Men's Health: Colon Cancer aka Colorectal Cancer

 
What is Colon Cancer?

This is a cancer of the "colon" or "rectum," which is located at the lower end of your digestive tract or large intestine.

 

What are some of the causes?
  • Family history
  • 50 years or older (sometimes younger)
  • Inactive lifestyle
  • Overweight/Obese
  • Diet HIGH in animal fat, LOW in fiber
  • Chronic Inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis

(The last cause listed is usually the result of the diet listed above, as well as excessive use of dairy products and high amounts of sugar.)

 

What are the common symptoms?

A persistent change in your bowel habits, including the following:

  • Diarrhea or constipation and change in the consistency of your stool
  • Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
  • Persistent abdominal discomfort such as gas, pain, or cramps
  • Feeling like your bowel doesn’t empty completely
  • Weakness or fatigue and unexplained weight loss
 
Tips to help prevent Colon Cancer:
  • Eat a diet LOW in animal fat/dairy products
  • Eat a diet HIGH in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Incorporate thirty minutes of consistent exercise into your daily routine
  • Maintain a healthy weight based on your  body structure, height and age

 

For more information visit www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer.html

 

 

 

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