Due to sedentary lifestyles and wrong eating habits, cases of stomach cancer are also increasing rapidly among the youth. Stomach or bowel cancer occurs when a tumour starts growing in the stomach or intestine. It occurs in the large intestine of the stomach. It usually begins as small clumps of cells called polyps, which form on the inside of the intestine. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancer. Stomach cancer does not form immediately but develops slowly over years. It starts in the inner lining of the stomach before becoming serious. In the beginning, it does not show any symptoms. This is the reason why it takes time to find out. The causes, symptoms, and outcomes of colon cancer can vary. It depends on which part of the abdomen it started. With timely screening and recognizing the symptoms, doctors can help prevent colon cancer by removing polyps before they turn into cancer.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
There are no early signs or symptoms of colon cancer. Although experts believe that when there is cancer in the stomach, some of its symptoms can be seen on the outer skin, especially on the mouth. Symptoms such as small raised lumps on the skin, swelling and peeling of the skin may be felt. Apart from this, you may also have itching in the skin. It is believed that these symptoms appearing in the mouth can usually be the initial stages of the disease. In addition to skin symptoms, early symptoms of colon cancer include loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and abdominal discomfort or bloating. Other symptoms of the disease include malaise, indigestion, nausea and vomiting, which may be with or without blood. If you can feel full after eating a little, this can also be a sign. Apart from this, low haemoglobin can also be a sign of colon cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, a person may suddenly need to go to the toilet four or five times a day when the intestines are affected, which is the biggest symptom. If you do not feel relief even after having a bowel movement, it could be a sign of a tumour.
Who is at risk of colon cancer?
The problem of stomach cancer can also be genetic. If someone in your family had this cancer before the age of 40 or 50, you are at higher risk. You should have a colonoscopy about five years before you reach this age. After that, you should have a colonoscopy every three to five years. Apart from this, obesity, alcohol, smoking, unhealthy lifestyle and unbalanced diet are major factors.
How does cancer spread in the body?
There are three ways for cancer to spread in the body. If it spreads through tissue, cancer will spread by growing in nearby areas. Second, cancer can spread from where it started by entering your lymphatic system. Once there, it easily travels through the lymph vessels to other parts of your body. Third, if cancer spreads through the blood, it can travel through your blood vessels to other parts of the body.
Which food items increase the risk of colon cancer?
Bad eating habits can be the main cause of stomach cancer. If you frequently eat outside food, processed food, meat, etc., its risk increases more. Apart from this, not eating fibre, and consuming high starch and carbohydrate foods can also cause this. Keep in mind that sugar and flour are the biggest enemies of the stomach. Apart from these, low consumption of fruits and vegetables is also associated with its risk. Smoking can also increase the chances of gastric cancer.
