Alarm Men! Beware Of Colon Cancer!

Did you know that men are more prone to be effected by colon cancer than women? This sounds scary but it is true. A study conducted by the national cancer institute released reports that proved the most horrifying fact that colon cancer is the third most common cancer in US men.

Definition
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the large intestine otherwise called as the colon. This is said to be one of the most common types of cancer.
About colon
The colon in human beings is a muscular tube-shaped organ that is about four feet long. This extends from the end of small bowel to the anus twisting and turning through the abdomen.

Its functions
• Digests and absorbs nutrients from food
• Concentrates on fecal material by absorbing electrolytes from it
• Stores and controls evacuation of fecal material

Cancer
The phenomenon of transformation of normal cells where they grow and multiply abnormally is called as cancer. Mostly, cancers affecting the colon are adenocarcinomas tumors. They develop from the glands lining the colon’s inner wall and these are also referred to as colorectal cancer as in most of the cases, the rectum is also affected.

Symptoms
Surprisingly, the symptoms of colon cancer are not always obvious and in most of the cases, people with this cancer often have no symptoms at all in the early stages. However, gathering knowledge of the disease is very important. These can be some symptoms of this cancer: bleeding from your rectum, blood in your stool or in the toilet after you have a bowel movement, a change in the shape or consistency of your stool, constipation lasting for several days, cramping pain in your lower stomach, a feeling of discomfort or an urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need to have one, weakness or fatigue and unintended weight loss.

Causes
Though there are no exact details about the signs of colon cancer, one of the reasons is the genetic mutation.
Colon cancer in men
After lung and prostrate cancers in men, colorectal cancer is ranked as the third that causes death. According to global facts and reports, it is the third leading cause of cancer in men.

Houston Colon cancer doctor / Houston colon cancer specialist
Houston colon cancer doctors or specialists have proven good track record in treating colorectal cancer. Doctors like gastroenterologist, a surgeon, a medical oncologist and a radiation oncologist; similarly, medical specialists like colorectal surgeon, a gastroenterologist, a gastrointestinal surgeon, a general surgeon, a genetic counselor, a medical geneticist, a medical oncologist, an oncology nurse, a pathologist, a radiation oncologist and a surgical oncologist may be involved in diagnosis, treatment or management of colon cancer.

Preventive measures
As the symptoms of this cancer are not obvious, it is advisable to go for regular screening once an individual reaches 50 and this is an important investment in your healthy future. Most importantly, for those with a family history of this cancer, going for a genetic counseling and testing is a must.