10 Colon Cancer Symptoms
Colon cancer is a type of gastrointestinal cancer that can affect the final part of the digestive tract, the large intestine. In some cases, it can also be referred to as colorectal cancer, because the rectum can also be affected. Importantly, in the US, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and third most common cause of cancer-related mortality in men and women.
Colorectal cancer is a preventable disease. Risk factors include age (≥ 50 yo), diet (i.e. high in red meats and animal fat, low in fiber, fruits and vegetables), genetic predisposition, obesity, low physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake. Most of these factors can be modified by following professional lifestyle recommendations. However, early detection through screening programs is just as important to reduce colon cancer mortality.
