Colon cancer is a disease that occurs in the large intestines or rectum area. This disease occurs when abnormal cells continue to reproduce and create more abnormal cells. The abnormal cells become cancerous if they are not removed. The abnormal cells build up and create polyps in the colon. Often when the polyps are not removed from the colon they become cancerous.
Screening for Colon Cancer
Doctors often recommend that their patients be screened for cancer of the colon. Many doctors will recommend a screening to individuals who are over the age of 50; however, if a person says www.stuartakermanmd.com he is having symptoms the doctor may suggest a screening earlier than age 50. Anyone who is at risk of developing this disease should be screened for it.
A cancer screening will allow a doctor to see if the colon has developed any polyps. Any polyps that are discovered in the colon should be removed. Removing polyps before they become cancerous is the key to preventing colon cancer.
The removed polyps should be tested for cancer. Cancerous polyps indicate the the person has developed the disease. The person should be tested for cancer throughout his or her body if the polyps are cancerous.
Symptoms of Cancer of the Colon
Persons who experience symptoms of cancer of the colon should be screened for the disease. Symptoms of this disease include bleeding from the rectum, stools that contain blood, cramps in the abdomen area, weakness and fatigue.
These symptoms may also be related to other diseases; therefore, the doctor will ask the patient questions to decide what course of action to take. If the doctor suspects the patient has colon polyps than he will recommend screening the patient for polyps.
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