Intestinal cancer is a serious medical condition affecting millions of people across the globe. The sad thing here is that there are only a few who can survive this ailment.
It is because the cancer has been detected too late for it to get cured or patients can’t afford to go to a hospital and undergo treatments.
One of the most common cancers that most people usually get is the colon cancer.
It is an intestinal cancer where a cancerous cell grows in the rectum, appendix and colon. These are like mushroom-shaped cells which are usually detected at first as benign, but can develop into cancer.
Cancer cells that are diagnosed as invasive are usually located in the colon wall. These can be cured through surgery. Sometimes, if detected late it can spread to the areas of your lymph nodes.
It can be treated by chemotherapy and surgery but when the cancer cells from intestinal cancer reaches the fourth stage, it can’t be treated anymore. However, undergoing chemotherapy can improve chances of survival.
Signs and symptoms of intestinal cancer can be experienced during the early stage of the cancer cells. That is why regularly screening is advisable to people who are prone to intestinal cancer.
Below are the signs and symptoms of intestinal cancer. If you experience two or four of these symptoms for over two weeks, you must immediately seek the help of your doctor:
- Constipation
- Stools with dark or bright red spots
- Weight loss even if you are not on a diet
- Unexplained tiredness and inactivity
- Appetite loss
- Vomiting and nausea happening too often
You can save yourself of having this killer cancer. Just like with other diseases, it can be prevented in many ways. To protect yourself from intestinal cancer, consider doing the following:
- If you experience any of the symptoms above, immediately seek the help of your doctor. Don’t just ignore what you are feeling; you’ll never know those signs will silently kill you without your knowing it.
- For people who are fifty years old and older, set an appointment with your doctor for an intestinal cancer screening. Most of the people who are diagnosed of having this cancer fall under this age bracket. An intestinal cancer screening can detect early signs of this disease. If proven positive, this gives you ample time to get treatments before the condition worsens.
- Having a healthy diet can also prevent having cancer in the intestines. Avoid eating foods that are high in cholesterol and fat. Instead, increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, including those rich in fiber like cereals and whole grains. Drinking plenty of water daily also detoxifies the colon and keeps it clean.
- Stay fit by watching your weight carefully. People who are obese are at higher risk of having this disease. Those extra fat located on the waist are dangerous because they can help increase your risk of developing an intestinal cancer.
