Colon Cancer Risk Factors
Colon cancer occurs when a growth of unhealthy cells begins in the colon or large intestine. The large intestine is the final part of the digestive system and is responsible for three important aspects of digesting food: absorbing the water and electrolytes from undigested food, forming and storing stools, and then pushing them from the body. When cancer develops in this area, it can cause several symptoms that are generally connected to using the bathroom. A 24-hour home care team can step in and help them when and where they need it, since someone will always be home with them.
Colon Cancer Symptoms
These symptoms don’t usually occur right away, so once they become prevalent, it generally means the cancer has advanced.
Common symptoms that appear when colon cancer is present include:
- Consistent cramps or gas in the belly
- Bleeding from the rectum
- A noticeable change in bowel habits, such as constipation or frequent diarrhea.
- Feeling bloated in the belly area.
- Weight loss without trying.
Colon Cancer Risk Factors
While anyone can develop colon cancer, some factors can increase the risk of your loved one having colon cancer, especially if they suffer from any of the common colon cancer symptoms.
- Being older than 50. Most colon cancers are diagnosed in older individuals.
- Having inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease. Health conditions that cause inflammation of the colon lining can increase colon cancer risks.
- Having a close family member who has had colon cancer.
- Having a tobacco habit, whether it’s smoking or chewing, can increase the risk of colon cancer.
- Consuming excessive alcohol regularly over the years.
- Obesity can increase the risk of colon cancer.
- Eating too much red meat and processed meat might increase the risk of colon cancer.
- Not exercising regularly. Regular exercise can help reduce the risk.
- Suffering from diabetes.
What Happens When Colon Cancer is Discovered
Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. If your loved one is diagnosed with colon cancer, their treatment will depend on how advanced the disease is and what area of the colon is affected.
The most common forms of treatment for colon cancer are similar to the treatments for just about any type of cancer, and the terms are often well-known. They involved surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other targeted treatments. If caught early enough, a full recovery is possible, but your loved one may need some assistance around the home and performing daily living activities as he goes through treatment. Most of his care will take place at home and not in a hospital. If you are unable to stay with him but he wants to remain in his home, 24-hour home care may be his best option while he recovers.
24-Hour Home Care can Help Manage his Daily Living During Treatment.
As your loved one goes through treatment, he might find it difficult to cook for himself, keep up with home chores, or even bathe and take care of his personal needs. A 24-hour home care team can help with meals, grooming, cleaning, and even transportation if your loved one is not up to it. A 24-hour home care team will support your loved one during these sometimes-harsh treatments so that his recovery is quicker and smoother.
Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/colorectal-cancer#:~:text=Overview,smoking%20tobacco%20and%20limiting%20alcohol.
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in the Kansas City, MO area, please contact the caring staff at Elder Care of Kansas City today.
Proudly serving Jackson, Clay, Platte, and Cass Counties in Missouri, as well as Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas for over 30 years. Call us at 816-333-3322.
Prior to purchasing Elder Care, Kevin spent over 20 years in the health insurance industry.In his most recent position, he was in a financial operations role with Humana where he worked with doctors, nurses and other health professionals developing programs to keep Humana members healthy.Their focus on primary care and medication adherence improved the lives of thousands of seniors in Kansas City and the surrounding area.
Kevin and his wife, Lori, have three children.Kevin has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Missouri.
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