Information on Colorectal Carcinoma Symptoms By Brian R Emuss

Colorectal Carcinoma, also known as colon cancer or large bowel cancer, is the fourth most common cancer in America, 655,000 worldwide deaths per year. This includes cancerous growths in the rectum, appendix, and colon. The colon is a part of the digestive system and it makes up most of the large intestine, and its role is to help the body absorb minerals, nutrients and water. It also gets rid of waste of the body in the form of stool. The rectum is at the end of the colon which is adjacent to the anus.

There can be many Colorectal Carcinoma symptoms, depending on the location of the tumour in the bowel, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Most of the in Colorectal Carcinoma symptoms can often be found in other diseases. In the early stages of colon cancer, people normally do not have any symptoms. This is the reason why people over the age of 50 should have regular screenings; it is an essential investment and one should not see it as a waste of money going for health checkups. Colorectal Carcinoma Symptoms come in 2 general varieties, namely local and systematic.

If the tumour is located close to the anus, it is usually a local symptom. Bowel habits may change (either more or less frequent), feelings of incomplete defecation may occur (straining for the movement of bowel), the diameter of the stool is reduced, bright or dark red blood in the stools, and alternating periods of constipation and diarrhoea. If an individual happens to experience any of these symptoms for 2 or more weeks, one should inform the doctor immediately and arrange for tests to check for Colorectal Carcinoma.

As for systematic colon cancer symptoms, it is symptoms that affect the whole body. Symptoms like unintentional weight loss (weight is reduced when one is not dieting), extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, feelings of nausea and wants to vomit, anemia (low count on red blood cell), jaundice (whites of the eye and yellow colour to the skin). Likewise, if any individual experience any of these symptoms for a prolong period of time, they should straight away consult a doctor and book an appointment for checkups of Colorectal Carcinoma.

The risk of developing Colorectal Carcinoma in America is about 7%. There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing colon cancer. These causes include:

Age. This is the number one risk factor, as the older one gets, the higher risk they are of developing colon cancer, especially after the age of 50. Diabetes. People who have diabetes have a significant higher chance (40%) of developing colon cancer as compared to people who don't have diabetes.

Diet. Studies have shown that a diet high in fats and cholesterol, and low in fresh fruits and vegetables, increases the risk of Colorectal Carcinoma. People who frequently eat fish showed a decrease risk.

History of cancer in the family. The increase in risk depends on which of the family member was diagnosed and at which age.

Lifestyle. People who lack exercise (couch potato) have higher risk of getting colon cancer. Exercising frequently has a myriad of health benefits, so find a sport that you can pick up as hobby and play it with a group of friends.

Smoking. Smokers normally die of colon cancer as compared to non smokers. This is because the inhaled tobacco affects the colon and increases the size of the polyp.

Now that you have been informed of the various Colorectal Carcinoma symptoms, you should be better prepared for it and this will definitely help you in your quest to prevent colon cancer. God bless!