Bowel Cancer- Symptoms, Causes and Relief

Bowel cancer is the second most common types of cancer that causes death. It is indeed the most dangerous cancer types that can actually kill a person within a few weeks of diagnosis.

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that bowel cancer has proven to be the most menacing conditions of all, which is potentially fatal. There are thousands of fresh cases reported each year. The condition is potentially fatal because it grows rapidly, or spreads quickly than many other cancer types; the main reason that makes the condition deadly is its location. It is hidden, out of sight, lying in the large bowel within the abdomen. It rarely causes any signs, unless it has been diagnosed and is known to grow rapidly and spread fast.

Luckily, if the condition is diagnosed earlier enough, it is possible to cure it. In fact, 90% of the cases can be treated if it is diagnosed early. However, the problem is that less than 40% of the cases of bowel cancers can be detected early.

Symptoms

Because bowel cancer grows slowly, the symptoms of the condition might not manifest early. As a matter of fact, it might take years for the condition to grow and become large enough to show the classic symptoms.

The first sign of the condition is a persistent change in bowel motions, like diarrhea or constipation; anal bleeding or bleeding after bowel motions and disruption in normal bowel functions.

If any of these conditions persist, it should be reported to the GP immediately. Sometimes, bleeding might be very slow to identify, and more so if the cancer is located in the upper part of the colon.

Causes

Bowel cancer is caused by mutation of cells in the bowel lining. The gland cells are typically affected by the condition. However, there are many risk factors that can be identified as the probable causes of the condition, such as age, family history, polyps, low-fiber diet and colitis.

Treatment

It is known that there is no guaranteed cure for cancer, however, when the cancer is very small, it would be easy to remove it during colonoscopy. However, most of the typical bowel cancers are usually too large when they are identified.

The most common treatment for the condition is a surgery. The cancer can be removed gently by making small incisions.

Being diagnosed with the condition can be traumatic. Therefore, it is important to deal with it very easily. Chances of survival are high only if the condition is diagnosed at its early stage.

Prevention

Successful screening is the only way to identify cancer at its initial stage, which would ensure immediate treatment. Screening is done through colonoscopy or by a regular bowel motion test to find traces of blood.

In order to reduce the risks of developing the condition, it is very important to reduce fat intake. Eating less fattening foods will ensure better bowel motions. Eating plenty of veggies, fruits, whole grains and cereals can ensure a healthy fiber intake, which promotes bulk and better stool passage. Exercising regularly will make the muscles flexible and easy.