One of the most common types of cancer is colorectal cancer. Every one in twenty-five women and every one in twenty-three men may develop rectal or colon cancer. However, these chances can be lowered by being aware of the signs and prevention tips for colon cancer. 

Symptoms
In the early stages, many people do not experience any symptoms of colon cancer. However, when they do appear, they’ll vary and depend on the size of the intestine. Some common signs include:

• Constant alterations in bowel movements, such as constipation, diarrhea, or changes in the stool’s consistency
• Presence of blood in the stool
• Persistent pain in the abdomen or gas
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Feeling that your bowel is not empty enough

Prevention tips

• Get screened
  Screening is a test done before you experience any symptom of this cancer. Under this screening, the doctor might often see an abnormal growth on the colon, which has the potential of turning cancerous. With these screenings, one can find out about the rectal or the colon cancer earlier, too. If found in the early stages, the treatments are usually more successful. According to the American Cancer Society, everyone who has an average risk of developing colon cancer should start screening after the age of 45.

• Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  Usually, people who eat a lot of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are at a lower risk of developing colon cancer. Try to cut out processed and red meats from your diet, as they increase the risk of colon cancer.

• Engage in physical activity
  People who do not exercise regularly are at a higher risk of developing this cancer. So, try to increase your physical activity to reduce colon cancer risk.

• Monitor your weight
  People who are obese or overweight are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer. So, eat healthily and add a bit of physical activity to your routine.

• Quit smoking
  People who smoke are more likely to develop colon cancer as compared to people who don’t smoke.

• Control the intake of alcohol
  Both men and women should avoid alcohol consumption to lower the risk of colon cancer.

• Get sufficient vitamin D and calcium
  There’s substantial evidence to support the fact that adding vitamin D and calcium in your diet can lower your risk of colon cancer. Try to add about 1000 IU of vitamin D in your diet and 1200 mg of calcium per day.

• Take multivitamins
  Eat a multivitamin every day to lower the risk of colon cancer.

These are the common signs and prevention tips for colon cancer that you should be aware of. Remember, awareness is the key to stay healthy.