Introduction to Colon Cancer
Bowel cancer is also known as colorectal cancer AKA colon cancer affects the large intestine made up of the colon and rectum. As my Consultant put it, “our bodies are like perfect machines but sometimes they go wrong and start to attack themselves”.
Cancer occurs when your dividing cells grow in an unnatural manner and the body produces a polyp. Polyps are mostly harmless and often classed as benign or malignant, your doctor should refer you to a specialist who can perform a colonoscopy to investigate further
Colon cancer can be caused by a variety of factors, including family history, lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors of colon cancer so that you can take preventive measures.
The Symptoms of Colon Cancer
The most common symptom of colon cancer is a change in bowel habits. This can include constipation, diarrhea, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement. Other symptoms of colon cancer include rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor.
It is important to note that most of the symptoms of colon cancer can also be caused by other conditions. That is why it is important to get checked out by a doctor if you are experiencing any of them.
Risk Factors for Colon Cancer
There are several risk factors for colon cancer, including age, gender, and lifestyle. People over the age of 50 are at an increased risk of developing colon cancer, although lately there has been an increase of people under 50. Men and women who are obese or have a sedentary lifestyle. Other risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a family history of colon cancer.
It is often gone unnoticed and unchecked, disregarded by some GPs as IBS or Chrons as the symptoms are very similar. A study carried out by Bowel Cancer UK found that people under the age of 50 had to visit their GP multiple times before getting a diagnosis even when bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer.
Statistics from Cancer Research UK suggest that there are nearly 43,000 new cases of bowel cancer each year and only 54% of cases are deemed preventable.
It is important to be aware of the risk factors for colon cancer so that you can take preventive measures. This can include making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of colon cancer, it is important to get checked out by your doctor. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and order tests, such as a colonoscopy, to help diagnose the condition.
If colon cancer is diagnosed, treatment options will depend on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy (which I had), and targeted therapy. Your doctor/consultant will discuss the best treatment plan for you.
Coping with a Diagnosis
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with colon cancer, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources and support systems (please see Support page) available to help you cope with the diagnosis and treatment.
Talking to a counselor or therapist can help you manage your emotions and find ways to cope with the diagnosis. Support groups can also be a great way to connect with others who are dealing with the same situation.
You are also entitled to free NHS prescriptions, something I found out much later when my sister informed me. Take the time to talk to your GP about what you are entitled to. You may also be helped financially by the Government (PIP) talk to your Citizen Advice Bureau or Macmillan (UK only).
Tips for Coping With Colon Cancer
Writing about colon cancer can be a difficult and emotional experience, but it is also an important one. Keeping a journal where you can write your thoughts and experiences can prove to be very valuable especially as your loved ones want to do all they can for you. Asking for space for you to collect your thought is important too. Here are some tips for coping with colon cancer:
- Write from the heart. Don’t be afraid to express your emotions.
- Research the facts. Make sure you have a good understanding of the disease and the available treatments.
- Stay positive. Focus on the positive aspects of the experience, like the support from family and friends.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out for support from family and friends when you need it.
- Focus on the facts. Don’t exaggerate or sensationalize the facts.
- Use real stories. If you know someone with colon cancer, share their story to help others understand the disease.
Resources and Support
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with colon cancer, there are many resources and support systems available to help. Click the link below to visit the Support page for more information:
How to Reach Out and Connect with Others:
Reaching out and connecting with others can be an important part of coping with a diagnosis of colon cancer. There are many online support groups where you can connect with others who are dealing with the same situation.
Social media is also a great way to connect with others. You can find me on the social networks below; just tap the relevant icon or visit the Contact Us page by clicking on the link below:
How to Promote Your Blog About Colon Cancer
If you decide to write a blog about your or your loved one’s experience then GOOD ON YOU! Once you’ve written your blog about your cancer journey, the next step is to promote it. Here are some tips for promoting your blog:
- Share it on social media. Share your blog post on platforms like Facebook and Twitter to reach a wider audience.
- Post it on forums. Look for forums related to colon cancer and post your blog post there.
- Contact bloggers. Reach out to other bloggers in the colon cancer community and ask if they would be willing to link to your blog post.
- Reach out to media outlets. Contact news outlets and ask if they would be interested in featuring your blog post.
Don’t forget to let me know about your blog, I would love to read it and help you promote it too.
Conclusion
Your experience of colon cancer (or any cancer and life changing experience) can be a difficult and very emotional both for you and your loved ones, but it is also a powerful way to spread awareness of the disease. If you have faith in God or the Universe or any spiritual belief know that this was given to for a reason and what better reason to write about your journey. My hope is that by following the tips in this guide, you can an engage with others and find the support and information you need about colon cancer.
Remember that you are not alone. There are many resources and support systems available to help you cope with a diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer. Reach out and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
So, take courage and let me know about your experience about colon cancer today. I would love to feature it in the ‘Your Story’ of this site. Remember, you can conquer the fear and spread awareness of this serious disease.
Index
Bowel Cancer UK - https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/bowel-cancer/
Cancer Research UK - https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/bowel-cancer#heading-Zero
Cancer Council - https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/bowel-cancer
NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer