Informative Speech On Colon Cancer
Have you thought about your colon lately? This organ isn't just a garbage shoot'your colon is essential to your overall health. Here's what you need to know about keeping your colon healthy
BEST HEALTH
How to keep your colon healthy
Source: Web exclusive, March 2011
You probably don’t give your colon much thought until something goes awry, such as diarrhea, constipation or other troubles. But if you get to know your colon before it causes you grief, you’ll be taking steps towards better general health and increase your chances of catching signs of colon cancer. Early intervention is key to identifying and successfully treating this type of cancer, which is the second deadliest in Canada.
Here’s what you need to know about keeping your colon …show more content…
The colon absorbs fluid from indigestible food residue and produces solid waste for elimination. ‘The colon is essentially a waste-storage organ that lets you control when the waste is released,’ says gastroenterologist Dr. Clarence KW Wong, associate professor of medicine at the University of Alberta.
But this organ does much more than just act as your body’s garbage shoot. ‘The colon is also important for fluid, electrolytes (salts) and fatty-acid absorption. These can be important for systemic health. As well, the colon holds a large number of commensal bacteria [‘good bacteria’], which may hold many benefits for the body,’ he adds.
Signs of a healthy colon
If you’re not thinking much about your colon, chances are good that it’s healthy. Regular bowel movements and no pain, bloating, diarrhea or bleeding likely mean that all systems are …show more content…
The good news is that colon cancer is more than 90 percent curable with endoscopic removal or surgery if caught early.
You’re at high risk and should be screened regularly if you are over age 50, you’ve previously had colon cancer and/or polyps, you have a history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and/or you have a first-degree relative (sibling, parent or child) who has had colon cancer. In this last case, start screening between ages 40 and 50, or when you are 10 years younger than the age at which your relative was
BEST HEALTH
How to keep your colon healthy
Source: Web exclusive, March 2011
You probably don’t give your colon much thought until something goes awry, such as diarrhea, constipation or other troubles. But if you get to know your colon before it causes you grief, you’ll be taking steps towards better general health and increase your chances of catching signs of colon cancer. Early intervention is key to identifying and successfully treating this type of cancer, which is the second deadliest in Canada.
Here’s what you need to know about keeping your colon …show more content…
The colon absorbs fluid from indigestible food residue and produces solid waste for elimination. ‘The colon is essentially a waste-storage organ that lets you control when the waste is released,’ says gastroenterologist Dr. Clarence KW Wong, associate professor of medicine at the University of Alberta.
But this organ does much more than just act as your body’s garbage shoot. ‘The colon is also important for fluid, electrolytes (salts) and fatty-acid absorption. These can be important for systemic health. As well, the colon holds a large number of commensal bacteria [‘good bacteria’], which may hold many benefits for the body,’ he adds.
Signs of a healthy colon
If you’re not thinking much about your colon, chances are good that it’s healthy. Regular bowel movements and no pain, bloating, diarrhea or bleeding likely mean that all systems are …show more content…
The good news is that colon cancer is more than 90 percent curable with endoscopic removal or surgery if caught early.
You’re at high risk and should be screened regularly if you are over age 50, you’ve previously had colon cancer and/or polyps, you have a history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and/or you have a first-degree relative (sibling, parent or child) who has had colon cancer. In this last case, start screening between ages 40 and 50, or when you are 10 years younger than the age at which your relative was