Factors that contribute to an increased Risk for colon cancer include:
- Older than age 50
- Diet high in fat
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of cancer of the colon or rectum
- Certain hereditary conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC; Lynch Syndrome)
- History of colon polyps
- History of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease)
- History of cancer of the colon, rectum, ovary, endometrium or breast
Colon cancer often is in a more advanced stage when Symptoms present. Common Symptoms are:
- Change in bowel habits
- Blood in stool
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stools narrower than usual
- Frequent gas pains
- Bloating
- Cramps
- Weight loss
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
Beginning at age 50, men and women should follow one of these examination schedules:
- Fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test every year
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
- Double-contrast barium enema every five years
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
- Virtual colonoscopy, a computer-assisted approach that is less invasive than traditional colonoscopy every five years
People with colorectal cancer Risk factors should begin screening procedures at an earlier age and/or be screened more often.
Proper health history, family’s history of cancer and Risk factors. Diagnostic test include many of the same exams done for people without Symptoms:
- Digital rectal examination
- Fecal occult blood test
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Barium enema
- Biopsy
- Blood count
- Imaging tests. Tests, such as a CT scan, PET scan, ultrasound, or MRI of the abdomen, may be done to look for tumors or other problems. These tests may also be done if colorectal cancer has already been diagnosed to help determine the extent (stage) of the cancer.
After colon cancer has been diagnosed, tests are performed to find out if cancer cells have spread within the colon or to other parts of the body.
- Repair through the abdomen. A cut is made through the lower belly. The rectum is attached to the lower part of the backbone to support it and keep it in place.
- Repair through the rectum. Removes the part of the rectum that has prolapsed and reconnects the remaining parts.
- Repair with both these methods. These 2 methods may be combined to treat your prolapse.
