|
|
(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Being aware of your digestive system and its daily cycle can help you know when to get checked for colon cancer, according to physicians at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
“The old saying ‘listen to your gut’ holds true when it comes to your health,” says Dr. John Mansour, surgical oncologist at UT Southwestern. “If you notice differences that persist more than a week, contact your physician to be examined. Many conditions can cause digestive symptoms, but if it is cancer and you catch it early, you’ll have a better prognosis.”
Possible early symptoms that people should pay attention to include:
· A change in the diameter of your bowel movements
· Blood in your bowel movements
· Black stools
· Persistent lower abdominal pain or discomfort.
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer for both men and women – and it can be caught early. Several options for colon cancer testing are available and recommended for those 50 and older. Having a full colonoscopy has the advantage of preventing cancer by removing polyps during the procedure, before they can become cancerous.
For some people, awareness is essential even at a young age. Dr. Mansour suggests that people of any age who have a family history of colon cancer contact their physician to discuss their risk, especially those with relatives who were diagnosed under the age of 50.
###
For advertising/promo rates, call Mike McCurdy at: 877-634-9180, or email [email protected]