Page 5 - May 2018 HLN

Your guide to local health and wellness resources in the Lake Nona community.
The Medical City Resource Guide

COLON CANCER RISK FACTORS COLORECTAL CANCER SYMPTOMS
No one knows the exact causes of colon cancer. Doctors Colorectal cancer first develops with few, if any, symptoms.
often cannot explain why one person develops this disease It is important not to wait for symptoms before talking to
and another does not. However, it is clear that colon cancer your doctor about getting screened. However, if symptoms
is not contagious. No one can catch this disease from are present, they may include:
another person.
• A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or
Research has shown that people with certain risk factors constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool
are more likely than others to develop colon cancer. A • Feeling that your bowel does not empty completely, rectal
risk factor is something that may increase the chance of bleeding, or finding blood (either bright red or very dark) in
developing a disease. your stool

Studies have found the following risk factors for colon • Finding your stools are narrower than usual
cancer:
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas,
Age over 50: colon cancer is more likely to occur as pain, or feeling full or bloated
people get older. More than 90 percent of people with this • Losing weight with no known reason
disease are diagnosed after age 50. The average age at
diagnosis is 72. • Weakness or fatigue
• Having nausea or vomiting
colon polyps: Polyps are growths on the inner wall of the
colon or rectum. They are common in people over age These symptoms can also be associated with many other
50. Most polyps are benign (not cancer), but some polyps health conditions. Only your doctor can determine why
(adenomas) can become cancer. Finding and removing you’re having these symptoms. Usually, early cancer does
polyps may reduce the risk of colon cancer. not cause pain. It is important not to wait to feel pain before
seeing a doctor.
Family history of colon cancer: Close relatives (parents,
brothers, sisters, or children) of a person with a history
of colon cancer are somewhat more likely to develop this
disease themselves, especially if the relative had the
cancer at a young age. If many close relatives have a
history of colon cancer, the risk is even greater.
Genetic alterations: Changes in certain genes increase
the risk of colon cancer.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

If you notice any symptoms of
colon cancer, such as blood

in your stool or a persistent
change in bowel habits, make an

appointment with your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about when
you should begin screening

for colon cancer. Guidelines generally recommend colon cancer

screenings begin at age 50. Your doctor may recommend more
frequent or earlier screening if you have other risk factors, such as

a family history of the disease.

Discover more resources at www.healthylakenona.com 5
Discover more resources at www.healthylakenona.com 5