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The colon is the last portion of the digestive system that handles the waste products of our digested food. At the end of the colon is the rectum which is the exit for the waste. The waste will travel through the colon, sometimes sitting there for long periods of time. It is common for people to develop polyps in the colon, and not be bothered by them. But there are those who can get polyps that may later turn into colon cancer.
If polyps are left to remain, they can become cancerous, but if you have regular colon check ups with a colonoscopy, the polyps will be removed surgically during this process. There seem to be a certain group of people that are at a greater risk for colon cancer than others. If you have someone in your family that has been diagnosed with colon cancer, this will put you at a greater risk and you should be checked regularly.
You can reduce your risk of colon cancer by eating a high fiber diet and low trans fatty acids. You rarely find cancer in people that eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, a lot of fiber including whole grain and limiting low fat meats and fish.
Those who are have ulcerative colitis are at a higher risk and should be checked on a regular basis. This type of condition can increase the growth of polyps because of the cell damage done by the colitis. The longer you suffer from colitis, the greater risk for colon cancer.
There is a heredity link associated with colon cancer and the risk with the first line of family members that have been diagnosed. If there is a history in your family, your risk increases 3 times over the traditional public. This is very important for you to recognize and have checked.
