Unfortunately it is not known what causes these polyps to become cancerous but there are a number of associated colon cancer risks. Age is a major risk factor with over three quarters of bowel cancers occurring in people who are over 60 years old. Diet is another significant bowel cancer risk factor with excessive consumption of red meats and alcohol and a low fibre intake all linked to the development of this cancer. Other factors that increase your risk of contracting this cancer include a family history of the disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, a lack of exercise and smoking.

If cancer does develop it is often accompanied by a number of symptoms. These colon cancer symptoms are often quite mild in the beginning but get worse as the cancer grows. Some of the symptoms are directly associated with the growth of the cancer and include abdominal pain, bloody stools, changing bowel movements and rectal bleeding. Rectal bleeding in particular is one of the most common symptoms so if you notice any bleeding from this area you should consult your doctor immediately. Other less obvious symptoms include unexplained tiredness and weight loss.

If you suspect that you have bowel cancer based on the above symptoms you should consult your doctor immediately. They will then be able to perform the necessary tests. The first test is usually a rectal exam where your doctor will feel for any lumps or swollen polyps using a gloved finger. Your doctor may then recommend a colonoscopy, which involves the passing of a small fibre optic camera into your anus, so that they can visual examine your colon.

Surgery is the most common treatment for bowel cancer with the procedure attempting to extract the cancerous cells from the colon and then stitch it back together. Chemotherapy (the use of anti-cancer medications) and radiotherapy (the use of high energy radiation beams) are sometimes used as colon cancer treatments but are more commonly used to help shrink the cancerous cells prior to surgery and then to reduce the risk of the cancer returning after surgery.

Although this cancer can be treated, prevention is a much more attractive and uncomplicated option, plus it is not that difficult It simply involves making a few positive lifestyle changes. Exercising regularly is believed to reduce your risk by as much as 40%. Reducing your red meat and alcohol intake whilst eating more fruits, vegetables and other fibre rich foods can also help prevent colon cancer. Giving up smoking is another important lifestyle change for the prevention of both bowel cancer and other cancers too.

1. Instill healthy habits. Colon cancer usually takes time to develop. Hence you should not wait till you notice the symptoms of colon cancer before starting to adopt healthy habits. Healthy habits include having balanced diet, regular exercise and ensuring that you have an adequate amount of sleep.

Additionally, you should definitely think of including more fiber in your diet. Fat accumulates on the walls of the intestine and rectum. These form lumps of dead cells which can pose a threat to you. For fiber, ensure that your diet includes lots of green vegetables, fruits and water.

Make it a point to exercise a few times a week. Exercise is wonderful for flushing out harmful toxins and waste matter. If they are left accumulated in your body, the toxins can cause cancerous growth.

2. You should take note of your family medical history, since colon cancer is a genetic disease that is hereditary. If you really do belong to the high risk category due to your family history, then all the more you should take extra precautions by leading a lifestyle based on wellness.

3. Quit smoking. Chain smoking raises your chance to developing colon cancer. Inhaling tobacco can easily transfer carcinogen (a cancer agent) to your colon and rectum, thus resulting in colon cancer. Smoking also brings about many other health threats. Hence, you should quit smoking as a top priority.

4. Reduce exposure to radiation. Excessive exposure to radiation has been found to cause colon cancer. Radiation rays are harmful and can cause healthy normal cells to be abnormal. You should make it a point to avoid unnecessary X-rays, CT scans, mammograms.

5. If you find yourself having symptoms like eczema, frequent flu, allergies, weak immune system, poor movement of bowels, low energy levels, bloating, etc, then these signs may be indicative of too much toxins in your body. The only way to get rid of these toxins is to perform colon cleansing before they pose a problem. There are a few ways to perform colon cleansing; including consuming colon cleansing herbs and colon hydrotherapy. You can consult with a natural health expert for more detailed advice.

Colon Cancer is generally cause by wrong way of living. It is very essential for everybody to make a lifestyle change to decrease your risk of getting it. Keep in mind that prevention is way better than to cure. These simple precautions can help you avoid cancer.