family has been diagnosed with colon cancer, you may want to seek genetic counseling. If you come from a family with a history of colon cancer, talk to your doctor about when you should begin screenings for the disease.

When colorectal cancer is discovered early, it can be successfully treated and cured. An early diagnosis is critical, and a diet high in fiber and low in red meat and processed food can help you avoid this disease.. The only way to catch this deadly disease is through detection. Because many people delay or avoid colonoscopy procedures until the later stages, regular screenings are critical.

If you take aspirin every day, you are not increasing your risk of developing colon cancer. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided, as should alcohol. Aspirin, on the other hand, has been linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer. NSAIDs, on the other hand, may have a greater impact on colon cancer risk than aspirin in the long run. Aspirin, like any other drug, can cause ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding if taken on a daily basis.

Reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by eating more fruits and vegetables. Dietary guidelines set by the American Cancer Society call for consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Low vitamin D patients benefit from a diet high in fiber, which includes whole grains. ACS recommends regular exercise as a way to lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Smoking is, of course, a risk factor.

A well-established link between colon cancer and the consumption of red and processed meats has been established. The World Cancer Research Fund recommends a weekly red meat intake of no more than 500 grams. Additionally, the American Cancer Society recommends that people avoid eating red meat at all. You should also limit your consumption of meat that has been processed. Red meat and processed meat should be avoided, according to the World Cancer Research Fund. Choosing lean red meat is also important if you must eat red meat at all.

Dr. Godwin Ofikwu revealed that, Colorectal cancer is also linked to obesity and poor diet. Diabetes, smoking, and obesity all increase a person's risk of contracting the disease. Another risk factor is having a family member with cancer. Colon cancer screenings are essential, according to the American Cancer Society. Colonoscopies can be scheduled as early as the age of 45. But your doctor may recommend screening earlier if you have any health problems.

In people with polyps, cigarette smoking has been linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. A condition known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by the presence of hundreds of polyps. The progression from adenoma to carcinoma appears to be faster in patients with this syndrome. Patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCP) should be screened every one to three years, depending on the patient's age. Multiple colorectal cancers are more common in patients with this syndrome.