Compared to other cancers the number of people in my life who have died from this disease is about two to one, but this is not an indication of commonality. The symptoms include things like blood in stools, loss of weight, excessive tiredness, and worsening constipation. Causes include high intakes of alcohol; red meats; processed meats; obesity; smoking; and lack of exercise. It is only partially linked to genetic factors.

Preventative measures include things like screening whereby a colonoscopy can determine the presence of polyps that can change into cancerous tumours. They can be removed during the procedure and, thereby, lower the risk.

It is rated as the third most common cancer and more frequently occurring in males than females. This maybe due to diet and lifestyles as women tend to eat more vegetables and be better organised in later life, although that is more an assumption than anything else.

Men are also heavier drinkers on the average than women. They have a greater tendency to eat red meat and processed foods. It is reported that 75% to 95% occurs in people with no genetic rick factors, which makes it more likely to be associated with environment and lifestyle.

With higher risk factors are sufferers of inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or Crohn’s Disease. Treatment with aspirin and regular colonoscopies are recommended for them. there preventive measures include drinking at least 5 glasses of water a day, getting plenty of regular exercise, leaning more towards a vegetarian diet, and staying away from alcohol and other carcinogenic substances.

The suffering for people whom I know that have died from this insidious disease has been severe. One of them started out with prostate cancer that then spread. Men are less likely to get early diagnosis of symptoms and whether that’s because of fear or tomfoolery who can tell. The five most common forms of cancer in men starts with prostate, then lung, colorectal, bladder, and melanoma.

The bottom line is to have symptoms checked out no matter how small they may appear. Lumps anywhere in the body are definitely worth a diagnosis and any changes in bowel motions or habits is definitely a doctor’s call. Early diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death.