Do Women Possess More Risk for Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, in addition to lung and breast cancer. Colon cancer has some parallels to common gastrointestinal problems and some gynecological problems, making it easy for women to avoid warning signs such as random aches and pains. Women often tend to go for colonoscopy in OKC to avoid colon cancer.
So, what are the most common symptoms of colon cancer in female patients?
Changes in bowel habits, excessive weight loss, chronic fatigue, recurrent abdominal pain, anemia, constipation and bleeding are the major symptoms of colon cancer in girls.
The occurrence of one or two signs does not automatically mean that a colon polyp is present. When you encounter two or more of the above, get in contact with your gastroenterologist to understand the nature of your symptoms.
How widespread is the cancer of the colon in women? Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the United States. It is ranked as the third leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. One in 24 women will be diagnosed with cancer of the colon in their lifetime.
Cancer patients, both male and female, have a 90% 5-year survival rate if diagnosed early. After cancer has spread to surrounding lymph nodes and other organs, the 5-year survival rate decreases to 71% and is further decreased to 14% once it reaches other parts of the body.
Women Are More Likely to Develop Colon Cancer Than Men?
Colon cancer is usually referred to as a man's disease because of the difference in the number of patients with colon cancer in both men and women. In 2018, cancer organizations reported 101,421 new cases of colon cancer that year, of which 51,690 were male and 49,730 were female.
Despite this, women should not be complacent when it comes to screening for colon cancer. The average risk of colon cancer is equal for men and women over 50 years of age.
Colon Cancer Information Specific to Women
The incidence and development of colon cancer vary between the genders. A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology examined gender-specific differences in the risk of colorectal cancer. The following disparities have been highlighted:
Female patients over 65 years of age have a higher mortality rate and a lower 5-year survival rate than male patients of the same age.
Female patients have a higher risk of developing right-sided colon cancer than male patients.
Because females have a longer transverse colon than males, colonoscopies pose a lower detection rate due to this biological disparity.
Risk of developing proximal large polyps.
You can contact Digestive Disease Specialist for the best gastroenterologist in OKC.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.
