Stealthy colon cancer on the rise: factors, prevention, and why you shouldn't ignore symptoms

Factors such as age - mainly over 50, intensify the risk of development. But, this cancer type is being detected in increasingly younger patients each year.

Other contributing factors include cigarette smoking, lack of physical activity, being overweight or obese, alcohol misuse, and a diet high in red meat, saturated fats, and simple sugars, which are sparse in fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. Certain medications and inflammatory bowel diseases, like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, can also elevate the risk of colon cancer. Patients with adenomatous polyps are often diagnosed with colorectal tumors.

Diet plays a pivotal role in the prevention of colon cancer. Experts recommend a diet rich in fiber, non-starchy vegetables, fruits, fish, seafood, citrus, garlic, yogurts, and components such as vitamins, selenium, calcium, vitamin D, folic acid, and beta-carotene.

When colon cancer invades our body, three characteristic symptoms may be noticed. These symptoms appear even in about 90 percent of patients. The first is blood in the stool, often accompanied by itching and burning in the anal region, as well as mucus in the stool. The second common symptom is a change in bowel movements, such as diarrhea or loose stools. Lastly, pain in the lower abdomen, paired with bloating and constipation, can be a symptom.

It's crucial not to trivialize any of these symptoms. If you observe them, seek medical attention promptly, as early diagnosis improves the odds of successfully treating cancer.