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Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

The American Cancer Society reports that colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among adults in the U.S. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment help overcome any type of cancer, including colon cancer. One of the first things you can do if you’ve been diagnosed with colon cancer is to ask about different treatment options. The experienced gastroenterologists at Alaska Digestive and Liver Disease in Anchorage, AK, and Eagle River, AK, can explain colon cancer treatments and develop an individualized treatment plan for you.

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

Colon cancer can affect any adult man or woman, but some factors can increase a person’s risk of developing the disease. Common risk factors for colon cancer include:

  • Family history of colon cancer 
  • History of polyps in the colon
  • Having an inflammatory bowel disease 
  • Being age 50 years or older 
  • Diet high in red or processed meats
  • Moderate to heavy alcohol use 
  • Smoking tobacco products 
  • Obesity or being overweight
  • Lack of physical activity

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer does not always produce any obvious signs right away. The best way to detect this cancer early on before symptoms develop is to undergo a colonoscopy with a gastroenterologist. A colonoscopy allows the doctor to examine the lining of the colon and check for abnormalities, such as polyps or other growths. If a suspicious area is detected, a biopsy can be performed to determine if cancer cells are present. 

For patients with colon cancer, various symptoms can develop as the disease progresses. It is best to see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Persistent abdominal cramps or discomfort 
  • Changes in bowel habits (e.g., persistent constipation or diarrhea) 
  • Changes in the consistency of your stool
  • Rectal bleeding or bloody stools
  • Difficulty emptying the bowel
  • Feeling tired, weak, or fatigued
  • Unexplained weight loss

Treatments for Colon Cancer

Many methods and procedures can be used to treat colon cancer, such as surgery or chemotherapy. The knowledgeable gastroenterologists at our office in Anchorage, AK, and Eagle River, AK, can discuss your colon cancer treatment options and help you make an informed decision about what treatments to undergo. 

The specific methods and procedures recommended for you can depend on several factors, such as your overall health and what stage the cancer is in. Early-stage colon cancer can often be treated by removing malignant polyps from the colon during a colonoscopy or laparoscopic surgery. Treatment methods for more advanced colon cancer include a partial colectomy, lymph node removal, drug therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer, it is important that you explore all your treatment options. Our skilled gastroenterologists can develop an individualized treatment plan for you. Schedule a consultation to learn more about treatments for colon cancer by calling Alaska Digestive and Liver Disease in Anchorage, AK, at (907) 569-1433. For your convenience, we also have an office location in Eagle River, AK, that can be reached at the same number.

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