March 31: World Colon Cancer Day These 7 Warning Signs!

March 31 is World Colon Cancer Prevention Day and, with different campaigns, seeks to prevent this disease that can occur at any time.

Under the motto "Colon cancer is preventable and curable", WHO seeks to raise awareness of the world's fourth-leading cause of death.

With this date, one seeks to emphasize the performance of frequent checks and to have a balanced diet to avoid contracting the disease.

The American Cancer Society says that among the main symptoms are changes in bowel habits, the feeling of wanting to pbad, rectal bleeding or dark stools, among others.

In Colombia, there are 3,303 of which the vast majority are located in the departments of Cundinamarca (798), Antioquia (687) and Valle del Cauca with (623).

The departments most affected by this terrible pathology are: Cundinamarca, Antioquia and Valle del Cauca.

The disease can be discovered as soon as possible and for this it is very important to conduct examinations such as a colonoscopy covering the colon and rectum as a whole.

In this way, polyps of the colon can be detected, benign tumors that, if not detected early, can be cancerous.

In addition, in the case of existing polyps at early stages, it can be eliminated in the same act.

What are polypolos?

Most cases of colon cancer begin with a small group of non-cancerous (benign) cells called adenomatous polyps, according to the website .mayoclinic.org.

Over time, some of these polyps may progress to colon cancer.

Polyps can be small and cause little or no symptoms.

For this reason, doctors routinely recommend screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying and eliminating polyps before they develop into cancer.

symptoms: Many people with colon cancer have no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they are very likely to vary depending on the size and location of the cancer in the large intestine.

1. A change in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, or a change in stool consistency that lasts more than four weeks.
2. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
3. Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
4. Feel that you have not completely emptied your bowels
5. Weakness or fatigue.

When to consult the doctor?

When you see blood in the stool or continuous changes in bowel habits.

The doctor may recommend that you start screening earlier or more often if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease.

After the age of 50, it is advisable to have a colonoscopy every 4 years.