In recent times, many people tend to associate the word “cancer” with “death” as if they were synonymous with each other. In fact, people immediately think of death even before knowing the specifics about a person’s actual state of health. Perhaps this is due to the alarming but deadly threat of the disease that can affect anyone from all walks of life, regardless of age and gender.
While the number of cancer patients continues to increase every day, it is important to always keep the faith bearing in mind that there is still hope: there are still ways to diagnose, treat and even prevent this chronic disease. Consciousness really matters.
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer (or rectal or bowel cancer), is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and yet the most misunderstood. With the fact that it is a deadly type of cancer, everyone (especially patients) is encouraged to get to the bottom of this health problem. And this not only means knowing more about it, but also learning how to save your life.
A deeper understanding
Atlantic Medical Group (AMG), a North Carolina-based gastroenterology center, defines colon cancer as a foreign cell growth that develops in a person’s colon or rectum. It normally begins as polyps that grow within the inner lining of the large intestine.
AMG believes that lack of knowledge about a certain disease will definitely endanger human life. So it’s about sharing little-known facts about colon cancer. Here are some interesting randomly collected sets of information:
– It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
– In 2009, there were 146,970 registered cases of colon / rectal cancer diagnosed in the US, and this number dropped to 131,607 in 2010. However, there were a higher number of deaths in 2010 with 52,045, while 49,920 people died for this disease in 2009.
– People with a first-degree relative who has colon cancer have two to three times the risk of developing the same disease.
– Screening is best recommended for people in their 50s (or under 50 if a patient is believed to be at much higher risk of developing such disease). This process is a preventive measure that prevents the case from getting worse.
– Polyps and inflammation are early signs / indicators of colon cancer.
– Smoking increases the risk of colon cancer.
– Numerous studies suggest that a person who eats red meat and high-fat meats has a greater chance of developing this type of cancer.
– This is more common among obese and overweight people; less common among people who exercise regularly.
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Too many Americans skip colon cancer screenings.
While it is impossible to guess or predict which of us will get this terrible condition (or when it could happen), it is really worth knowing that there are things we can do to reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.
Gastroenterology Science
Cancer does not mean death. Many still manage to survive this. It is just a matter of faith and conscience.
If you feel that you have signs and symptoms of colon cancer, nothing is better than seeking the advice of health experts at a gastroenterology center.