Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths in developed countries. Hundreds of thousands of people die every year from colon cancer. It is a preventable disease. Rare cases of colon cancer are caused by inherited disease but in the majority of people, it starts as benign tumor that grows in the colon as we get older. As time goes by, these benign tumors turn malignant and eventually spread and cause death.
The benign tumors of the colon are called polyps. Colon polyps cause no symptoms. That is why there is no early warning signs for colon cancer. As the benign tumors turn malignant they start causing signs. The most common early sign of colon cancer is bleeding. Most of the time the bleeding is very little that can’t be seen or noticed except by specific tests. That slow gut bleeding eventually cause anemia and low iron level in the blood. Therefore the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in elderly men and non menstruating elderly women is colon cancer. Some of the symptoms of colon tumors include change of bowel habits, progressive constipation, rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. Typically the systems appear in advanced cases. The most efficient tool in dealing with colon cancer is prevention. Colonoscopy is the gold standard in preventing colon cancer. This is simply by early detection and removal of polyps. When the polys are removed, the risk of colon cancer developing in these polyps is gone. There are other less optimal diagnostic tools including radiology and stools genetic tests.
In all developed countries, colonoscopy is indicated for everyone at 50 years old. In some countries screening colonoscopy starts as early as 45 years old as it is the case in USA. If no polyps are detected, the colonoscopy is repeated every ten years. If polyps are found and removed, the colonoscopy is repeated sooner. The timing of repeat depends on the nature of the polyps as well as the size and number of polyps. Therefore anyone 45 years old or older should have a colonoscopy. Get your done!
About the Author — Dr. Akram Ismail, MD is a Gastroenterology Specialist (Stomach & Bowel Specialist) in Clermont, FL and has over 41 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from AIN SHAMS University / faculty of medicine in 1981. Practicing as a gastroenterologist in Leesburg, FL, Dr. Akram Ismail treats digestive issues, such as irregularity or inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Akram Ismail affiliates with no hospital, cooperates with many other doctors and specialists in medical group Tri County Professional Management Inc. Dr. Akram Ismail served as President and Senior Associate of Professional Gastroenterology & Surgery Associates in Leesburg, Florida.
