Colon Cancer

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Colon cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they can vary, depending on the size and location of the tumor. In general, warning signs of colon cancer include a change in bowel habits; blood in your stool; persistent abdominal discomfort, such as gas, cramping or pain; weakness or fatigue; and unexplained weight loss.

Although many colon cancers develop for reasons that aren't well understood, certain factors are known to increase your risk. These factors include smoking, inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, a high-fat, low-fiber diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps. Your risk also increases with age; 90 percent of people who develop colon cancer are age 50 and older. Although cancer can also occur in younger people, it is much more common in older adults.

What sets colon cancer apart from many other types of cancer is that it is often preventable. Researchers at Mayo Clinic continue to develop more comfortable screening tests, making it easier to undergo regular exams for the disease. A few simple changes in your diet and lifestyle may also help prevent colon polyps from forming.

Read more at about colon cancer at www.MayoClinic.com.