Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States and the second most common cause of cancer death. Last year about 150,000 people were diagnosed with colon cancer, and about 51,000 people died from it.
What is colon cancer?
The colon and rectum are part of the large intestine. Colorectal cancer occurs when tumors form in the lining of the large intestine. It is common in both men and women. The risk of developing colorectal cancer rises after age 50. You're also more likely to get it if you have colorectal polyps, a family history of colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, eat a diet high in fat, or smoke.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer include
Diarrhea or constipation
A feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
Blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool
Stools that are narrower than usual
Frequent gas pains or cramps, or feeling full or bloated
Weight loss with no known reason
Fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Preventing colon cancer
Unfortunately, colon cancer is not preventable. We estimate that about 1 in every 24 people in the United States will develop colon cancer. However, there are things you can do to lower your risk. Because you may not have symptoms at first, it's important to have screening tests. Everyone over 50 should get screened. Regular screening allows doctors to remove polyps that might become cancer in the future. Physical activity, aspirin (in some genetically susceptible patients) and a healthy diet have been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Now, however, a study published in The Lancet suggests that metformin may actually reduce the risk of colon cancer also. This was a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized phase 3 trial in people without diabetes.
Click here for information on how to get Metformin.
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