Colon Cancer Symptoms in Women and Men

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What are colon cancer symptoms in women and men? The familiar cancer that starts and occurs in the colon is called as colon cancer. It and rectal cancer (cancer that begins its progress from rectum) are usually referred into one package what we call as colorectal cancer. In other words, colorectal cancer is the term used to a cancer or condition that affects the colon and rectum of the digestive tract system. Read also stages of colon cancer!

Overall, the risk of colorectal cancer is equal either in men or women, although in many cases men usually have higher risk of rectal cancer, while women are more likely to developcolon cancer. Check in here to find out the position or location of your colon and rectum in your digestive system!

What is actually colon cancer?

As mentioned before, it is a kind of cancer that attacks the lower part of the digestive tract system (colon or familiar known as the large intestine). In many cases, this cancer starts with what we call as adenomatous polyps (noncancerous clumps of cells).

Then some of those polyps will develop to be harmful cells of cancer over time. Therefore, if you in doubt whether or not have colon cancer -- see a doctor promptly. Your doctor may recommend to take a  regular screening test to identify and monitor the existing of these polyps before developing to be cells of cancer.

What are risk factors for colon cancer?

It is not too bad idea to learn and know also some risk factor of colon cancer before discussing more about colon cancer symptoms in men and women.

Risk factors of colon cancer are conditions or factors that put you at higher risk of this disease, which may include:

1. People with family history of this cancer or other conditions associated with colorectal cancer or colon cancer.
2. Elderly, particularly for people who are over 50 years of old. And adenoma polyps are fairly common to be found in elderly people.
3. Personal history of certain conditions. People who have had colon cancer may experience the disease a second time. Some studies found that women who experience uterine, ovarian, or breast cancer may also have higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Furthermore, if you have personal history of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitics (a kind of chronic inflammatory conditions), then you may also higher risk of developing colon cancer or colorectal cancer.
4. Bad habits! Many experts also believe that there are also some lifestyle factors that may increase your risk, and some of these bad habits are poor exercise, smoking, and high intake of alcohol. Bad diets, particularly for one that makes you eat high calories & fat - and poor in fiber may also put you at higher risk. Moreover, being overweight also could be another factor that may increase your risk of developing this cancer.
5. Diabetes! If you have type-1 or type-2 diabetes, then you may have a chance for about 30-40% of having colon cancer.

Symptoms of colon cancer in women and men

Like mentioned before, women are more likely to develop colon cancer, but this doesn’t mean this cancer cannot occur in men!

In the early stages, many individuals with colon cancer don’t have any symptoms or signs. And if the symptoms are present, they will likely vary which usually closely influenced by the cancer’s location and size in the large intestine.

There are some common signs of colon cancer, either in women or men, which may include:

1. Some changes in the bowel habits, which may include constipation or diarrhea. People with this disease may also experience a change in their stool’s consistency.
2. Patients may also find blood (rectal bleeding) in their stool.
3. Patients may also experience abdominal bloating, pain or cramps, or other abdominal discomforts.
4. A discomfort feeling that cannot empty completely the bowel.
5. Easy to get fatigue or weakness.
6. And patients with colon cancer or colorectal cancer may also experience problems in weight loss, and they usually don’t know the clearly causes of their weight loss.

However, the diagnosis of this disease may not be enough just through the signs or symptoms that you experience. Therefore, for clearly diagnosis and more detailed information about colon cancer symptoms in women and men, talk and discuss with your doctor!
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Reference: WebMD and MayoClinic