Truemors
By Albert N. Milliron, Editor Politisite.com
Tony Snow, former White House Press Secretary Died to day at 53 years old. His diagnosis was Colon Cancer. While other news folks at NowPublic have the story covered. I thought it was a good time to talk about the disease that caused Tony to does at such an early age. In the following paragraphs you will find prevention tips, early warning signs, and medical procedures that can detect the disease in its early stages This is one form of cancer, that of detected early can be treated effectively.
The most problematic component of early detection is culture and stigma. Men in the United States appear to refrain from going to a Doctor until there is a debilitating event. Men, on average, die at a younger sage then woman. One of the possible reasons for this is Mens lack of getting psychical checkups during their lifetime. There are many reasons for this including time.
The writer has was diagnosed with Chrohns Disease in 1994. Chrohns is an auto0immune disease that effect the colon. This disease requires that a colonoscopy is performed every 2 years to monitor if the diseased areas have converted to cancer.
The American Medical Association is recommending that Men and Woman get a colonoscopy beginning at 50 years old. Many medical professional have lowered that age to 40 or 45 years old.
Colon cancer is one of the most common, and yet preventable, cancers. To help protect yourself and your loved ones from the disease, follow these ten colon cancer prevention tips.
Here are 10 cancer prevention steps. (This article will be updated thoughout the day)
1. Go to a doctor if you have any colon cancer symptoms.Usually, colon cancer doesn't have any symptoms. However, in the later stages, symptoms may include thin stools, cramping, unexplained weight loss, and bloody stools. (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)
2. If you're 50 or older, schedule a colon cancer screening.Then actually go to the appointment. More than 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are 50 or older and the average age of diagnosis is 64. Research indicates that by age 50, one in four people has polyps (colon cancer precursors). Getting screened is an excellent colon cancer prevention method. (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)
3. Eat a balanced diet.Diets high in fat and cholesterol (especially from animal sources) have been linked to increased colon cancer risk. High-fiber diets, however, have shown a protective effect. (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)
4. Maintain a healthy weight.All other things equal, obese men seem to be more at risk for colon cancer than obese women. Also, certain body types seem to influence risk more than others. Studies indicate that extra fat in the waist (an apple shape) increases colon cancer risk more than extra fat in the thighs or hips (a pear shape). (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)
5. Maintain an active lifestyle.Research indicates that exercising can reduce colon cancer risk by as much as 40 percent. Exercise also tends to reduce the incidence of other risk factors for colon cancer, like obesity and diabetes. (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)
6. Consider genetic counseling.People who carry genetic mutations linked to hereditary colon cancer are the most likely to develop the disease. If someone in your family has FAP or HNPCC, or if you're of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, you should seriously consider adding genetic counseling to your colon cancer prevention plan. (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)
7. Learn your family medical history.Did you know your family medical history can impact your chances of developing colon cancer? When discussing colon cancer prevention with your doctor, remember to mention if family members have had polyps or colon cancer. Other cancers (such as stomach, liver, and bone) may also be relevant. (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)
8. Talk to a doctor about your personal medical history.As you may have guessed, discussing your own medical history is extremely important when it comes to colon cancer prevention. Sometimes we feel like doctors aren't interested in what we have to say, so we try to answer their questions as quickly and succinctly as possible. But it's alright - and advisable - to talk about your health history. Of particular concern are polyps, certain cancers, and chronic inflammation of the bowel - all of which can increase the risk of developing colon cancer. (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)
9. Don't smoke.Yes, it's a risk factor for colon cancer too. Smoking increases your risk for two main reasons. First, inhaled or swallowed tobacco smoke transports carcinogens to the colon. Second, tobacco use appears to increase polyp size. (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)
10. Reduce radiation exposure.Is radiation really relevant to colon cancer prevention? The short answer is yes. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, colon cancer has been caused by doses of about 1,000 millisieverts. So, what the heck is a millisievert and how do you keep from racking up 1,000 of them? (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)
If you'd like to share this article with others, feel free to print the Colon Cancer Prevention pamphlet.
The Writer is not a medical Doctor. Please consult your family doctor about this article. Do not make major changes with out first consulting with a health care professional.
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (2)
at 09:30 on July 12th, 2008
Today is one word.
at 18:29 on February 18th, 2009
Out of all the cancer prevention tips stated above, I would say diet plays a huge role. Most tend to want to start cutting out certain foods when switching to a healthy lifestyle, however, I like to start off by adding healthy foods.
Instead of not eating junk foods right away, just add a raw fruit and salad each day. So, each day, add a new fruit.
Regards, Osagie Irowa
"I believe in Cancer Prevention"