colon cancer – Hello Doctor

The main causes of colon cancer

October 27th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Cancer truly is “the great equalizer” and it affects people of all ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. Cancer colon is no exception, and because it doesn’t usually have symptoms until it’s at a late stage it’s considered to be one of the most dangerous cancers a person can get.
Colon cancer develops over a long period of time, and it can’t be detected unless a person goes for regular colonoscopies. So, if you have a family history of this type of cancer, or your lifestyle contributes to the development of it, then it’s very important that you speak to your doctor about getting regular tests for it.

All cancers are caused when the cells mutate or divide too quickly, and then clump together to form a tumour. In the colon, when cells in the inner lining of the bowels clump together, they can form polyps, although these don’t necessarily develop into colon cancer.
We sat down with Hello Doctor’s Dr. Albert and spoke to him about what increases a person’s risk of developing colon cancer. He reminded us that as with most cancers, doctors don’t know exactly what causes colon cancer, but it’s thought that a number of high risk factors contribute to it, namely:

1. Genetics

Genetics is perhaps the number one contributing risk factor for the development of colon cancer, and it’s estimated that around 20% of people who are diagnosed with colon cancer have immediate family members or secondary (cousins, aunts, uncles) family member who have or had colon cancer. So, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with this type of cancer, if you have a history of it in your family then it’s very important that you go for regular screenings. The earlier colon cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better. It’s also important to remember that negative diet and lifestyle factors also increase your risk of developing colon cancer, so if you are at risk there are a number of steps you can take to help reduce your risk.

2. Certain health conditions

Digestive disorders such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis increase your risk of developing colon cancer. Although both of these diseases are incurable, there are numerous treatments available to help control symptoms.

3. Diet and lifestyle

The link between diet and lifestyle related diseases has been recognised for some time, and although doctors aren’t exactly certain which foods influence the risk of cancer, they have found carcinogens in charred meat (meat that’s been burned). A carcinogen is any substance that’s directly involved in causing cancer, so for this reason we strongly recommend that you reduce the amount of meat you eat, especially red meat. To help maintain a healthy colon and digestive system, stick to a diet that’s high in fibre and low in saturated fats, as this can help lower your risk of developing colon cancer.

4. Smoking

Smoking isn’t just a risk factor for colon cancer, it’s a major risk factor for all types of cancers and diseases. Whether you’re a chain smoker or “just a social smoker”, the sooner you can kick your smoking habit the better. Smokers have a 25% higher risk of developing cancer than non-smokers!

5. Being overweight

Obesity is also a risk factor for colon cancer, and obese men are 50% more likely to develop colon cancer, compared to men who have a healthy BMI (body mass index.) Overweight women are also at risk, however they have a slightly lower risk than men. A (read: inactive!) sedentary lifestyle is also linked to an increased risk of colon cancer, but the good news is you don’t have to become a fanatical gym bunny to reduce your risk. All it takes is 30 minutes of exercise a day to improve your overall health. Walking, running, swimming, cycling – they’re all great options!

If you’re looking for more information, or have a specific question about colon cancer, then remember you can talk to one of our doctors right now. Simply download the FREE Hello Doctor mobile app, and register for our services.

Our doctors are available 24/7, 365 days a year!

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Being constipated can save your life

September 27th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

We get it. No one wants to talk about bathroom issues. But it’s important to keep track of what’s happening with your internal organs – especially when it comes to “build-up.” This symptom could be a red flag to serious conditions: and getting treatment on time, could mean the difference between life and death!

Why does it happen?

Being constipated can be extremely uncomfortable and miserable as your bowel movements have come to a sudden halt; it’s either really difficult to go or happens less frequently. Constipation will vary for everyone, and is usually related to your regular toilet habits, diet and lifestyle.

Constipation is the condition that happens when the stool sits in the colon for too long as a result of the colon absorbing water from the stool, leaving them dry and hard to pass. Essentially, there’s no “right” amount of bowel movements because everyone’s body functions differently.

Is it worth a doctor’s visit?

Occasional constipation is normal and it happens from time to time. It becomes more common after the age of 50. Unfortunately, constipation is no friend of your prostate gland as the bowel is located by the prostate. Your stools contain loads of toxins and bacteria and may start to leak over to the surrounding tissues; which will directly affect your prostate gland.

Sometimes you may not just be constipated; it could be a sign of prostate or colon cancer. It’s that serious, so don’t overlook it! Getting to a doctor on time, so you can get tested, makes all the difference to catching a sneaky condition before it becomes fatal.

Other red flags to watch out for:

Chronic cough

It could be a sign of heart failure, lung cancer, tuberculosis, pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of deep lung tissue), asthma, and sinusitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease. When a cough doesn’t go away it could be more serious. See a doctor, especially when you cough blood, lose weight unexpectedly, have trouble breathing and experience chest pain.

A sore that doesn’t heal

A wound or sore that doesn’t recover for weeks and months needs your doctor’s attention. Sores that don’t heal within three months are chronic wounds. They can start small, as a pimple or a scratch. They might scab but don’t actually get better.

Three main chronic wound-categories:

Diabetic ulcer
Wounds are a big risk for diabetics and can lead to amputation.

Venus leg ulcers
An uncontrollable swelling of the legs may leak because it’s overfilled with fluid.

Pressure ulcers
If you’re bedridden or wheelchair-bound you’re at risk for pressure ulcers. This includes spinal cord injuries. Wounds appear when there’s constant pressure that compresses vessels that carry blood to keep body tissues alive.

Symptoms that need a doctor’s attention:

Breathlessness
Loss of appetite
Erectile dysfunction
Unintended weight loss
Blood in your urine
Lower abdominal pain
Chest pain
Persistent vomitting
Leaking urine.

Screen, screen and screen again

Don’t dismiss warning signs. It’s important to get checked out regularly to find problems before they even begin. Early diagnosis means early treatment which is always the best solution for recovery and survival! If you have a symptom that worries you, why not chat to one of our doctors? They can point you in the right direction.

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An aspirin a day may keep colon cancer away

April 25th, 2014 by The Hello Doctor Team

At Hello Doctor, we’re all about preventative healthcare, which means part of our job is to help educate and inform you about health and wellness, and what you can start doing today to help prevent your risk of illness and disease later in life. After all, prevention really is better than cure.

Which brings us to today’s interesting news snippet, which reconfirms previous studies which have shown that taking aspirin every day can help keep colon cancer at bay. According to scientists, this common over-the-counter medication, which most people already have at home, can half your risk of developing this type of cancer. There’s a catch though, the type of aspirin you take is very important, and it only works for certain people.

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