Symptoms of Bowel Cancer

Colon cancer or bowel cancer is the third most common type of colorectal cancer. It is caused due to a diet that is high in animal fat and protein but low in fiber, and also faulty genes that are inherited. There are also a number of bowel diseases that convert to the fatality, on account of neglect. The condition begins with the formation of polyps that are adenomatous in nature. The initially benign tumors take on a malignant form over a period of time. The common method of diagnosis is via colonoscopy, while the treatment option most sought is surgery, followed by chemotherapy.

Symptoms of Bowel Cancer:

There are a number of signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, such as:

• Bleeding from the rectum, accompanied by constipation or diarrhea.
• Sudden weight loss.
• Fatigue and low blood pressure.
• Change in the frequency and timing of bowel movement.
• Stools with mucus and/or melena.
• Bowel pain, tenderness and vomiting.
• Blood or air bubbles in the urine and vaginal discharge that is malodorous in nature.
• Anemia and palpitations due to a low hemoglobin level.
• Jaundice and liver enlargement.
• Paraneoplastic syndrome related to blood thickening.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Risk Factors:

The risks involved with the onset of bowel cancer include the formation of a malignant colonic polyp. This precursor to colorectal or bowel cancer reduces life expectancy and increases exposure to ailments that are likely to set in due to a weakened constitution. The life-threatening risk associated with this type of cancer is subject to the patient's age, genetic nature of the contraction and indulgence in vices such as smoking and consumption of intoxicants.

A person's chances of developing the disease increase also on account of the presence of adenomatous polyps in the colon and a previous history of cancer. Diet plays a major role in the exposure to bowel cancer risk. High intake of red meat and reduced consumption of fruit and vegetables increases the risk factor. The absence of appropriate physical activity also triggers the onslaught of the condition.

Clinical analysis reveals that exposure to viruses, such as the human papilloma virus results in colorectal cancer. Neglected inflammatory bowel diseases also result in the condition. Environmental factors that cause severe, adverse dietary changes play a major role in the etiology of bowel cancer. Exposure to exogenous hormones like estrogens also increases the risk of contracting colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is not always detected in the early stages. It not only takes many years to develop, but also subsequently decreases the chances of a timely cure. There are a number of tests and physical examinations that help in the diagnosis and timely treatment of bowel cancer. These include the digital rectal exam, FOBT or Fecal occult blood test, Endoscopy, Sigmoidoscopy and Colonoscopy. The treatment options available for bowel cancer include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, ileotransverse bypass, fecal diversion, laparoscopic colectomy, immunotherapy and gene therapy vaccinations.

Bowel cancer prevention or chemoprevention is possible with the help of the following precautionary measures:

• Monitored eating habits. Eating more vegetables, high in fiber and less processed meat lowers bowel cancer risk.
• Increased intake of minerals like calcium and antioxidant vitamins like vitamin E.
• Regulated weight and calorie intake. Maintaining the right body mass index or BMI helps a lot.
• Regular exercise. It most certainly decreases the risk of bowel cancer.
• Administered aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS in the process. They help to control the trigger-enzyme COX 2.