L e t´s T a l k H e a l t h
Symptoms
Although colon cancer may have no symptoms, it usually begins with a growth of a polyp inside the colon or rectum. It can take 10 years for it to turn into cancer.
Consult your doctor if you see blood in your stool or your stools are black or sandy. If you have constant need to defecate or if you have stomach pains, swelling or cramps. If you are constantly tired and if you are losing weight for no reason.
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Treatment
The treatments depend on where the cancer is and these are specific to each patient.
The treatment of colorectal cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer can be found in the anus, rectum, or colon, which is also called the large intestine. Colorectal cancer occurs most often in people 50 years of age or older, in both men and women, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related death. But it is preventable.
Prevention
The best way to prevent it is to know your family history and if there is a history of cancer in your family, talk to your doctor to get the relevant exams.
Cheryl Hoffman, RN
Nurse Navigator
Dyson Breast Center at Vassar Brothers Medical Center
(Fecal Immunochemistry Test, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy)