People Power leader and Former President Cory Aquino was recently diagnosed with a colon cancer. The news did not only shocked the country but also heightened the awareness for colon cancer. By the way, colon cancer is among the top killer diseases in the world.
The colon is part of the digestive system and is known as the large intestine or large bowel. It is about 3 to 5 feet long, while the rectum is a few inches from the anus. This is where partly digested food from the small intestine goes. Waste is being removed through the anus.
Colon cancer starts with cancerous polyps (adenomas) that grow on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. Most polyps are found to be benign, but some can develop into full-blown cancer cells. Finding and removing these polyps may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
According to the Cancer Institute, people who are mostly likely to develop a colon cancer are the following:
1. Family history of colorectal cancer: Close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters, or children)
2. People aged 50 and above.
3. Genetic alterations
4. Personal history of cancer
5. Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease: A person who has had a condition that causes inflammation of the colon (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) for many years is at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
6. Diet: High in fat (especially animal fat) and low in calcium, folate, and fiber may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Also, some studies suggest that people who eat a diet very low in fruits and vegetables may have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
7. Cigarette smoking
