Don’t Dismiss the Signs or Family History of Colon Cancer

It’s a cancer some don’t see coming. You might feel healthy, on top of the world. It can affect all races, all genders, and ethnicities. We’re talking about colorectal cancer, better known as colon cancer.

Central Florida Health Care OB/GYN provider Jacob Mearse, APRN, says about 1 in 25-26 women in the US are affected. Colon cancer is now the 3^rd leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Some women are more at risk, such as women over 50, those with a family history, colon polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

While adults 45 and over are encouraged to get screened for colon cancer, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says providers are now diagnosing more younger people under 55 with the disease. For this reason, it’s very important for people to pay attention to their body and, if you have a family history of colon cancer to start screening at age 40 or 10 years younger than the family member was diagnosed.

What can be alarming is colon cancer might not cause symptoms in the early stages. But, when symptoms do appear, this can include blood in the stool, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain or cramps, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or a feeling the bowel is not emptying completely.   With any cancer, early detection is key. When caught early, an individual can survive colon cancer with treatment.

Your risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you get older and lifestyle and genetic syndromes can also raise your risk. Ways to help reduce change for colon cancer include regular exercise, a good diet with fruits and veggies, and avoiding alcohol. If you have any concerns, visit your provider immediately.

Central Florida Health Care is ready to help with all your healthcare needs. Give us a call at 866-234-8534.