How to prevent cancer of the colon?
Cancer of the colon and rectum may occur in many ways. When one experiences any of the below symptoms, one should seek care on time. 1. Bleeding from the rectum or blood mixed with stool and may be associated with fatigue and pale skin.2. If the tumor (abnormal swelling) gets large enough, it may completely […]
Cancer of the colon and rectum may occur in many ways. When one experiences any of the below symptoms, one should seek care on time.
1. Bleeding from the rectum or blood mixed with stool and may be associated with fatigue and pale skin.
2. If the tumor (abnormal swelling) gets large enough, it may completely or partially block the colon.
One may notice the following symptoms of bowel obstruction:
1. Abdominal distension: belly sticks out more than it did before without weight gain.
2. Abdominal pain: This is rare in colon cancer. One cause is tearing (perforation) of the bowel. Leaking of bowel contents into the pelvis can cause inflammation (peritonitis) and infection.
3. Unexplained, persistent nausea or vomiting
4. Unexplained weight loss
5. Change in frequency or character of stool (bowel movements)
6. Sensation of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement
7. Rectal pain: Pain rarely occurs with colon cancer and usually indicates a bulky tumor in the rectum that may invade surrounding tissue.
Any of the following symptoms warrants a visit to the nearest hospital emergency department:
1.Copious bleeding from the rectum
2.Unexplained severe pain in the belly or pelvis (groin area)
3.Vomiting and inability to keep fluids down.
Colon cancer treatment
The primary treatment of colon cancer is to surgically remove part or the entire colon. Drugs after surgery can prolong survival for people whose cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Radiation before surgery, may reduce tumor size. This can improve the chances that the tumor will be removed successfully.
Prevention
The best prevention is to detect colon cancer and treat it early in its formation.
Other things one could do to lower risk include the following:
1.Quit smoking. Smoking cigarettes has been clearly linked with higher risk of colon cancer
2.Engage in physical activity
3.Eat variety of fruits and vegetables
I suffer from Bilharziasis
Last week I noticed blood, pains and fever after I finished urinating. I rushed to hospital and was confirmed that I have Bilharziasis. Please I need some information.
Bala K
Bilharziasis is also known as Schistosomiasis. It is a parasitic infection caused by parasite of the genus Schistosoma mostly seen in developing country. It is transmitted to people through contact with contaminated water.
There are 3 types of Bilharziasis
1.Schistosoma haematobium
2.Schistosoma mansoni
3.Schistosoma japonicum
Among the risk factors are;
1.Presence of water snails
2.Drinking contaminated water
3.Bathing and Swimming in contaminated water.
Among the symptoms are;
1.Rashes and itchy skin
2.Fever, chills and cough
3.Muscle aches
4.Seizures
5.Paralysis
6.Inflammation of spinal cord
7.Blood in urine
8.Diarrhea
9.Blood in stool
It can be treated by taking drugs after diagnosis. Other recommendations are good diet, nursing care, rest, and treatment of other illness and infections.
Some preventive measures are
1.Drink uncontaminated water
2.Do not take bath or swim in contaminated water
3.Use warm water (at least heated for five minutes) for bath.
4.Filters and reservoir tanks should be kept clean and clear.