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Millennial diagnosis -

According to some doctors, colorectal cancer, which affects the colon and rectum, is on the uptick among the millennial generation (born 1981-1996).

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Colorectal cancer -

Colorectal cancer is also known simply as colon cancer. The disease occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control.

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Colorectal cancer -

Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. These polyps can become cancerous over time if they're not removed.

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Abdominal pain -

Colon cancer can sometimes cause abdominal or pelvic pain, which might be misinterpreted as something else. When a colon tumor increases in size, it puts pressure on the surrounding biology.

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Abdominal pain -

This pressure can cause discomfort or pain, as the tumor invades organs and tissues in the pelvic cavity. However, pelvic pain on its own is not an immediate warning sign. Look for accompanying symptoms.

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Fatigue - When you are suffering from chronic fatigue that is not alleviated with rest, something isn't right. The fatigue associated with colon cancer differs from regular feelings of tiredness.

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Fatigue -

It's been described as a "paralyzing" lack of energy, occurring due to cancer cells diverting energy resources in the body. It's important not to dismiss ongoing feelings of fatigue.

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Anemia -

Colon cancer can cause slow, chronic bleeding within the lining of the colon, which leads to iron deficiency anemia. Tiredness, weakness, and fatigue are the signs of anemia, as well as a pale appearance.

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Stool changes -

Strange changes to your stool can be a sign of colon cancer. Constipation, diarrhea, and the stool's color can act as early warning signs, with dark or black stools indicative of possible bleeding in the upper digestive tract.

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Stool changes -

The shape and size of your stool can also provide clues about the health of your colon. A narrow stool has been associated with colon cancer, but it's also the symptom of other, less serious conditions.

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Stool changes -

Of course, one of the more obvious symptoms is blood in the stool. This is never normal, and you should contact your healthcare provider if it happens. It should be noted, however, that it's also possibly due to something less serious.

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Bloating -

Uncomfortable bloating and heaviness, and feeling as though you need to use the bathroom urgently without relief (tenesmus), can be signs of colon cancer.

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Loss of appetite -

A loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or more in the space of six months are symptoms of colon cancer to pay attention to.

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Vomiting - Persistent nausea and vomiting, for no apparent reason, is a possible symptom of colon cancer.

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Risk factors -

Your risk of getting cancer naturally increases with age. However, there are a number of other risk factors, coupled with an increase in the number of younger people falling ill with colon cancer.

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Family history -

There is evidence that colon cancer is hereditary. If your family has a history of colon cancer, it's in your interest to have regular checkups and begin screening for colorectal cancer before age 50.

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Obesity -

Being overweight or obese raises the risk of colorectal cancer in both women and men, although the risk is higher for men.

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Inactive lifestyle -

Leading a sedentary lifestyle, i.e. people who don't exercise regularly or who spend a lot of the day sitting/lying down, means a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.

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Processed foods -

If your diet is high in red meat and processed foods, it increases your risk of colon cancer. In contrast, a fiber-rich diet may reduce the risk of colon cancer.

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Smoking -

Smoking is best known for its link to lung cancer, but as a carcinogen it can also contribute to a number of other cancers in the body, including colon cancer.

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Heavy alcohol consumption -

Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption is linked to colon cancer. Limiting alcohol to no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women has health benefits, while going completely without will help reduce your susceptibility to a range of undesirable health issues.

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Inflammation and IBS -

Inflammation in the body is now recognized as a hallmark of cancer. Increased inflammation can be linked to a higher risk of colon cancer.

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Ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease -

Patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease need to be especially vigilant about screenings for colorectal cancer, as they are at higher risk than the general population.

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Gut microbiome -

The state of the gut microbiome could also be a contributing factor, particularly where there has been damage to it due to excessive or unnecessary antibiotic use.

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Gut microbiome -

The gut is a complex ecosystem of trillions of beneficial bacteria and microorganisms. Gut immunity plays an important role in overall immunity, and could become impaired due to a number of lifestyle factors including bad diet and a sedentary lifestyle.

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Fit and healthy -

However, even fit and healthy individuals, particularly millennials, are being diagnosed. Screening is now advised to begin earlier.

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Screening -

Screening involves a colonoscopy, and the survival rate of this cancer depends on the stage it's found. Due to the general nature of symptoms, in a lot of cases it's quite far along before diagnosis occurs.

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Awareness -

Awareness of the earliest or silent symptoms of colorectal cancer could help you receive diagnosis at an earlier stage, when outcomes are better. Pay attention, and consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Sources: (CNA Lifestyle) (News Network) (CDC) (HealthMatch) (Texas Health Resources)

See also: Do you know the warning signs of stomach cancer?

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