Colorectal cancer starts out as a quiet cancer, rarely broadcasting its presence until the later stages of development. At that time, colon cancer may have spread beyond the boundaries of the colon and invaded other organs. Because of its initial silence, screening for this disease is imperative -- it is the best way to reduce incidences. The warning signs of colon cancer are many and varied, but they all center mostly on the gut or stomach/abdomen area. So read on for warning signs and risk factors for colon cancer and do your best to live a healthy, cancer-free life.
The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2014, nearly 157,000 new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) were diagnosed. In the same year, there were more than 50,000 deaths. Ninety percent of people diagnosed with this cancer were older than 50. But studies have confirmed that the fastest-growing group of new colorectal cancers are those younger than 50, and those cancers mostly involve the rectum. The highest-risk ethnic risk group is African-Americans. The incidence rate of CRC among African-Americans is 25 percent higher than Caucasians, and the mortality rate is 50 percent higher than Caucasians. Other racial groups come in behind Caucasians for rates of colon cancer.
The Colon’s Description and Function
The colon, also known as the large intestine, is the last part of the digestive system. There are four main parts of the colon -- the ascending colon, which runs up the right side of the abdomen. The transverse colon, which runs right to left across the abdomen, follows. The descending colon travels down the left side of the abdomen. Finally, the sigmoid colon is a short, upward and right-curving segment that ends in the rectum.
The function of the colon is to complete the digestive process. As such, it reabsorbs fluids and prepares wastes in the body for elimination. So relatively speaking, the colon is a repository of toxins until they are flushed from the body.