Cancer, which begins at the colon or the large intestine, is known as colon cancer. This organ is the end-most part of the digestive tract. Typically, this condition affects older people. However, studies prove that it can happen to anyone irrespective of the age. Colon cancer starts as a tiny, noncancerous, or benign cluster of cells, referred to as polyps. With time, these polyps can become cancerous and cause colon cancer.

Signs and prevention tips for colon cancer
It is not possible to wholly avoid the development of the condition since its exact cause hasn’t been discovered yet, but being aware of the common signs and prevention tips for colon cancer can go a long way in helping one stay healthy. Let’s discuss them one by one.

Signs
Some of the common signs of colon cancer are:

• Continual change in bowel habits, for instance, diarrhea or constipation
• The appearance of blood in the stool
• Rectal bleeding
• Change in the stool consistency
• Continuous discomfort in the abdomen, experienced in the form of pain, gas, or cramps
• Persistent feeling that your bowel doesn’t feel fully empty
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Inexplicable weight loss.

Usually, people experience the symptoms of colon cancer when the disease is in its early stages. However, the appearance of symptoms will vary from one person to another. This depends on the location and the size of cancer in the large intestine.

Prevention tips
There are a few preventive measures that you need to take regularly to reduce your risk of colon cancer. These include:

• Undergoing a regular screening for colon cancer
  It is essential to undergo regular screenings, that can detect even the earliest signs of the development of symptoms of colon cancer. The screenings will locate any unusual growth on the rectum or colon called the polyps to help you get rid of it immediately before they turn cancerous. These tests will also help you detect cancer at a stage when the treatment is more likely to be successful. Every person must undergo regular screening of colon cancer once they are 45 or older.
• Eat a lot of vegetables, whole grains, and fruits
  Studies prove that people who consume a lot of fruits, whole grains, and vegetables have a reduced risk of developing colon cancer. Moreover, it is best to cut out red meat, i.e., lamb, pork, or beef, from the diet as they increase the risk of colon cancer.
• Exercise everyday
  Being physically active also reduces the risk of colon cancer. So, try to include physical activity of at least 30 minutes every day.
• Keep a check on your weight
  People who are overweight are at a higher risk of developing or dying from colon cancer. So, eat a healthy and balanced diet and exercise regularly to keep a control on your weight.
• Stop smoking
  People who smoke regularly are at a higher risk of developing the signs of colon cancer, and one of the major prevention tips thus is to quit smoking immediately.