Ohio Parents: Are You Aware of Your Risk for Colon Cancer?
As a loving and devoted parent, there’s no doubt in your mind that you’d do literally anything for your child. A career change so you can spend more time at home with them? Absolutely. Sacrificing that half-eaten cookie to their hungry mouths? Consider it done. But what about your health? Are you doing everything in your power to help ensure you’ll actually be around for your little one in the coming years?
The fact is, many people tend to ignore the red flags their bodies are giving them, instead turning their focus to the many other things that are vying for their attention on a daily basis. Sure, you might go to the doctor if you’re running a fever. Or maybe you’d quiz your pharmacist if you’ve got mysterious aches and pains in your back. Yet when you start to notice changes in your bowel habits, suddenly you’re turning a blind eye to it.
As it stands, colon cancer is one of the more survivable types of cancer that can affect a person. However, in order to actually beat this very serious and potentially lethal disease, you first need to be aware of it so you can seek out treatment for it. Regardless of how healthy you think you may be, it’s essential to take signs of colon cancer seriously – if not for your own wellbeing, then for your kids’ sake.
Who Can Get Colon Cancer?
It’s a fairly common misconception that only elderly people and men can develop colon cancer. Instead, colorectal cancer can strike anyone, at any time in their lives. While it’s true that the majority of cases do occur in older adults, nearly 18,000 people under the age of 50 will receive a diagnosis of colon cancer this year. In addition, colon cancer can affect both men and women at almost the same rate (4.0% and 4.3%, respectively), meaning that nobody is immune to it.
In the state of Ohio, colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, surpassed by only lung and bronchus cancer. Nearly 6,000 Ohioans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer annually, and of those numbers, over 2,200 of them will perish from it. Sadly, Ohio’s mortality rate from colon and rectum cancer is a tragically high 15.1 per 100,000 people, a staggering 10% higher than the average U.S. rate.
The Early Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Unfortunately, colon cancer is considered a type of “silent” cancer, meaning that it generally does not present any warning signs of its presence. Symptoms may not start to occur until the disease has progressed and started to spread, and by the time it’s reached that point, the five-year survival rate may drop from 91% down to as low as 14%. The only way of detecting it, therefore, is either through a fit test or a colonoscopy through your physician.
Nonetheless, it’s especially important to be aware of any of these common signs of colon cancer:
- Changes in your bowel habits
- Blood in your stools
- Stomach discomfort (such a pain, fullness, or gas)
- Narrow stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Constant or unexplained fatigue
- Vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea
If you start to notice any of these symptoms, it’s critical that you seek out treatment for it right away. There is also a fairly significant genetic component to colon cancer, and research has indicated that up to 10% of types of colon cancer may be hereditary. Furthermore, if you have a history of irritable bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or colitis), then your chances of developing colorectal cancer can be sharply increased.
Treatment Options for Colon Cancer
The progression of colon cancer is usually measured in stages, with the earliest ones being called “stage 0” and the more advanced stages going as high as stage IV. Depending on the stage of the cancer itself, the treatment options can vary. For instance, if the cancer is detected at an earlier stage, the treatment may be much less invasive. For more advanced stages, however, the treatment may be more intensive.
If your doctor finds colon cancer while it’s still in stage 0 or stage I, they may just recommend a polypectomy (removing the polyps) during a colonoscopy. They may also advise laparoscopic surgery if they are unable to remove the polyps through a polypectomy. There is also the possibility of an endoscopic mucosal resection, which involves removing a small part of the inner lining of the colon.
For more advanced stages of colon cancer, your surgeon may advise a partial colectomy (taking out part of the colon) to remove the affected portion of the organ. They may also advise other treatment options, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy (which is often used in combination with chemotherapy), and immunotherapy. And finally, if the cancer has progressed too far, the only treatment option may be palliative care.
Staying Safe and Healthy in Ohio
For those of us who are fortunate enough to call the beautiful state of Ohio our home, there’s so many reasons to love living here. From the beautiful weather we get to the friendliness of our neighbors, there’s truly no better place to raise your family. And by staying mindful of your colon health and being proactive about early detection, you can help ensure that you may enjoy a rich and full life right here in the Buckeye State.
