Bowel Cancer
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer is a very common cancer that is very slow to develop. There are many thousands of people diagnosed every year with bowel cancer, mainly over the age of 60. Some of the symptoms of bowel cancer can include changes in the bowel habits such as consistent diarrhea or constipation, blood or mucus in the stool, fatigue and weight loss and /or pain or lump in the abdomen.
Researchers are still trying to discover the exact cause of bowel cancer. They do know of some factors that put you at a greater risk. Through research, they have discovered that diet can be a major factor; high animal fat and protein diets that are low in fiber create a greater risk of developing bowel cancer. Those who drink alcohol in large quantities are also at a greater risk. And those that have a family history of bowel cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease and should be checked regularly.
If you ever suspect you have symptoms, see your doctor right away. Better be safe than sorry as the saying goes. If you can catch bowel cancer in the early stages, there is a better chance of controlling the disease from progressing further. If you do go to the doctor, he will do some tests to see what is causing the symptoms.
There are 3 tests that can diagnose cancer, these are done by specialist in the hospital;
A barium enema is an x-ray of the large bowel after a mixture of barium and air are passed through the rectum into the bowel. The doctor watches the barium pass through the bowel on the screen which will allow him to see any abnormal areas.
A Sigmoidoscopy, also known as a proctoscopy, is where the doctor pumps air into the bowel, then inserts a tube with a tiny light and camera, passing through the bowel looking for anything abnormal. It is uncomfortable, but not painful, and is done while the patient is awake.
A colonoscopy is done by a specialist who will take a look at the entire length of the large bowel. They bowel needs to be empty and the patient is under anesthesia during the entire process. The doctor will use a long flexible tube with a light and camera looking for abnormal areas, polyps and swelling. They will take samples as well as photos inside the bowel.
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