Certain symptoms of colon cancer, such as difficulty passing stool, may resemble constipation. If increasing your daily fiber intake, getting regular exercise and drinking adequate fluids don't regulate your bowel movements, or if you have other symptoms of colon cancer, you should see your health-care provider for a medical evaluation. Even if you don't have any of the signs or symptoms of colon cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends that people ages 50 and older have routine diagnostic testing to check for early signs of the disease.
Early Detection
In its early stages, colon cancer produces few visible symptoms. Diarrhea or constipation that lasts for more than two weeks, blood in your stool, a sense of fullness in your bowels that's not relieved by a bowel movement, fatigue and weight loss may be more advanced signs of colon cancer. Finding signs of colon cancer early through diagnostic screening can significantly improve your chances of recovering from the disease. In many cases, the removal of polyps, or potentially cancerous growths in your colon or rectum, may prevent cancer from developing.
Diagnostic Tests
Even if you have no apparent risk factors for colon cancer, you should start regular screening at the age of 50. If you have a family history of colon cancer, your health-care provider may recommend that you begin screening at an earlier age. Diagnostic tests such as a colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy use a small video camera attached to a scope to screen for polyps in your rectum and colon. A lower GI series, or double-contrast barium enema, is similar to an X-ray and can display polyps or other unusual areas in your colon. Stool tests can detect signs of colon cancer and may often be done in the privacy of your home. However, stool tests are not as effective at identifying polyps.
Constipation
Constipation may be a sign that you're not getting enough fiber in your diet. Traveling, eating low-fiber foods and not drinking enough liquids may also make you constipated. Bowel patterns vary from one person to another, and not everyone has a bowel movement every day. If you have had infrequent stools that are dry and hard to pass for more than two weeks, you should consult your health-care provider about the possible causes of your altered bowel patterns.
Prevention
If your health-care provider has determined that you need to add more fiber to your diet, increase your intake gradually. Adding fiber too quickly could make constipation worse, warns the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Whole-grain cereals and breads, dried beans, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, squash, apples, pears and citrus fruits are high in fiber and promote healthy digestion. To keep your stools soft, drink plenty of water, herbal tea, juices, broths, clear soups and other non-caffeinated fluids. Eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains also promotes colon health. The fiber, vitamins and minerals in these nutritious foods may help prevent colon cancer.
