Colon cancer: a silent enemy

Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent type of cancer in Colombia, affecting both sexes. It often presents silently in its early stages; symptoms usually appear when patients have advanced stages of the disease. This underscores the importance of screening for early detection.

Colon Cancer Screening

It is recommended to begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. This screening consists of a series of periodic diagnostic tests, such as fecal occult blood tests and colonoscopies, which are completely safe and effective for the early diagnosis and treatment of precancerous lesions such as polyps.

Risk Factors

The main risk factors for colon cancer include advanced age, smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, inflammatory bowel disease, and a family history of the disease, among others.

Warning Signs

Some warning signs of colorectal cancer can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor in the large intestine, but the most common are:

A sudden change in the frequency and consistency of bowel movements, such as bloody diarrhea or constipation.

Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.

Frequent abdominal pain.

A feeling of a mass in the abdomen or rectum.

Weakness or fatigue.

Unintentional weight loss.

Anemia.

Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, such as: including high-fiber fruits and vegetables in your diet, exercising for at least 30 minutes a day to maintain a healthy weight, eating a low-fat, low-salt diet, not smoking, and attending regular medical checkups.