Colon Diseases
Cancer
Colon cancer is the most dangerous disease of the colon. It is the third most common cancer for men and the fourth most common cancer among women. Fortunately, it is also easily screened for with a colonoscopy, and once detected, if caught early enough it is usually treatable and has a good cure rate. The key is to catch it early. Everyone over the age of 50 should have a preventative screening for colon cancer, younger if you have other existing colon diseases. Certain other things may increase your risks of colon cancer such as a family history of colon cancer or already existing colon problems like polyps, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease.
Polyps
A polyp is just a small growth. Your doctor will remove it and test it to make sure it is not cancerous. Although polyps are usually not dangerous, they still need to be checked. Just like with colon cancer, this exam needs to be done by everyone over the age of 50 with a colonoscopy. It may need to be done at a younger age if you have other existing colon conditions.
Ulcerative Colitis
This is a disease that runs in families and starts at 15 – 30 years of age. It’s one of several diseases that are generally referred to as inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcers form in the colon and rectum area and can cause abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, joint pain, weight loss, and anemia. Some medicines can help control ulcerative colitis and only 50% of people get the more severe symptoms. In the worst cases, doctors have to take out the colon.
Crohn’s Disease
This is another of the inflammatory bowel diseases. There are many different symptoms for this disease, some which you might expect such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting and some which might not seem at all related like arthritis, eye infections, or skin rashes. Men and women suffer from Crohn’s disease equally, but smokers are more than three times more likely to get Crohn’s Disease. At this time, there is no known cause or cure, and the only treatment is to control the symptoms.
Diverticulitis
Diverticula are just small pockets that push outward from the colon and if you have these then you suffer from diverticulitis. A low fiber diet is thought to cause diverticulitis and since 50% of Americans over the age of 60 suffer from it, it is very common. Thankfully, the symptoms are easily controlled with a diet high in fiber and a pain reliever. Patients with diverticulitis have mild cramps, bloating, and trouble with bowel movements. Sometimes the diverticula can become infected and additional medical care may be required.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
This usually affects more women than men and its causes are unknown. Symptoms include problems going to the bathroom such as diarrhea or constipation, bloating, and stomach pain. This is a fairly common complaint and usually treated with a change in diet and medicine to control symptoms.
