Avert Sigmoid Colon Cancer With Timely SigmoidoscopyColorectal cancer basically refers to the malignant cells present in the rectum or colon. Though a part of a similar organ, different segments of colon, are named as cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon and sigmoid colon. Sigmoid colon is the S-shaped part of the colon over the pelvis. Hence, when the malignant cells are found in this segment of the colon, it is referred to as sigmoid colon cancer. The worst part about this cancer is that its symptoms are not easily noticeable which makes it undetectable even for months or years when you are suffering from it. Some of the symptoms of this cancer are constipation, change in bowel habits, blood in stool and many others. As these are general symptoms that may not necessarily be due to sigmoid cancer only, the cancer remains undetected in many cases. Hemorrhoids, infections along with inflammatory bowel disease are some of the medical conditions that have similar symptoms. However, early diagnosis helps a great deal to cure sigmoid cancer through mild exercising and other such measures but only if it is timely diagnosed. Sigmoid cancer is a deadly disease and has claimed the lives of many Americans in the past few years. Hence, to avert any such risks, The American Cancer Society has recommended the flexible sigmoidoscopy at the age of 50 years, for those who are at the normal risk of the cancer. This screening should then be regularly checked after an interim of every five years. Nonetheless, people who have a family history of the cancer, who have higher intake of smoking, alcohol, high glucose levels and other such factors are at a higher risk for sigmoid cancer. Hence, people with higher risk of this cancer should start their sigmoidoscopy screening at an age even prior to 50 years. Consultation with a physician in 40's regarding your risk factors for this cancer and the time to initiate your screenings would definitely be a good idea to stay safe and healthy from this cancer. In the Sigmoidoscopy screening, a flexible, slender, lighted and hollow tube is placed inside the rectum that allows the physician to take a glimpse into the internal layers of the colon and sigmoid segment of colon for polyps or cancer. So, if the cancerous polyps are found in this segment, it is then removed with the help of the surgery and thereby saves the life of the patient by timely removal of this root cause of the cancer. Hence, staying alert and cautious can be of great help to avert sigmoid colon cancer. Otherwise, advanced stages of this cancer can cause fatigue, nausea, peripheral sensory neuropathy and neutropenia in patients. |